Travel To Mayberry

Small towns are becoming as extinct as roadside lemonade stands. However, nestled in the valley of Mt. Airy, NC, is Mayberry - where penny candy and lemonade stands are still the norm.When strolling the sidewalks of Andy Griffith's hometown, you're swept back to the peacefulness of the Andy Griffith Show. Mt. Airy, NC, was the inspiration for Mayberry. You'll see some things the TV show captured. It's like coming home again. The Atlanta Constitution is quoted as calling Mt. Airy, "America's favorite Southern town."Mt. Airy Vi sitor's Center is home to the largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia in the country. Andy Griffith's childhood friend and Mt. Airy resident, Emmett Smith, collected the items in three impressive rooms. The collection contains everything from a Matlock suit to the chair Andy was rocked in as a baby. Andy's accomplishments range from music and commercials to comedy and drama. Andy originally wanted to be a musician, but when he realized he could make people laugh, he stepped into comedy and we have been laughing with him ev er since. He's best known for The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock.The Mayberry attractions are many. Floyd's Barber Shop and the "Wall of Fame" are a must see in Mt. Airy. The walls are filled with a collection of more than 18,000 pictures of many celebrities. The barbershop has been in Mt. Airy for 50 years and boasts: "2 chairs - no waiting."Wally's Service Station has been in Mt. Airy since 1937. It has been restored to a shop for Mayberry souvenirs, collectibles, coffees, candy, etc. When at Wally's sign up for the Squad Car To urs. Cruise Mayberry in a 1962 Squad Car replica driven by "Andy" or "Goober", who narrate the history of Mayberry and the many attractions. The cruise is as calming as a Sunday drive. You'll be surprised at what you can find in a small town.Displayed in front of the Andy Griffith Playhouse is a bronze statue of Andy and Opie with fishing poles. The statue was dedicated in September 2004 during Mayberry Days where Andy Griffith made a special appearance for the celebration.The Mayberry Jail is a local re-creation of the courthouse seen in the episodes of the Andy Griffith Show. In the jail there is a checkerboar d of bottle caps waiting for Andy and Barney.Park and walk through the Emporium for a day of shopping or stop at Snappy Lunch for a pork chop sandwich and a bottle of pop. In this small town there are still trading posts, and while you cannot hitch your horse at the posts, there are still plenty of good buys. For a snack, visit Opie's Candy Store for a variety of penny candy or the Bluebird Diner for the best ice cream in town.In the Mayberry Motor Inn on Hwy 52 South, there's a room dedicated to Aunt Bee. The owner began her "Aunt Bee" collection in 1990. She also holds certificates of authenticity for more than 30 of the items, such as gloves, eyeglasses, a dress, a hat and sewing materials. Aunt Bee's Room is shown by appointment only, but visitors can enjoy a window view.Known as "Granite City", Mt. Airy boasts the world's largest open-faced quarry, which covers 90 acres and ranges to depths of 8,000 feet. Many homes in the area, as well as the Wright Brother's Memorial in nearby Kitty Hawk, are made from Mt. Airy granite.Mayberry Days is a celebration of the Andy Griffith Show and is scheduled the last weekend of each September. It is a 3-day festival that begins Thursday and ends on Saturday. There is a parade, crafts, food, and David, "The Mayberry Deputy" Browning, Phil "Ernest T" Lee, and Allan "Floyd" Newsome, the Mayberry Days look-alikes, can be found strolling the sidewalks during the festival.Driving 52 North toward Winston-Salem, NC, stop at Pilot Mountain State Park. Pilot Mountain wa s talked about as the "town" of Mt. Pilot in the show. It was the "big city" where Andy and Barney sometimes took their girls for dinner. However, it's a mountain.Pilot Mountain rises more than 1400 feet above the rolling countryside. There are many activities available inside the park. There are 13 hiking trails and walking them is the most exciting thing to do in the park. The view is extraordinary and will take your breath away. It could easily be renamed "God's Country".Go to Mt. Airy, NC and take a ride back in time. All life should be this simple.Author's Note: Visit Mayberry online at: