A trip to Mount Airy, N.C., is more than a peek into the past; it’s a step back in time. Located along the Ararat River about three miles south of the Virginia state line, Mount Airy was officially incorporated in 1885, At one time, it was one of the state’s largest producers of tobacco, furniture and textiles. However, it’s the connection to a beloved television series that put the community on the map, and its residents have no problem leaning into the nostalgia.

A friendly city

Mount Airy is the birthplace of Andy Griffith. It is also believed to be the inspiration for Mayberry, the fictional setting of Griffith’s eponymous TV show. While this fan theory has been disputed over the years, evidence suggests that it may be correct. Over the years there were at least 35 references to the “friendly city” in the classic 1960s sitcom, including Mount Airy street intersections, landmarks, the name of a baseball team and two eateries – one of which, the Snappy Lunch Diner, is still in business.

The town embraces its TV tie-in. Fans of “The Andy Griffith Show” from all over the nation come to Mount Airy to make their own Mayberry memories. They tour the town in a vintage squad car like the ones driven by Sheriff Taylor on the show. Based at Wally’s Service Station, a tour guide drives visitors around and share stories about Mount Airy’s famous son, as well as the history of the town and how it became home to the world’s largest open-faced granite quarry.

Some people snap a selfie by the TV Land statue of Andy and Opie en route to their favorite fishing hole, or pop into the Mayberry replica courthouse and sit behind Andy’s desk and play with a vintage typewriter or dry out in Otis’ Saturday-night jail cell.

The Andy Griffith Museum, located next to the Andy Griffith Playhouse, offers the world’s largest collection of Griffith memorabilia as well as iconic items from the television show and mementos from supporting cast members such as Don Knotts (Barney Fife), Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou), and George Lindsey (Goober Pyle). For anyone looking to give Aunt Bee a little love, her room at the Mayberry Morto Inn has more than 30 items owned and used by actress Frances Bavier.

For those who want to celebrate all things Andy Griffith with other like-minded fans, Mayberry Days, presented by the Surry Arts Council, is a week-long festival in September that offers plenty of fun for the whole family. It features musical performances, “The Emmett” golf tournament, plenty of southern food fare and a special chapel service, all of which celebrate a simpler time in American history.

Stay a spell

Of course, Mount Airy is more than Mayberry. To help visitors get the most from their experience, the Mount Airy Visitors Center has curated several tourist itineraries that cater to a number of interests beyond the iconic TV show.

In recent years, Surry County has become an emerging wine country with 35 vineyards in the Yadkin Valley Region. A suggested wine tour offers guests the chance to explore up to seven wineries, take a few behind-the-scenes tours and still have plenty of time to shop along Main Street or grab a bite to eat.

Adventure seekers might choose the Parks, Paddling & Pork Chop trip that offers the opportunity to go tubing down the Ararat River, hike along the Corridor Trail at Pilot Mountain State Park and raft down the Yadkin River before grabbing a pork chop sandwich at the Snappy Lunch Diner. If someone has a passion for music, golf or history, Mount Airy has them covered as well with itineraries designed to help them relax, unwind and stay for a spell.

Patty Fizgerald-Whittington of Poca, W.Va., said she believes Mount Airy is the friendliest little town in America.

“The businesses seem to really care about their customers … everyone seems to have a smile on their face as they stroll down the street,” she said in a Facebook review. “I like to shop a while, (then) sit on a bench and people watch for a while. I drive three hours from West Virginia for a day trip every chance I get.”

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