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See on mapTake a Squad Car Tour in a replica of Deputy Barney Fife’s. Leaving from Wally’s Service Station, up to five people can climb in and cruise the Mayberry sights – including The Andy Griffith Playhouse, Snappy Lunch and more – for 30 to 45 minutes. See on mapThe Mount Airy Visitors Center offers free maps for those who’d like to explore by foot, and it's always fun to get recommendations from locals. The Navy used the lighthouse during World War II and it became climbable for the public about a decade ago. The Outer Banks icon is one of the last of its kind. Check-in and reservations are made through the Mount Airy Hampton Inn and include the Hampton Inn continental breakfast.
Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. If you are a fan of The Andy Griffith Show, Mount Airy should be on your travel bucket list.
Pilot Knob Inn Bed and Breakfast
He loved the gentle, slow-boat pace of the island, where he could pop in at a friend’s house and he and his buddy would break out their guitars and tall-boy Budweisers, porch-strumming and talking for hours. He was, by turns, good, generous, ornery and thrifty, and he often quietly helped underdogs like he had been. He demanded loyalty but was rarely cynical and often optimistic, retaining a wide-eyed, curious wonder about the world—and was sometimes, even into his last years, naïve.
When it was over, I walked 4 blocks back to Heart and Soul, and made myself a cup of tea. A good meal, good music, a nice walk, and a cup of tea. Mostly a breakfast and lunch place, Barney’s offers two dinner specials.
Festivals & Tours for Film & TV Buffs
Andy was not especially book-wise, but he was rural-road smart and ambitious as all get-out, inherently recognizing three fellow actors who could ease his hurt with their art and launch his career, then repeatedly turning to them. He was fired up by the competitive spirit among the cast and by the sexual energy going on all around him, both among his fellow cast members and the locals. He absorbed the islanders’ risk-taking spirit, soon rolling the dice on Broadway and in Hollywood. He made people laugh and country-boy charmed them, onscreen and on the island.
I chose to stay in town at the Heart & Soul Bed and Breakfast. When I pulled up to the four room B&B, Pam and Chris were sitting on the porch, ready to greet their guests. If you arrive outside of that time, special arrangements need to be made.
Andy Griffith Playhouse
This quaint North Carolina town was Andy Griffith’s childhood home and the inspiration for Mayberry in the beloved 1960s sitcom The Andy Griffith Show. There are two electric gates and a full circular driveway. Furthermore, the home is surrounded by manicured lawns, rose gardens, and lush landscaping. The backyard features a pool, tennis court, BBQ, and a cabana. Additionally, the cabana has 2.5 bathrooms, two changing rooms, a steam shower, and a kitchen. There is also a guest house with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
I suggest binge watching old episodes of The Andy Griffith Show before your trip. There are so many subtle nuances of Mt. Airy embedded into the series, you won’t want to miss them. On my next stop in Mayberry I might explore the modern version, where the Yadkin Valley wine region is blooming, and the locals are expanding their entrepreneurial ventures from Mayberry to Merlot.
Old Time Jam at the Historic Earle Theater-142 North Main Street
Most people find Mt. Airy like I did, hearing somewhere that it is the real Mayberry, and hometown of Andy Griffith. They stop for one overnight out of curiosity, and because it is a convenient half way point from the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states driving south on I-77 to the southern Atlantic beaches. Once discovered, the second trip lasts two or three days, because as travelers familiarize themselves with the area they realize there are so many interesting things to see and do. The area is also becoming a popular retirement destination, because of its slow pace, beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and low cost of living. The Baptist church next door wanted to purchase the home and use the land for a parking lot. Not wanting her family home destroyed, Gertrude created a foundation to manage the home in perpetuity for all to enjoy for free.
We cruised by Andy’s last big house peeking through the pines. It’s just south of the Waterside Theatre, the home of The Lost Colony outdoor drama, where it all began for Andy in the summer of 1947. We’re telling big stories and giving our journalists space to be ambitious.
As authentic as it can get, it was difficult to tell if this was life imitating art or art imitating life. The entire series was filmed in Hollywood, but you will not believe it if you stroll through town. I reckon there’s not a hometown in America more proud of one of its successful citizens than Mt. Airy is of Andy Griffith.
In the same year, a statue of Griffith in his role of Sheriff Andy Taylor, along with his son, Opie, was erected in Pullen Park in Raleigh. In 2005 Griffith was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush. Starting in 1986, Griffith had a second hit show with Matlock. The show was filmed in Los Angeles but later moved production to Wilmington, N.C. In 1989 Griffith brought his TV show to Manteo to film a two-part episode. Locals were excited to be extras and to see their hometown on the small screen.
Actually, you will find a lot of both Mount Airy and Mayberry when you visit. First, the townspeople are every bit as friendly as their TV counterparts are known to be. When you can’t walk on the back lot of a favorite childhood TV show, what’s the next best thing? So, all you Andy Griffith fans, take a trip to Mount Airy, North Carolina, the small town where Mayberry comes to life. Andy, while maintaining a California house for most of his career, remained centered on his Roanoke Island home, its people, and The Lost Colony. He and his first wife bonded in the play before marrying.
Settings included the streets of Manteo, the Green Dolphin Pub and Waterside Theatre, home of The Lost Colony. The Outer Banks' most famous resident, Griffith lived a very private life on 70 acres on the outskirts of Manteo. He wasn't extremely visible in the community and only a few trusted locals made it beyond his gated driveway, but we knew he was here.
Floyd’s Barber Shop-129 North Main Street
Almost a dozen local musicians were on stage with their fiddles, guitars, and even a bass or two. There was a loose agenda, and each took turns leading a variety of gospel, country and bluegrass tunes. A variety of singers were called up on stage throughout the two hour program, which added to the character and entertainment of the evening.
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