From Griffith to Grand Views (Two-Day Mayberry-Mount Airy Trip)

View sights and sounds mentioned on The Andy Griffith Show. From the Andy Griffith Museum to Wally’s Service Station, take in the sights and sounds of Mount Airy, along with side trips to scenic destinations near Mount Airy during your Blue Ridge Parkway weekend.

Day 1

Morning Head to the Andy Griffith Museum, the world’s largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia. Look for the iconic signs from the show’s courthouse doors that read: “Sheriff” and “Justice of the Peace.”

Tip: Check out the Eng and Chang Siamese Twins exhibit in the lower level of the Surry Arts Council, adjacent to the Andy Griffith Museum.

Pose for pictures at the TV Land Statue of Andy and Opie in front of the Andy Griffith Museum. Stroll down to Main Street, making sure to stop fist at the Mount Airy Visitor Center. Lunch Dine at Snappy Lunch, a place Andy Griffith frequented as a young boy that was mentioned on episodes of The Andy Griffith Show. Make sure to order the famous pork chop sandwich and ask for extra napkins.

Afternoon Drive to Wally’s Service Station for pictures in front of the jail cells inside Mayberry’s replica courthouse. Ride in Sherriff Taylor’s replica police car by Mayberry Squad Car Tours and tour all the Mayberry sites, like the Blue Bird Diner, Floyds Barber shop, the TV Land statue, Snappy Lunch, Andy Griffith Playhouse, and the childhood home of Andy Griffith. Drive to the top of Pilot Mountain State Park and hike to the little pinnacle where you’ll see the 1,400-foot-high Big Pinnacle. Hike the Jomeokee Trail, a .9-mile trail around the base of the large pinnacle with unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. Evening Head to Mount Airy to check into your hotel or bed and breakfast.

For dinner, choose from Southern, mouthwatering cooking to upscale dining.

Day 2

Morning Head North to the Blue Ridge Parkway at exit 8 off U.S. 77. Head through Fancy Gap and north on the Blue Ridge Parkway to Mabry Mill, a 1910 operating grist mill, located a milepost 176.

Lunch Dine at the Mabry Mill Restaurant, and afterwards, stop by the gift shop and pick up your own pack of grits, cornmeal and buckwheat flour. Afternoon Head south to the Blue Ridge Music Center at milepost 213 to hear bluegrass and old-time performances during the summer and tour the museum.