Charming Piedmont Towns

Visit Mayberry In Mount Airy

See the real place that inspired the magical one.

Visitors who stroll through the streets of Mount Airy might find its small-town charm and the warm, friendly smiles of its residents comfortably familiar. That’s because this quaint North Carolina setting was Andy Griffith’s childhood home and the inspiration for the beloved 1960s sitcom The Andy Griffith Show.

Mount Airy, the town that inspired Mayberry, was Andy Griffith's childhood home

Located 40 minutes northwest of Winston-Salem and just minutes from the Virginia state line, Mount Airy has embraced its role as the real-life Mayberry and boasts a number of sights and attractions that honor its native son.

The Mount Airy Visitors Center offers free maps for those who’d like to explore by foot. In addition, visitors eager to enjoy an authentic Mayberry experience can tour the city in a vintage squad car similar to those driven by Deputy Barney Fife and Sheriff Andy. Up to five passengers at a time can climb in and cruise the sights on these 30- to 45-minute tours, which depart from Wally’s Service Station.

A replica of the jail and courthouse sit nearby, as does Andy Griffith’s childhood home, which now serves as a bed and breakfast. Overnight accommodations also are available at the Mayberry Motor Inn, where guests can request the Aunt Bee room, furnished with items once owned by the late actress Frances Bavier.

No Mayberry visit would be complete without a fried pork chop sandwich from the Snappy Lunch followed by a stop in Floyd’s City Barber Shop, where Russell Hiatt has shorn the locks of famous former Mayberry residents such as George Lindsey (Goober Pyle). Hiatt proudly displays more than 20,000 photographs on his wall of fame.

Tour Mayberry attractions in a vintage squad car

Another must-see sight is the bronze TV Land statue of Sheriff Taylor and Opie outside the Andy Griffith Playhouse, where Griffith completed his own early acting training. Those interested in learning even more about Griffith’s life can visit the Andy Griffith Museum, which features hundreds of items from the actor, producer, singer and writer’s career, all collected by his friend Emmett Forrest.

In addition to show-themed attractions open year round, each September Mount Airy celebrates Mayberry Days. Thousands of fans descend on the city for the four-day family festival hosted by the Surry Arts Council, which features a parade, golf tournament, live entertainment and more.

added: December 12, 2008
updated: August 18, 2012

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