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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.
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.
The Andy Griffith Museum – 218 Rockford Street
He inspired numerous Lost Colony hands, including North Carolina native Leon Rippy, who would go on to be a star character actor, most notably in his roles in The Patriot, Saving Grace and Deadwood. You can rent the house by the night through the local Hampton Inn. Eat at the Snappy Lunch, visit the Courthouse, Floyd's Barbershop, Gomer/Goober's Gas Station and Emmit's Fixit Shop.
FYI….two of the boys were actually in a bluegrass band called “The Dillards.” Their Andy Griffith appearances boosted the bands career. Straight from the hills, the Darlins brought mountain music with them whenever they came to Mayberry. Sister “Charlene” sang while the four brothers played. FYI...Walker’s Drugstore was the place where Andy met Ellie who became his 1st girlfriend on the show.
Visit Mt. Airy, Where Mayberry Comes to Life
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.
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.
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The house sets near the base of that tower.I parked outside of the home and took a few snapshots with my phone. He had long since tapered off hard liquor, but did not give up the white wine he loved, albeit sparingly, until near the end. Shortly before his death, he raised his hands in prayer and re-embraced his faith in a small church near his beloved Roanoke Sound. He was mourned by North Carolina governors, the president, and The New York Times. He met a people of daring dreams and found a way to tap into their watery ways and make them his own. He listened closely to islanders chatting and interacting and transformed it to comedic art, a style that was all his own.
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.
Greene remembers that Griffith helped out in the Outer Banks community when he could. Green says he was very appreciative when Griffith wrote the foreword to Reflections of the Outer Banks, a commemorative coffeetable book that Green commissioned in 1976. When Griffith starred in A Face in the Crowd in 1957, Ye Olde Pioneer Theatre in Manteo showed the film, and the proud Roanoke Islanders who knew him from his days at The Lost Colony came out to see the film. © 2022 Economic Development Partnership of North CarolinaEDPNC- Privacy- Terms of Use- AccessibilityFIRSTS THAT LAST and the NC design are registered service marks of the EDPNC.
Years later, he met his third wife through the colony, the one who would be with him until the end. Andy was a chronic practical joker, once conning a local friend toward eating a horse-manure sandwich disguised as a hamburger. He jokingly tossed around words like “fag” but quietly stood up against religious leaders who preached against gay marriage because they hurt some of Andy’s closest friends who are gay. Andy often said he was not Taylor, nowhere near as good as him, although there were parts of him in that character that, tellingly, bears his first name. In thousands of interviews, he sprinkled clues about his true self, sometimes speaking candidly about his artistic struggles and self-doubt.
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.
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.
Ira David Wood III, who is the show's executive director this summer, first worked at "The Lost Colony" in 1968. He recalled going to Griffith's house and taking a pontoon boat to a sandbar where Griffith and his guests played volleyball for hours. "He hated to lose, and he did cheat," Wood said, laughing at the fond memory.
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.
Andy's Homeplace
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.
See on mapNo Mayberry visit would be complete without a fried pork chop sandwich from Snappy Lunch. Then-student Andy Griffith frequented this quaint diner for a quick lunch before local schools had cafeterias on campus. See on mapAndy Griffith’s childhood home is also nearby, called Andy’s Homeplace, a bed and breakfast owned and operated by the Hampton Inn of Mount Airy. Everyone says you have to visit the real-life Mayberry in Mount Airy.
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