What to do in Mount Airy North Carolina

What to do in Mount Airy North Carolina

In my quest to spend more time making memories with my children than working more for money for a vacation. I am traveling to smaller towns that offer exceptional experiences for pennies on a dollar. We are diligently living on our 40,000 budget so we are doing  Budget Travel: Family Vacation Travel on a Budget. I was invited to tour Mount Airy North Carolina “Mayberry” as part of a conference called Travel Media Showcase. I decided to share what I know.

Have you been to North Carolina? I had a great time during my trip and I want to share with you my list of what to do in Mount Airy, North Carolina

The first thing I can tell you is to relax. That is what Mount Airy is about. It is about the people and their love of their community. There wasn’t anyone who wasn’t friendly, helpful, or kind. We met the people who made the town, who had grown up there all their lives and who weren’t changed.  Mount Airy like any town has a history of its own. It features things to do for the young to the old. It has travel destinations worthy of its large neighbors, but they don’t have the heart of Mayberry.

Our trip began when my plane arrived. I flew into Charlotte airport. It was an easy flight from Richmond, Virginia.

We had the opportunity to tour a local vineyard. The location took you back in time. I immediately felt my stress lift as my pallet was wet with incredible wine and aromatic, delicious tapas. The Jolo vineyard is just one of the best wineries in North Carolina. It is a place you want to begin your tour and end it.

We then went to our hotel to relax and recover from our flights. The hotel was a national chain, and it wasn’t anything special. I would suggest looking for more of a local bed and breakfast, but it was centrally located which made travel in the region easy.

Food from Jolo Mount Airy North Carolina

We again headed out to eat. The Creek Bottoms Brews and Microbrewery. The local “joint” was filled with TVs, friendly faces, and more beer than I could read. We started our meal with the fried pickles they were both salty and savory. The dipping sauce was exceptional and homemade. The best item on the menu was the pizza. I ordered the 8 inch which was plenty big. It had pimento cheese and bacon. It was incredible. I took half of it back to the hotel and ate it the next morning. The staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was fun. I highly suggest this budget friendly stomach appealing restaurant. They are located at 1018 Rockford Street in Mt. AiryNC 27030.

Andy Griffith's house in Mount Airy North Carolina

Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy North Carolina

The next day we decided to explore Mayberry. If you are and  Andy Griffith fan. I highly suggest coming to Mayberry and visiting the Andy Griffith Museum. The location is open seven days a week.  I was surprised to learn about Andy’s extensive career his history and the town that he once lived in still looks a lot like it did when he resided there. It was nice to be able to listen to the tour on a headset and interact with the exhibits on touch screen TVs. The collection was well curated. I enjoyed seeing things in the museum and later identifying them as we drove through the town. The museum was housed in two buildings one was filled with photos of locations that were mentioned on the Andy Griffith Show. The secondary building also houses the Siamese Twin Exhibit which we met one of their descendants. It was a truly unique experience to hear about their life story. If you enjoy history, you will enjoy this attraction.

Sheriff tour at Mount Airy North Carolina

Then there was the time I was arrested. I was sent to 625 S. Main ST to get into Mayberry’s Sheriff’s vintage squad car. I climbed in not sure what to expect. I got an incredible tour. I say the highlights of the town including the largest open face granite quarry, Andy’s childhood home, a cruise down Main Street, and a replicate of Mayberry’s favorite show. Wally’s Service Station/Squad Car Tour is one that anyone would enjoy. I loved looking at the town and hearing stories about the buildings and the residents that reside along the streets.

If you are looking for more places to eat in Mt Airy, NC:

The Loaded Goat burger in Mount Airy North Carolina

The Loaded Goat  is you place for lunch or dinner. I would say they feature American Cuisine infused with the south. We had fried green tomatoes, fried pickles and the best burgers that had come across my lips in a long time. It was perfectly cooked, and it was so moist and tender I felt the need to keep eating after my stomach had declared that it was full. The Loaded Goat is on the second floor of a building, and it was worth the walk. You will not be disappointed with anything on the menu from this locally owned restaurant. Their beverage list is extensive and delightful, and so was their attention to detail.

What to do in Mount Airy North Carolina

Earle Theatre Tour in Mount Airy North Carolina

If you are looking for more history. Why not take the Earle Theatre TourMusic is a common language it is a unique as the people who perform it. The Earle Theatre is like taking a trip back into a time when life was better. The theater boost having the second longest running radio station. It is the place where the community gathers to have weekly jam sessions. It is now the place that I learned to flat foot dance. It was fun and I am told you can tell where people come from by the style of their flat foot dance it was fun and something I look forward to trying again. I enjoyed the presentation about the music legends from the area and I left knowing more about the people of Mount Airy and for that I am grateful.

How do you end a trip in Mount Airy North Carolina in style?

You visit Mayberry Spirits 

Mayberry Spirits in Mount Airy North Carolina

I should disclose I had never been to a distillery prior to this one. It was really fun and I enjoyed the owner, Vann. He was fun, friendly, and informative. I can imagine my husband coming here. It is a must see. The Whiskey was smooth I tended to like the mixed versions. I am what you called a light weight.

If you want to learn more about what to do in North Carolina or What to Eat in North Carolina, go to VacationMaybe.com.

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