Bluegrass Pickin’ and Pork Chops (One-day Bluegrass and Mayberry Trip)

If you love those Blue Ridge-bluegrass sounds and want to see the Mayberry sites too, this itinerary is right for you, especially if you only have one day to spend in Mount Airy.

Morning First, visit the Andy Griffith Museum where you’ll see Andy Griffith memorabilia and items from Andy’s musical career.

Tip: Pay the extra $2 to get the audio guide. It’s well worth it. Say Cheese! Take Pictures in front of the Andy and Opie TV Land Statue in front of the Andy Griffith Museum. Stroll down to the Old-Time Music Heritage Hall inside the Earle Theatre to watch the UNC-TV Folkways documentary titled, “Folkways: Music of Surry County.” This documentary reveals the history behind the Blue Ridge-bluegrass sound of Surry County that is known worldwide.

Tip: Try to visit on a Saturday morning at 9 a.m. for a Saturday jam along with the live radio broadcast of Merry-Go-Round at 11 a.m.

Lunch Order a Pork Chop Sandwich from Snappy Lunch, a boneless, tenderized fried pork chop topped with tomato slices, chopped onions, coleslaw, and mustard. Andy Griffith frequented Snappy Lunch as a young boy, and he mentioned it on several episodes of The Andy Griffith Show.

Afternoon Tour the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History where you’ll find more Blue Ridge-bluegrass history information, such as exhibits on old-time music legend Tommy Jarrell. Walk down Main Street to browse the downtown shops, antique stores, and retail outlets, and don’t forget to take time out for an old-fashioned milk shake or a fried apple pie!

Tip: If time permits in the afternoon, head over Mayberry Squad Car Tours at Wally’s Service Station for a one-hour tour of Mount Airy. This is best seen first to get a great overview of the sights and sounds of Mount Airy. Enjoy your Andy Griffith Mayberry tour.