25+ Fun Things to Do in Mount Airy NC | Mayberry 2024
Looking for Things to Do in Mount Airy NC?
Originally settled in the 1750s, Mount Airy, North Carolina, is a small mountain town that first got its start as a frontier commercial and trading center for travelers passing through. During the better part of the 1800s, the focus shifted to agriculture, and the economy gradually shifted to include farming and manufacturing of tobacco, granite, and lumber.
From the late 1890s on, Mount Airy would receive its nickname “Granite City” as the development of the Flat Rock granite quarry became the largest open-faced granite quarry in the world. This remained the city’s top claim to fame until the premier of The Andy Griffith Show in the 1960s.
Since the 1960s, visitors have flocked to the small town of Mt Airy to catch a glimpse of some of the highlights of where The Andy Griffith Show was filmed. The history of the city remains largely preserved, and visitors can enjoy an authentic experience of what life was like in “Mayberry” in the 1960s and beyond.
Things to do in Mount Airy NC
Often known for its depiction as the fictitious town of Mayberry on The Andy Griffith Show, Mount Airy, NC, is a small town of just over 10,000 people located in northwest North Carolina.
While many visitors come to experience the highlight of the TV show that made the city famous, there’s much more than meets the eye in this little mountain town. With everything from Andy Griffith hot spots and historic monuments to craft beer, wine, and shopping, there’s plenty to see in Mount Airy! Let’s dive into all the fun things to do in Mount Airy NC.
1. Andy Griffith Museum
Address: 218 Rockford St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Dedicated to the life of the late actor Andy Griffith, this museum, located in his hometown of Mount Airy, NC, is home to the largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia in the world.
Known for his television roles on the namesake The Andy Griffith Show, Matlock, Diagnosis: Murder, and more, this actor was a household name for many years during his prime.
The Andy Griffith Museum is open seven days a week and costs just $8 for adults or $6 for kids aged 12 and under.
2. Andy Griffith Playhouse
Address: 218 Rockford Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Paying homage to the late actor who called Mount Airy home, the Andy Griffith Playhouse is a public theater dedicated to highlighting and preserving the arts within the community.
In addition to showcasing plays featuring local amateur actors, the playhouse serves as a space to provide an opportunity for people to develop their talents through workshops, summer camps, dance classes, and more.
3. Mayberry Squad Car Tours
Address: 625 S Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
If you’re looking for a unique, exciting way to explore the Mount Airy area, Mayberry Squad Car Tours offers guided tours of historic downtown, including all the highlights of classic Mayberry.
Guests on this tour can enjoy a chauffeured tour in an antique police car like those seen on The Andy Griffith Show for just $50 per carload (up to 4 passengers). Available seven days a week, this tour includes all of the Mayberry highlights like Barney’s Cafe, Floyd’s Barbershop, Snappy Lunch, and more.
4. Mayberry Replica Courthouse
Address: 625 S Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
As one of the many sites of Mayberry in Mount Airy, fans of The Andy Griffith Show can enjoy a trip to this replica of the courthouse and jail seen on TV.
Open every Monday through Saturday, the Mayberry Courthouse & Jail offers visitors a glimpse into what it was like on the set of the show. Inside the courthouse, guests can stage the perfect photo op behind Andy’s desk or even recreate a photo behind the bars of the jail cell.
5. Wally’s Service Station
Address: 625 S Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Take a trip back in time at Wally’s Service Station in Mt. Airy, North Carolina! As made famous by The Andy Griffith Show, this Mt. Airy highlight offers visitors an unforgettable Mayberry experience every Monday through Saturday.
In addition to being the departure point for the Mayberry Squad Car Tours, guests who peruse the shelves of this service station can find a huge selection of old-fashioned candy, snacks, soda, classic souvenirs, and more.
6. Andy’s Homeplace
Address: 711 E Haymore St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Located in the heart of Mayberry, Andy’s Homeplace is the ultimate must-see for Andy Griffith fans!
Guests can book a stay at Andy’s childhood home through the Mount Airy Hampton Inn starting at just $179 per night and enjoy amenities like free breakfast, maid service, and access to all Hampton Inn facilities as well as close proximity to all area Mayberry attractions.
The house is decorated in the 1930-1940s style with a collection of antique pieces and memorabilia seen on the show.
7. Aunt Bee’s Room
Address: 501 Andy Griffith Parkway North, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Located within the Mayberry Motor Inn, this room dedicated to the late Frances Bavier pays homage to the actress with a collection of items purchased from Aunt Bee’s estate after her passing.
Aunt Bee’s Room features a collection of more than 30 authentic pieces and is available for bookings. Guests can enjoy access to all of the amenities at the inn, including walking trails, an outdoor pool, a gift shop, and more.
8. Floyd’s Barber Shop
Address: 129 N Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Still operating as a functional barber shop today, this Mayberry, NC, original has been a community staple since its conception in 1929.
Open Tuesday through Saturday, this iconic barber shop welcomes visitors looking to snap a photo in the same chair that Andy Griffith used to frequent. Floyd’s Barber Shop is filled with tons of original pieces, artwork, photos, and memorabilia and offers services by appointment.
9. Andy and Opie, TV Land Statue
Address: 218 Rockford St., Mount Airy, NC 27030
Located directly in front of the Andy Griffith Museum, visitors can stop to take their photo with this bronze statue of Andy Griffith donated by TV Land.
The Andy Griffith TV Land Statue depicts actors Andy Griffith and Ron Howard as Sheriff Andy Taylor and Opie Taylor holding hands while going fishing, as seen in the opening scene of The Andy Griffith Show.
10. Good Time Trolley Tours
Address: N Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
For visitors looking for a unique way to explore the best of what Mount Airy has to offer, trolley tours provide an unbeatable experience!
Good Time Trolley is a tourism company utilizing two refurbished trolleys to shuttle visitors around on one-hour tours throughout the city. Tours are offered Thursday through Saturday, with prices starting at just $20 per person.
11. Shopping Downtown Mt Airy
Address: Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, historic downtown Mount Airy brings visitors an authentic Southern experience.
Many of the original buildings still stand in downtown Mt Airy but are now home to a variety of locally owned shops featuring art, music, food, clothing, crafts, and more.
During the warmer months, the downtown area is bustling with special events and festivals, and many of the Andy Griffith attractions are located in this area.
12. Horne Creek Living Historical Farm
Address: 308 Horne Creek Farm Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043
Take a step back in time at this authentic working farm located near Pinnacle, North Carolina! Registered as a North Carolina State Historic Site, Horne Creek Living Historical Farm welcomes visitors to tour the grounds to get a glimpse of what farm life was like around 1900.
Tours of the farm are offered between 9 am and 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday and feature an original farmhouse from the era, tobacco curing barn, cultivation fields, apple orchard, and more.
13. Mabry Mill
Address: Milepost 176.1
Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 176.1, travelers can find one of the most photographed places in the United States, Mabry Mill.
This restored working mill draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and features live exhibits, including a working miller demonstrating the milling process.
Nearby, guests can catch a glimpse of traditional mountain architecture at Matthews Cabin or visit the restaurant and gift shop for some souvenir shopping and a bite to eat.
14. Mount Airy Museum of Regional History
Address: 301 N Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Located in historic downtown, the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History is home to a variety of cultural and historical exhibits that showcase life throughout Appalachia and the US.
The museum strives to preserve the history of the region and offers guests a self-guided tour of several permanent exhibits as well as rotating exhibits, special events, a research library, and more. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, and admission is just $6 for adults.
15. Rockford General Store
Address: 5174 Rockford Rd, Dobson, NC 27017
Located in Dobson, NC, this historical site offers visitors a blast from the past at their authentic, working general store originally built in the early 1900s.
Rockford General Store is open Wednesday through Sunday and has a variety of old-fashioned candies, treats, and snacks for purchase, as well as an onsite grill with sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, homemade bread and desserts, and more.
Make sure to try out their locally made Sonker desserts for something new and exciting!
16. Granite City Greenway
Address: 350 Riverside Dr, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Operated by the Mount Airy Parks & Recreation Department, the Granite City Greenway System is a highly trafficked 6.6-mile paved trail winding through the heart of Mt Airy.
The trail is divided into three distinct sections and offers visitors access to several of the city’s parks as well as pedestrian, parking, and boat accesses along the trail.
17. Riverside Park
Address: 350 Riverside Dr, Mount Airy, NC 27030
First developed in 1977, Riverside Park is a community outdoor space featuring walking trails, playgrounds, soccer fields, a skate park, a canoe launch, and more.
The park was recently renovated in 2004-2005 and is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk, free of charge.
18. Old City Jail
Address: 215 City Hall Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Used as the county’s real jail for many years, this recreation jailhouse is an exact replica of the one seen on The Andy Griffith Show.
The Old City Jail offers admission for a small fee and houses a small collection of television memorabilia and other historic pieces, and offers guests an opportunity to take their photo behind bars!
19. The Historic Earle Theatre
Address: 142 N Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Originally built as a music hall in the 1930s, the historic Earle Theatre was one of the sites where the famous Gone with the Wind movie had its very first showing.
Today, the theater is still in operation as a cinema and music heritage museum where visitors can enjoy special showings of films, access to the museum, and a photo op with the WPAQ merry-go-round characters.
20. The Gertrude Smith House
Address: 708 N Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
The Gertrude Smith House is a Victorian-Colonial Revival home that once belonged to the late Gertrude Smith, an interior decorator.
Upon her passing in 1981, the home was willed to become a living museum with the original home decor still in place to allow visitors to experience an authentic feeling of life in the home.
The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and visitors can enjoy self-guided tours four days a week from April to December.
21. Opie’s Candy Store
Address: 135 N Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Bring your inner child to life at Opie’s Candy Store in historic downtown Mt Airy!
As one of the area’s most popular shops, Opie’s offers “Old-Tyme” treats like classic candies, homemade fudge, hand-dipped ice cream cones, gift baskets, and more. Open Monday-Saturday. It’s a must-see for children of all ages.
22. Public Art Walk
Address: Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
The Mount Airy Public Art Walk is a collection of art installations located throughout the historic downtown area.
Visitors can grab a map and enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the many murals, sculptures, and art installations in the area that celebrate the culture and history of the city.
23. The Whittling Wall
Address: West Oak Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Located in historic downtown Mt. Airy, The Whittling Wall is a famous art installation depicting a number of local icons who have helped shape the history of this North Carolina city.
The brick wall and statues were erected using grant money from the state as well as private donors and feature notable Mt Airy natives like Fred Cockerham, L.H. Jones, Donna Fargo, North Carolina mill workers, and more.
24. Pilot Mountain State Park
Address: 1721 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043
Spanning across 3,872 acres, Pilot Mountain State Park offers tons of space for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, rock climbing, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, and more.
Located just 20 miles northwest of Winston-Salem, the park can be accessed at several entrance points and is only about a 15-minute drive from Mt Airy. Pilot Mountain is a great addition to your list of things to do in Mount Airy NC.
Breweries, Wineries & Spirits in Mount Airy NC
If you’re looking for the best place to check out some of the area’s local wine and beers, Mount Airy offers plenty of options nestled within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
From upscale winery estates and revitalized industrial breweries to a simple outdoor beer garden, there’s plenty for everyone when it comes to libations in Mount Airy, NC.
🥃 White Elephant Beer Company – 225 Market St, Mt Airy, NC 27030
Located in the foothills of North Carolina, White Elephant Beer Company is a family-owned and operated brewery and tap house offering some of the best selections of beer in the state.
With more than ten beers on tap, this brewery offers everything from sour and fruit beers to IPAs and stouts; this brewery has one of the most varied taps around.
🥃 Mayberry Spirits Distillery – 461 N South St, Mt Airy, NC 27030
Whiskey drinkers can delight in visiting this Mt Airy distillery, which offers handcrafted, small-batch sorghum whiskey on-site as well as at dozens of liquor stores across the state.
Mayberry Spirits Distillery is open every Friday and Saturday for patrons to enjoy tours, tastings, artisan-crafted gifts, housemade essential oils, gourmet cigars, and more.
🥃 Old North State Winery – 308 North Main Street, Mt Airy, NC 27030
Founded in 2002, this upscale winery is owned and operated by Mt Airy native Ben Webb and his wife, Elise. In an effort to help preserve the history of downtown Mt Airy, Webb and his wife lovingly renovated an old 1890s hardware store where Old North State Winery now sits.
In addition to serving high-quality wines, the winery offers special events and dining available five days a week, featuring menu items from the world-renowned chef Chris Wishart.
🥃 Thirsty Souls Community Brewing – 238 Market St, Mt Airy, NC 27030
Owned by Slovakian transplants Jan and Maria Kriska, Thirsty Souls Brewing specializes in European-style beers, with 12 of their craft beers on tap.
The brewery is located in a hip, renovated industrial space and serves beer, wine, pizza, and more seven days a week. It’s the perfect place to hang with friends or grab a bite to eat before exploring the sights and sounds of Mt Airy!
🥃 Uncorked in Mayberry Wine & Craft Beer – 126 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030
Located in the heart of historic downtown Mt Air, Uncorked features a collection of over 100 quality wines and craft beers crafted locally and from all across the US.
Originally founded in 2010 and obtained by the Martin family in 2018, this locally owned and operated shop and wine bar is one of the best spots in town for libations.
🥃 JOLO Winery and Vineyards – 219 JOLO Winery Lane Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
Rated as one of the top 10% of attractions worldwide by Tripadvisor, JOLO Winery and Vineyards offers visitors a unique, upscale experience nestled in the countryside of Yadkin Valley.
Their acclaimed onsite restaurant, End Posts, offers casual lunch and dinner options as well as brunch specials that have earned them a spot as one of the top 100 Best Brunch Restaurants in America, according to OpenTable.
🥃 Round Peak Vineyards – 765 Round Peak Church Rd, Mt Airy, NC 27030
Nestled on 12 acres of land in the Yadkin Valley, guests at this award-winning estate and winery can enjoy the serene natural setting while sipping on over 12 different types of wine at Round Peak Vineyards.
Owned and operated by Kari Heerdt and Ken Gulaian, this vineyard features onsite accommodation in cozy pet-friendly cabins as well as activities such as winery tours, disc golf, shopping, and more, all with easy access to the most popular nearby Mt Airy attractions.
🥃 Serre Vineyards – 364 Beast Trail, Mt Airy, NC 27030
Serre Vineyards is a family-owned and operated vineyard and winery located just over 20 minutes outside of downtown Mt Airy.
Open every Saturday and Sunday, their tasting room is the perfect place to enjoy spending some time with friends and enjoying wine tastings and flights, food trucks, snacks, live music, and more.
Guests visiting the winery can book a stay in one of their two onsite accommodations situated on over 70 acres of land nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains.
🥃 Midsummer Brewing – 8544 North Carolina 89 Westfield, NC, 27053
With over 20 freshly brewed beers on tap, Midsummer Brewing is a beer lover’s paradise! Get a breath of fresh air at this pet-friendly outdoor brewery situated deep in the woods of North Carolina.
The brewery is open Thursday through Sunday, and guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks as no food is served on-site.
Annual Events in Mount Airy NC
Although small, Mount Airy is a city rich in history, culture, and community. Every year, this city hosts a variety of outdoor festivals and events that bring the community together for music, food, and fun to celebrate everything that makes Mount Airy special.
Here are some great events to add to your list when planning your things to do in Mount Airy NC.
✅ Mayberry Days Festival
Hosted by the Surry Arts Council, this annual festival pays homage to the show that made Mt Airy famous – The Andy Griffith Show. Happening every September, the Mayberry Days Festival is a ticketed event featuring local musicians, many of whom performed on the show, as well as plenty of food, fun, and games for the whole family.
✅ Downtown Art Walks
Located in the Market Street Arts & Entertainment District, the streets of Mount Airy come to life every weekend from May to October during the Downtown Art Walks.
Each weekend, the city blocks off the street to allow family and friends a safe space to enjoy shopping from dozens of local artisans showcasing their crafts as well as live music, food trucks, and more.
✅ Budbreak Wine & Craft Beer Festival
Happening each spring, the Budbreak Wine & Craft Beer Festival is a celebration of local libations from local wineries and breweries in the area. More than 15 vendors come from all across the state to showcase their high-quality wines, craft beer, and more for sampling and purchase.
Tickets to the event start at just $20, and visitors can enjoy trying out some of the area’s best wine and beer while enjoying food, live music, shopping, and more at this outdoor festival.
✅ Mayberry Farm Fest
Each year, farmers and local artisans gear up for the Mayberry Farm Fest to celebrate the rich agricultural background of this North Carolina town.
Happening each spring, this family-friendly event starts with a tractor parade and ends in historic downtown, where there’s plenty of food, demonstrations, crafts, children’s activities, music, and more that celebrate and highlight the hard-working farmers and artisans of Mt Airy.
✅ Mayberry Cool Cars & Rods Cruise-In Events
In keeping with the classic theme of Mayberry, visitors from all over come together every third Sunday from May through September to showcase some of the coolest antique cars and hot rods from generations past.
The Mayberry Cool Cars & Rods events take place in historic downtown from 1 pm to 5 pm, where visitors can enjoy checking out classic cars, listening to music, shopping, dining, and more.
✅ Autumn Leaves Festival
Originally started as a celebration of the tobacco and apple harvesting seasons, the
Autumn Leaves Festival has been a Mt Airy tradition since 1966.
Every October, this free festival brings together vendors from all across the state to offer a weekend full of music, arts and crafts, and tons of delicious food options to locals and visitors alike.
Where is Mount Airy NC?
Located in the northwest part of the state, Mt Airy, North Carolina, is just across the Virginia state line and smack dab in the middle of the Yadkin Valley. This city in Surry County is located just under an hour west of Winston-Salem and about an hour and a half outside of Charlotte, NC, making it a popular destination for visitors from all across the globe.
Where To Stay in Mount Airy NC
📍Bryson Inn – 140 Plaza Lane, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Although only listed as a two-star accommodation, Bryson Inn has received superior ratings from guests for its location, cleanliness, and affordability. Each room at the Bryson Inn offers visitors a comfortable yet casual hotel room with a private bath, air conditioning, television, and wifi, as well as access to their onsite outdoor pool and included continental breakfast. With prices starting at around $80 per night, it’s guaranteed to be the best bang for your buck when visiting Mount Airy!
📍Bees B & B – 314 West Pine Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Centrally located to all Mount Airy attractions, this bed and breakfast is the ideal stay for visitors looking for an authentic Mt Airy experience. With rooms starting at around $160 per night, Bees B & B offers comfortable accommodations in a well-preserved traditional farmhouse setting. The home is decorated with authentic antique and vintage pieces and offers freshly cooked meals each morning, as well as free wifi, air conditioning, tennis courts, and more.
Mount Airy NC: FAQs
📌 Is Mt Airy, NC, worth visiting?
Yes! Mount Airy is a city rich in history and culture where visitors can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities, shopping, dining, sightseeing, and more, accompanied by a charming, small-town vibe.
📌 Was Andy Griffith filmed in Mt Airy, NC?
No, although the small town of Mt Airy was the birthplace of Andy Griffith and was used as a reference point for scenes from the show, it did not actually take place in the town and was shot in a movie set in California.
📌 How far is Mount Airy to Asheville?
Mount Airy is located about two and a half hours northeast of Asheville, North Carolina.
📌 What TV show was filmed in Mount Airy, NC?
Often referred to by its nickname of “Mayberry,” Mt Airy was made famous by the popular classic television series, The Andy Griffith Show.
📌 How far is Mount Airy to Charlotte?
Mount Airy is located a little over an hour and a half directly north of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Final Thoughts
No matter if you’re a diehard fan of The Andy Griffith Show or just looking for a laidback mountain retreat, Mount Airy is the perfect place to experience life at a slower pace or reconnect with nature. With plenty of family and pet-friendly activities, this North Carolina county is sure to be the ideal spot for creating memories that will last a lifetime.
