by Lynette Crawford

Created on: April 16, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

The Andy Griffith Show fans in our house are ecstatic! We have just been to jail. We even took a picture in Otis' personal cell, sat at Sheriff Taylor's desk in the courthouse, stopped at Wally's and Floyd's. Otis even invited us to play checkers on Main Street. At this point, you probably know exactly what I am talking about and no further explanation is needed, you just want the directions or on the other hand, you have no idea what I am talking about and probably have already stopped reading!

Well ya'll, let me explain; Mount Airy, NC is the place Andy Griffith, well known actor (Sheriff Taylor, Matlock) grew up. Mount Airy is the inspiration for the fictional town of Mayberry made famous in The Andy Griffith Show. Mount Airy is also host to "Mayberry Days' held every September. Just a piece' (15 miles) east of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina is where you will find it. Arriving in town via the Andy Griffith Parkway, you'll pass the Bright Leaf Drive-In Theatre (one of only 500 drive-ins left in the United States) and if you are lucky maybe the show will be "No Time for Sergeants" or "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken". On the way, stop at the Mayberry Motor Inn for a peek at Aunt Bea's Room or your first glimpse of one of the Mayberry Squad Cars or Emmett's Fix It Shop's Truck. Now, let's head on into town for more Mayberry fun!

On your arrival on Main Street, you'll see townsfolk and visitors alike strolling along, so park your vehicle and join them. You can pick up your souvenirs in one of the many eclectic shops along Main. They feature all things Mayberry, Andy, Barney, etc, from Aunt Bee's Kerosene Cucumbers to Barney's bullet. Don't miss the Snappy Lunch or its famous pork chop sandwich. Grab a haircut at Floyd's or just stop in to view the Wall of Fame' and chat. Pop into Opie's for an RC Cola or some yummy ice cream. Look around for the "Mount Airy actors" Otis invited us to play checkers with him on the street corner and we did catch a glimpse of Ernest T. with a brick in his hand, up to some mischief, no doubt!

Just two blocks down the street, you can actually ride a Mayberry Squad Car for a tour of Mount Airy (only $25.00 per car load). The tour begins in front of Wally's Fillin Station. (which is complete with Wally's Tow Truck from the Citizen's Arrest' episode). Just behind Wally's is a replica of the Darlin's home'. Next to it are the storefronts of the Foley's Market, the Fix-It Shop and the Mayberry Motel. The Mayberry Courthouse and Jail replica is here as well. Sit on the bench out front or go inside and sit at Sheriff Taylor's Desk or in Barney's chair and make a call to Juanita over at the diner. Go into Otis's cell and try out the accommodations. Don't forget your cameras this is a TAGS (The Andy Griffith Show) fan's dream come true!

Also not to miss are Andy Griffith's home place (which you can rent for the night) and the Andy Griffith playhouse, home to the new TV Land Landmark statue in tribute to Andy and Opie. It features Andy and Opie heading to the ole fishing hole. Listen closely; can you hear them whistling that ever familiar turn as they walk along?

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