Did you know that you can watch The Andy Griffith show on Amazon Prime? We have recently become obsessed with watching the old tv show. The kids even love it. So when we were driving from Florida to Maryland and realized that Mount Airy North Carolina the home of Andy Taylor was only a few miles off our route, of course, we had to stop.
Mount Airy, North Carolina is the town that Andy Taylor aka Andy Griffith is from and many people think that he based Mayberry off of it.
Mayberry is the fictional town that we have come to know from watching old reruns of the Andy Griffith Show. While Mayberry isn’t a real town, Mount Airy is a small town in the northwestern part of North Carolina. Chances are unless you live close to the town you have never even heard of it.
Mount Airy North Carolina
Mount Airy, North Carolina is a city in Surry County, North Carolina. It’s home to about 10,000 people and known as the home town of tv actor Andy Griffith.
If you’re traveling on I-81 a pit stop to Mount Airy will only add a few minutes and it’s a great place to stretch your legs and experience real-life Mayberry.
The Andy Griffith Show
The Andy Griffith show is a classic family tv show that aired from 1960 to 1968 The show has 249 episodes and stars Andy Taylor and Don Knotts.
If you haven’t seen the Andy Griffith show you are really missing out you can watch the show free with your Amazon Prime subscription on Prime Movies.
Then you will want to plan a trip to experience all things Andy Griffith in Mount Airy.
Things to do in Mount Airy
There are several fun things to do in Mount Airy relating to the Andy Griffith show and a lot of them are free.
If you’re a fan of the Andy Griffith show this is definitely a little town you should add to your bucket list.
Visit the Mayberry Courthouse
The courthouse they have created though not an exact replica is close. The courthouse has the same entrance and signs on the door.
As you step in there are 2 jail cells to the left with a key hanging in the middle. On the right, you have Andy’s desk complete with an old telephone and typewriter.
Be sure to check out all the little details in the courthouse. We found a Jar of Aunt Bea’s Kerosene Pickles and a few other little things referencing different episodes of the Andy Griffith Show.
Address: 625 S. Main St.
The Darlins Cabin
The Darlins cabin is a small cabin set in the trees and has a fun little mailbox. It makes for the perfect place to snap a picture.
Address: 625 S. Main St.
Wally’s Service Station
The filling station complete with classic gas pumps out front and rocking chairs to sit and relax is a great place to sit and enjoy the small town of Mount Airy. Inside the shop, you can find souvenirs and other fun items.
Address: 625 S. Main St.
Patrol Car Tours
Take a ride in a replica patrol car like the one you see in the Andy Griffith show. We didn’t have time to do this on our quick stop in Mount Airy but next time we visit it’s on our list!
Address: 625 S. Main St.
The Andy Griffith Museum
The Andy Griffith Museum is a great place to go and learn a little more about Andy Taylor the star of the show. With artifacts and props from the show to personal items, you can learn a lot in this museum.
Even if you don’t have time to do the museum or your traveling with little ones who won’t love it, don’t forget to snap a picture with Andy and Opi outside of the museum.
Address: 218 Rockford St
Andy’s Homeplace
Spend the night in Andy Griffiths boyhood home. Get additional information here about staying in this home on your Mount Airy trip here.
Address: 711 E. Haymore St.
Additional Places to Visit
- Floyd’s Barber Shop (129 N. Main St)
- Snappy Lunch ( 125 N. Main St)
- Opie’s Candy Store (135 N. Main St.)
Tips for Visiting Mount Airy
Plan an Hour or Two
Plan at least an hour to enjoying the area if you decide to do the museum you will probably want to plan on a little more time.
Call Before You Visit
Call to make sure that the places you want to stop will be open. If you want to take a ride in the patrol car, schedule that ahead of time.
Check Times
Before adding Mount Airy as a road trip stop be sure to check what times things close. Several things close by 5 pm.
We have wanted to stop by Mount Airy several times but always arrive after the attractions we want to see have closed.
Take photos
Exploring Mount Airy is like taking a refreshing step back in time. Enjoy it and don’t forget to take some photos!
Will you be adding Mount Airy, North Carolina to your Bucket List?
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