Visit to Mayberry

Mount Airy, located in the heart of what was once known as “The Hollows” at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is likely most famous for being the model for the town of “Mayberry” in Andy Griffith’s television series.

But today’s Mount Airy is not the sleepy little town of TV fame. In fact, there is much to see and do there, including:

• The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History—Located in an historic building on Main St. that once was a hardware company, this museum features extensive exhibits that interpret the region’s history, from the early Saura Indians to the development of its famous granite quarry, from pioneer days to modern times. There are exhibits about the lives of famous residents, including Andy Griffith, the amazing Siamese twins, Eng and Chang Bunker, and noted musician Tommy Jarrell.
• The Andy Griffith Playhouse features the Blue Ridge Jamboree on the third Saturday of each month. The Playhouse is also home to the Andy Griffith Museum and Collection.
• The Blackmon Amphitheatre, located across from the Andy Griffith Playhouse, opens each summer with a full calendar of music and drama.
• The WPAQ Merry-Go-Round, the third longest-running live broadcast in radio history, originates from the stage of the Downtown Cinema every Saturday morning from 11 am-1:30 pm. Admission is free.
• Oh, and don’t forget to drop by the Snappy Lunch on Main Street for one of their “world famous” pork chop sandwiches!