Real life setting for the Andy Griffith Show
A delightful and unexpected find
Mount Airy, NC also known as “Mayberry” hometown of TV star Andy Griffith, and model city for the 1960’s TV sitcom “The Andy Griffith Show”.
This small quaint town on the edge of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina is a quaint little town. It was settled in the 1950’s as a stagecoach stop on the road between Winston Salem, NC and Galax Virginia. Listed as one of the best 8 small towns in western, North Carolina and home to 40 wineries, parks, Greenways, Arts, Culture, Museums and Historic walking tours.
If you are truly a Andy Griffith show fan you won’t want to miss the annual “Mayberry Days” celebration. Each year the family friendly festive pays tribute to the show. There are activities for the whole family including games, local bands, golf tournament, food, and tons of Mayberry spirit. Several of the surviving member of the show along with family members often visit delighting the thousands that attend the event each year.
Mount Airy NC or Mayberry NC which is it?
The town of Mount Airy NC affectionately known as “Mayberry” honors their hometown boy Andy Griffith, with attractions and even a museum founded by Emmett Forrest.
Located a half mile from the Griffiths childhood home (which is available for overnight stays). The museum houses the worlds largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia.
www.wikipedia.com
In front of the Museum you will be greeted by a statue of Andy and Opie goin fishing.
The real life setting for The Andy Griffith Show
You can visit the many attractions the town has still intact from the Andy Griffith show. Walkers soda shop, which is still a working diner with 50’s décor and music playing in the background. Enjoy lunch or indulge in an old fashion ice cream sundae just as Opie did in so many episodes. (This is also where Andy met Ellie his first girlfriend on the show.) On main street you can visit Floyds Barber shop, (which is still a functioning barber shop), Wally’s service station and gift shop, where you can load up on memorabilia.
I suggest taking a tour of the town in a vintage squad car just like the one driven in the show first. The tour will drive you to key locations from the show.
Don’t forget to get your picture with Deputy Barney Fife.
What a fun and nostalgic visit it was to Mayberry (Mount Airy NC). If you get the chance its well worth the visit.
If you are not familiar with The Andy Griffith Show be sure to catch a few episodes before you go, you might just fall in love with the town and the show.
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