As you may recall, I recently took a trip to Mt. Airy, North Carolina to indulge in everything about “The Andy Griffith Show”. So, I thought I would share some tips for visiting Mayberry to help other folks plan their trips.
Visiting Mayberry
For those who don’t know, Mayberry is the fictional town setting of “The Andy Griffith Show.” However, it’s based in part on Andy Griffith’s hometown of Mt. Airy, North Carolina. The town has leaned into this association and has branded itself a travel destination for Andy fans. It’s a great, relaxing place to spend a day or two. However, I think there’s a few things people should know.
Tips for Visiting Mt. Airy
- Get an early start. I mentioned this in my Mt. Airy Food Guide. Nonetheless, lots of stuff closes early in Mayberry/Mt. Airy. In fact, Snappy Lunch closes before 2 PM. So, it’s best to get an early start here.
- Skip Sundays. Several places are simply closed on Sundays here. Sunday is fine for a departure day, but I wouldn’t plan on doing much on Sunday here.
- Take a squad car tour. This is a really unique experience that I’ve never seen anywhere else. You can actually ride around town in an old squad car (like the one on the show) for a tour of the town. It was neat because the drive doesn’t focus solely on the Mayberry aspect. In fact, they also drive over to the world’s largest granite quarry! It costs $50/car with up to 4 passengers and is well-worth the cost to see everything. It also helps you get a feel for the layout of the town.
- Visit the Mayberry re-creation. Before or after your squad car tour, you should wander around the immediate area to see all of the amazing Mayberry re-creation details. You can even walk into the Mayberry Courthouse!
- Spend time on Main Street. Mt. Airy has a lovely Main Street with lots of bustling stores and restaurants. I recommend taking some time to wander around and buy a souvenir or baked good.
- Visit the Andy Griffith Museum. It costs $8/adult and is a must-see for any fan of the man or show. They have some original artifacts from Andy’s life and the show itself. It’s a pretty small museum, but gives a nice overview of the man’s life.
Having Fun in Mayberry
Visiting Mayberry or Mt. Airy, North Carolina is a pretty relaxing trip to be honest. It’s a fun, informative thing to do filled with nostalgia. You can even stay in Andy Griffith’s homeplace for the ultimate Mayberry experience. However, I think my biggest tip is just to enjoy it. So, have you ever visited Mayberry or Mt. Airy?
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