Established in the mid-18th century as a stagecoach stop, Mount Airy is a historically rich city near North Carolina’s border with Virginia. It is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is clustered with beautifully preserved buildings, many of which can be found within the Mount Airy Historic District.
Things to do in Mount Airy
Learn about the life and career of the locally-born American actor Andy Griffith at the Andy Griffith Museum, which was established by one of his lifelong friends, Emmett Forrest. It boasts the world’s largest collection of memorabilia of the “Matlock” star, including a rocking chair that his mother crafted for his mother. Also on display are props and sets from “The Andy Griffith Show”.
One of Mount Airy’s most famous landmarks is Wally’s Service Station, which was built in 1937 and now serves as the departure point for Mayberry Squad Car Tours. Adjacent is a replica of the Mayberry Courthouse that appeared in “The Andy Griffith Show” throughout the 1960s. Today, it’s a popular photo spot, with visitors welcome to sit behind Andy’s desk and step into the recreated jail cells.
You can delve into the past at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, which occupies a restored mercantile store in the downtown area. In the main gallery is a 30-metre mural depicting the surrounding mountains, plus exhibits about the world’s largest open-face granite quarry. Admire the turn-of-the-century general store and see the 20-metre-long model railway exhibit.
Getting around Mount Airy
Mount Airy is around 40 minutes’ drive from Winston-Salem and an hour from Greensboro. Piedmont Triad International Airport is also an hour away and has flights to destinations across the United States. Regular buses connect to Mount Airy and travel throughout the city.