Visit the North Carolina town whose friendliness inspired a much-loved 1960's TV sitcom, and still honors her native son.
Mention Mayberry, and immediately you remember the whistle of the theme song.
That breezy uplifting ditty which accompanied Sheriff Andy Taylor and his son Opie as they strolled, fishing poles in hand, to the opening credits of the 60’s sitcom “The Andy Griffith Show”.
Drive into modern day Mount Airy and suddenly reality and fiction collide!
Not surprising since the real life actor, Andy Griffith, based his character and the series on the people and places of his hometown.
First stop is the Mount Airy Visitors Center off N. Main Street, and discover friendly staff with a capital F.
While the area is rich in other attractions like wineries, the world’s largest open face granite quarry and history from Saura Indians to the original Siamese twins – it is the close connection to an innocent time celebrating small town Americana, which pulls in most visitors.
Armed with a map in hand you can saunter along by foot, jump in your car or for a real treat take a Squad Car tour in a replica of Deputy Barney Fife’s or Sheriff Andy’s car.
Leaving from Wally’s Fillin Station for a $25.00 fee, up to five people can climb in and cruise the sights for 30 -45 minutes.
A replica of the jail and courthouse is next door, and you know Otis, the lovable town drunk, would feel right at home.
Speaking of home, Andy Griffith’s Homeplace has been turned into a cozy bed and breakfast. Nearby a TV Land bronze statue of the actor and Opie, complete with fishing poles, reside outside the local playhouse.
Plan ahead and contact Alma Venable at the Mayberry Motor Inn for a look at her Aunt Bee room. A longtime fan of Frances Bavier, the series' beloved “Aunt Bee”, Venable began collecting the late actresses’ items following her estate sale in 1990. She is thrilled to show off her collection, and can often be seen as Aunt Bee during the town’s annual Mayberry Days.
Ready to shed some hair? A stop at Floyd’s City Barber Shop could be in order. Russell Hiatt has shorn the locks of some famous past residents of Mayberryites like, George Lindsey, AKA Goober, and has over 20,000 photographs of his Wall of Fame.
Hungry?
Stop by the Snappy Lunch restaurant for a fried pork chop sandwich. Aunt Bea’s for some barbeque or a host of other eateries from Japanese to Mexican.
A visit to Mount Airy is a tonic for the stressed and cynical in all of us.
Just pucker up and whistle away your worries.
For more area information see: www.visitmayberry.com
