Pinnacle Living stated “Our Goal was simple: to find the very best cities, towns, and areas in the Southern Appalachians for relocation, retirement or second-home living. Our research staff has come back with the results: the 21 municipalities (plus two bonus areas not incorporated as such) that offer the very best for those looking to build a new life in the mountains-a life with a fine home and great amenities, plus ample educations, recreational and cultural activities” (Pinnacle Living, Winter 2005 Issue, Page 26).

Each town was picked by certain criteria. These criteria included accolades, community-based recognitions, continuing education/cultural activities, health care, recreational activities, transportation access, fine dining, festivals/town events, up-to-date, proximity, climate and location within the Southern Appalachians.

Mount Airy fit the criteria for what Pinnacle Living was looking for. Mount Airy is located 40 miles from Winston Salem and has accolades such as “The 50 Best Small Southern Town,” and “100 Best Small Towns in America”. Mount Airy is also recognized as the first city in the nation to receive the STAR Award for superb safety, National Civic League’s All American City. The article also mentioned the Fine dining locations here in the county as The Wolf’s Lair at Black Wolf Vineyards and Midkiff’s Restaurant located in The Main Oak Emporium on Main Street. All of the other criteria that Pinnacle Living was looking for is addressed in the article including continuing education: (Influence of Andy Griffith, Playhouse, Wake Forest University, Surry Community College (adult education classes cooperative agreement with Gardner Webb College for degree courses), Winston Salem State University and Salem College, health care: (Northern Hospital of Surry County, North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Bowman Gray School of Medicine), recreational activities for all Ages: (Civic and recreation center, community center, 8 parks, snow skiing in Boone (one hour), 2 public golf courses, festivals: (Autumn Leaves, 2nd Weekend in October and Mayberry Days Sept 22-25, 2005), Up-to-Date: (Mount Airy News, Winston-Salem Journal, and from Greensboro The Carolina Peacemaker, The Business Journal and The Greensboro News and Record), and Transportation: (Surry County Airport for general aviation and The Piedmont Triad International Airport (50 miles).

So far we have started to receive inquiries from the Pinnacle Living Article. As of the beginning of March we have received around 150 requests for Relocation information. People are starting to look at Mount Airy not only as a tourists destination but a place to retire and relocate.

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******For more information about this press release, please contact Jessica M Icenhour,, Director of tourism, Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce at 336-786-6116, Ext. 3 or 800-948-0949, Ext. 3 or by email at tourism@VisitMayberry.com.