26 Best & Fun Things to Do in Mt. Airy (NC)

Looking for the best and most fun things to do in Mt Airy, NC?

Mount Airy, North Carolina, is famous for being the birthplace of Andy Griffith. This destination is commonly called “Mayberry.” It derived this name from the fictional town in the Andy Griffith Show.

The fictional town is believed to be centered on the life of Andy of Mount Airy. Mount Airy’s history stretches back to the 1700s as it is a stop along the road from Winston-Salem, NC, to Galax, Virginia.

This town was previously known as Granite City before Mayberry was widely known.

Very close to the eastern side of Mt Airy is located the largest open-face granite quarry, which was founded in 1889. Mount Airy is famous for its rich musical history.

Surry County is where blues music originated, which comprises fiddles, banjos, and many other instruments.

Mt. Airy was a place of abode for legends such as Tommy Jarrell, Easter Brothers, Fred Cockerham, and numerous others. The city is located in the surrounding areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is nestled on the edge of the Ararat and Yadkin rivers. Here offer lots of great opportunities for outdoor lovers.

There are many cool things to do in Mt. Airy, NC and from this well-curated list, be sure to have a fantastic vacation. 

Things to Do in Mt. Airy

1. Visit The Andy Griffith Museum

One of the top things to do in Mt. Airy, NC if you are a history buff is to visit the Andy Griffith Museum. The museum took its name after a famed American TV celebrity, producer, and singer.

The museum is a 2,500-square-foot exhibit space located in Griffith’s birthplace in Mount Airy. The museum has a wide variety of memorabilia belonging to Andy Griffith that an old friend of Griffith built by the name Emmett Forrest.

The museum also has artifacts from the TV show Matlock and The Andy Griffith Show, and it also has on display the rocking chair of Griffith’s father. The museum is open to all and sundry all through the year.

Address: 218 Rockford St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

2. Mount Airy Museum of Regional History

If you love history, one of the fun things to do in Mt. Airy, NC is to visit the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, which is located on Main Street and comprises four strata of rich local history in the town and its surrounding areas.

Visitors can find exhibits that showcase the early lifestyle and settlement of locals in this area and be sure to also learn about the local heroes of this place. 

Here is a significant attraction to see when you visit this town. It allows visitors to learn about the beautiful history of this region and how it survived over time.

The kids are not left out of the fun as they can check out the “Hands on History” exhibition, where music enthusiasts can enjoy the outstanding music exhibition attributed to the region.

Address: 301 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

3. Pilot Mountain State Park

The next item on this list is visiting the Pilot Mountain State Park, where you get the opportunity to see the Big Pinnacle Summit.

This destination is an exciting spot for numerous pleasurable activities, including kayaking, birdwatching, camping, and beautiful terrain.

Pilot Mountain State Park also features a vast connection of hiking routes and even roads for horse company

If you are a Rock Climber, you can go check out the high cliffs in the park, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding Sauratown Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Address: 1792 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043, United States

4. Historic Downtown Mount Airy

The Historic Downtown in Mount Airy is filled with much excitement and fun as it is a town that incorporates both traditional and urban lifestyles.

The most efficient way to discover this downtown area is by walking the entire place on foot while still enjoying the rich culture and history of this town that grew famous because of the show Andy Griffith.

Various small-scale businesses have been able to thrive in the historic downtown area of Mount Airy, ranging from retail stores to gift shops and antique shops to the numerous cafes and restaurants and the Blackmon and Earle Theater.

This lovely town has numerous attractions to see, including Snappy Lunch, Wally’s Service Station, The BlueBird Diner, and Wally’s Service Station, and guests can have a lovely ride on one of the numerous RFD Mayberry squad cars as they try to learn about the rich history of this town.

Address: Mt Airy, NC 27030

5. Take a Walk Along Main Street

Another exciting thing to do when you visit is to stroll along the beautiful Main Street of Mount Airy and enjoy the lovely attraction in this city.

The beautiful stores and restaurants to find here are accommodated in revamped buildings. Be sure to find that perfect souvenir you need to take back home, and you can see a play at the Historic Earle Theater or get your children some tasty ice cream and sweets.

Numerous shops to find along Main Street provide quality goods for sale on the street all summer. In addition, there are different kinds of pastry and ice cream stores and lovely restaurants that offer guests delicious meals.

Address: Mount Airy, NC, United States

6. Round Peak Vineyard

One place you do not want to miss out on when you visit Mount Airy is the Round Peak Vineyard, and it should be on your bucket list of fun things to do in Mt. Airy, NC. It is an ideal place to enjoy nature’s fresh air, gorgeous environment, and incredible wine collection here.

This laid-back and furry-friendly vineyard is perched on a land area of 30 acres and is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The vineyard organizes indoor and outdoor tastings on their expansive patio that overlooks the vineyard.

Samplings of their various collections of canned and bottled wines can be seen here as well as dry wines such as blended red wine with flavors of red fruits and cherry, Obsession and tasty wines such as their red sangria.

Different sorts of beers are available for everyone in the tasting room. For individuals who wish to spend much time in the vineyard, it is a place of abode for two rental cabins, which can house about eight persons. These two rentals have excellent estate views, complementing them with incredible beer and wine tasting.

Address: 765 Round Peak Church Road, Mt. Airy, North Carolina 27030

7. Earle Theater

The Earle Theater was built in 1938 and frequented by Griffith as he always visited with his friends to see some interesting movies in this iconic Theater.

The Earle Theater once held the premiere movie by Andy Griffith in 1958 named the Face of the Crowd.

You can also check out the WPAQ Merry-Go-Round and the Old-Time Music Heritage, which are some of the oldest live radio channels you can find in Earle.

The Earle Theater acknowledges the musical history of this region, coupled with regional and national superstars who have showcased their art here and are also recognized in the Earle Theater.

Address: 142 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

8. The Gertrude Smith House

The Gertrude Smith House was constructed during the early 1900s. It is one of the many famous iconic markers to find on Mount Airy.

The Gertrude Smith House is a Victorian-style iconic home previously owned by an indigenous businessman named Jefferson Smith.

The beautiful home was inherited by the daughter of Gertrude Smith, whose name the house was called after. She was an ex-educated professional decorator residing in New York, not until her father’s demise, which made her return home to oversee the family business.

She did the home decoration of this home; her earnest wish was for the house to be made into a museum after her demise. Currently, guests can have an exciting tour of the place as all of its initial furnishings are the same as they were, coupled with its gorgeous yard that features vintage terrain.

 Address: 708 North Main Street, Mt. Airy, North Carolina 27030;

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9. Little Richard’s BBQ

One of the best Mt. Airy, NC activities is to checkout Little Richard’s Barbeque. It is a considerable eatery attraction founded in 1991 in Winston Salem.

The eatery provides visitors with barbecue in a relaxed and lovely ambiance. The restaurant focuses on ensuring that it offers the best barbecue in this region and beyond. A typical example is hickory-smoked hog shoulders that get slowly roasted and get freshly served.

Little Richard’s BBQ also provides visitors with incredible meals such as grilled brisket, smoked chicken, pit beef, hefty burgers, hot dogs, and pit beef, and even sides such as vegetarian meals and fresh salads that are prepared using the traditional Lexington style technique passed on from one generation to another.

Visitors can have their food with various kinds of regular wines and homemade beers, and the eatery is available for visitors throughout the week for different meal sessions.

Address: 455 Frederick St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

10. Checkout The World’s Largest Open Pit Granite Quarry

Another interesting item on this list of fun things to do in Mt. Airy, NC, is visiting the Largest Open Pit Granite Quarry. This Quarry is perched not far from the town and is so large that it can be seen from afar.

Granite, the state’s primary used rock for about 150 years, is always mined in the area. Unfortunately, visits to the quarry are not allowed due to restrictions placed by the government.

Furthermore, an ideal site where visitors can observe freely is perched on a hilly area whose height is above the dig site and is available for visits throughout the year.

You might be lucky enough to see how they carry out blasting if you visit at the right time. Free sampling is available, and you will be given an information leaflet when you stop at the main office.

Address: Mount Airy, Nc, United States

11. Mount Airy Public Library

Another interesting item on this list of things to do in Mt. Airy, NC, is visiting the Mount Airy Public Library, a general library that houses a vast range of books, DVDs, ebooks, and other readable materials.

The library is an integral part of the Northwestern Regional Library System that encompasses 13 different libraries found in Stokes, Yadkin, Alleghany, and Surrey counties.

The Public Library comprises numerous study and reading spaces, a secluded area used as a library for children and teens, good access to public computers and collections, an excellent wireless Internet system, an exhibit Gallery, a comfy lounge area, and different conference rooms.

Mount Airy Public Library also organizes events, including poetry and book readings, workshops, storytime, etc.

Address: 4759, 145 Rockford St, Mt Airy, NC 27030,

12. Eng And Chang Bunker

Visit the Eng And Chang Bunker and learn about the exciting history of the Siamese Twins who were delivered conjoined in Thailand.

The twins later relocated to the United States and were much more active in circuses and exhibition performances. They became country citizens in 1839 and had a surname named Bunker.

They later moved to North Carolina, where they married two sisters, Adelaide and Sarah Yates, and began residing in Mount Airy with children; they gave birth to 21 children.

The twin brothers died in 1874 and were buried in White Plains Baptist Church cemetery. Visitors can find exhibits in the Andy Griffith Museum that are in honor of Eng and Chang.

Address: 614 Old U.S. 601, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

13. Visit the Historic Houses in Mount Airy

The historic houses to find here have a history stretching back many years back. The town is filled with beautiful historic homes, and every story behind them will be interesting for you to hear.

Some historic houses to visit here offer tours, whereas others provide bed and breakfast upon visitation. A typical unique Victorian home with furniture and art to look out for is the Gertrude Smith House.

The home was built around the twentieth century. However, the most ancient building to find in Mt. Airy, known as the William Alfred Moore, was built in 1862.

The building has a unique Greek interior and an Italianate and Gothic revival facade. There are tours available for these two houses, which are also acknowledged on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address: Mount Airy, Nc, United States

14. Dine At Snappy Lunch,

If you love good food, one of the best things to do when you visit Mount Airy is to dine at the Snappy Lunch. This attraction promised incredible breakfast dishes, famous pork chop sandwiches, and handmade biscuits.

Snappy Lunch is a little restaurant located behind North Main Street in Mount Airy, and it has two eating spots with a diner area and comfy seats and has hung photos of Andy Griffith in a lovely and convenient ambiance.

This restaurant attracts many locals and tourists alike, who check to treat their stomachs to their famous sandwiches, which are filled with chili, coleslaw, mustard, pork, onions, and tomato. Be sure to stop by anytime during the day to have breakfast or lunch.

Address: 125 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

15. Old North State Winery

Suppose you are a beer enthusiast; one of the fun things to do in Mt. Airy, NC is visiting the historic North State Winery. It is a modern winery and brewery that allows visitors to enjoy wine sampling tours, incredible foods, drinks, and good live music.

The Old North State Winery is accommodated in a revamped old hardware shop located on Main Street; it is such a critical dining site to see with a beautiful ambiance.

The restaurant offers visitors a vast range of wine collections, such as Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, and even Nobel Muscadines, Riesling, and Petit Manseng, and all these wines are available for tasting during the sampling tour.

The Old North State restaurant provides visitors with farm-to-fork dishes made with locally grown ingredients and organizes various live performances throughout the year.

Address: 308 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

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16. Be Part Of the Autumn Leaves Festival or Mayberry Days

One of the top things to do in Mt. Airy, NC, is to be part of the Autumn Leaves Festival organized in October on Mt Airy Main Street; during this time, the leaves change color.

During the festivity, visitors can enjoy delicious food truck fare and buy various local and handmade goods. Despite the Mayberry Days being about the Andy Griffith Show, it also has food vendors and other merchants.

The Mayberry Days happens annually during the third week of September but checkmate this information online before heading out.

Address: Mount Airy, Nc, United States

17. Libby Hill Seafood

Libby Hill Seafood is a famous seafood restaurant providing guests with various kinds of freshly caught seafood, shellfish harvested locally from Carolinas and Virginia, and fresh fish.

The Libby Hill Seafood is a family-owned and managed restaurant that has been in the business of providing top-notch seafood dishes for about 50 years

It has been serving incredible dishes such as

Atlantic perch and clams from New England,

salmon from Chile, shrimp from North Carolina and the Gulf Coast, flounder and whitefish from Alaska, flounder and whitefish from Alaska, scallops from Canada, and oysters from the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.

The Libby Hill Seafood also has an incredible collection of homemade beers, boutique wines, and top-notch cocktails that comes with the cuisine. You can also visit the Mayberry Mall location, which is available daily for lunch and quick dinner throughout the week.

Address: 199 Mayberry Mall, Mt Airy, NC 27030,

18. Prudence McCabe Confections

To satisfy your stomach cravings for confectionery goods, be sure to visit the Prudence McCabe Confections, which provides visitors with delicious treats that are homemade and produced by Sue Heckman.

Over the years, Sue Heckman only made chocolates for friends and family before establishing a confectionery shop perched in the downtown area of Mount Airy.

The shop took its name after her grandmother, Prudence, and Sue Heckman’s husband’s grandmother, McCabe.

The family-owned shop was named after her grandmother, Prudence, and her husband’s grandmother, McCabe. Visitors will find nearly every confectionary treat their mind can think of, from chocolates to gourmet popcorn.

The store also offers a variety of cheesecakes, truffles, infused truffles, chocolate-dipped treats, cake pops, chocolate bark, and gourmet apples.

Address: 192 North Main Street #400, Mt. Airy, North Carolina 27030

19. Mayberry Spirits Distillery

Community, sustainability, and authenticity are core characteristics of this small-batch craft distillery.

With its premium handcrafted spirits, Mayberry Spirits Distillery in the city’s center aims to foster genuine connections between friends and families.

The distillery is known for its distinctive single-malt whiskies, produced using the more environmentally friendly sorghum grain rather than the more frequently used corn mash. The distillery welcomes visitors to take tours and try its three whiskies and specialty drinks.

Gourmet extracts and flavorings, salts and sugars, items infused with whiskey, whiskey wizard kits, and cigars are also available at the retail location. The retail area of the distillery also supports the creations of regional artisans and artists.

Address: 461 N. South Street, Mt. Airy, North Carolina 27030,

20. Wally’s Service Station

As you take a stroll down Main Street, you will be able to find Wally’s Service Station if you are a lover of the Andy Griffith Show and the artificial Mayberry city. Here should be a must-see destination for you if you visit Mount Airy.

The Wally’s Service Station is a previous gas station built in 1937, and in 2001 it transformed into a famed tourist destination that attracts many people.

The Wally’s Service Station makes for an excellent backdrop to take lovely photos and even for visitors to make purchases of presents, candies, and souvenirs.

Address: 625 S Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

21. Squad Car Tour

One of the best things to do in Mt. Airy, NC, is to be a part of the Squad Car Tour.

The road trip is more of a cartoon story-like tour that will help you enjoy a lovely time even as you enjoy the iconic sites to see in the town, including Griffith’s childhood residence.

Other sites to see include the schools and churches that were attended by Griffith and the various areas that were visited by him, starting from y’s Service Station.

Address: 625 S Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

22. White Elephant Beer Company

If you love good liquor, one of the best places to be is the White Elephant Beer Company. It is a great place to enjoy a delicious beer in town and should be on your bucket list of things to do in Mt. Airy, NC.

White Elephant Beer Company provides visitors with excellent alcoholic beverages and rums from around the world and throughout North Carolina. The brewery also produces brands such as IPAs, stouts, and various unique beers made on site.

The beer company has a beautiful terrain that makes it outstanding. The locals are amiable as they will offer to help you get conversant with the town while enjoying the exciting features of this region.

The brewery also organizes from time to time weekly Banjos meet-ups and Trivia Nights and Beer to give visitors a lovely experience. So be sure to stop by when you visit.

Address: 225 Market St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

23. Visit The Sonker Trail

Do something rather unusual by visiting the Sonker Trail. It is one weird activity to be part of when you see it, but it is worth the try.

Do you have any idea what sonker is? If you do not, visiting the Sonker Trail should be on your list of fun things to do in Mt. Airy, NC. Sonkers are delicious indigenous sweets made by mixing them between a pie and a cobbler.

There are different locations of Sonker shops to find here. These sonkers come in different flavors and shapes. The sonkers Trail has five shops, each sweet promise to be incredible and unique.

Be sure to visit Miss Angeles to taste their delicious pies coated with glaze prepared from local moonshine.

Address: Mount Airy, Nc, United States

24. Opie’s Candy Store

Relive old memories and step back in time at Opie’s Candy store. Here, your childhood fantasies can come alive as you indulge yourself with treats from back in the day.

It is a great store for the young and old, as there are over 500 candy options. You can find candy necklaces, sugar-free candies, gummies, candy bars, etc.

They’ve got chocolate-covered goodies that will leave you wanting more, from chocolate turtles to cookie dough and coffee beans.

You can even find the world’s best hand-dipped ice cream and delicious fudge present, and if you’re uncertain, they’ve got friendly staff to help you out.

If you’re ever downtown Mount Airy, drop by Opie’s Candy store on North Main street for a treat. You’ll be glad you did.

Address: 135 N Main Street, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States.

25. Mayberry Campground

Mayberry Campground was established on a 2,000-acre farm owned by Eng and Chang Bunker, the notable Siamese twins.

This RV-styled campground has a multi-level park that shows the beautiful terrains of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The facility is fully equipped with internet, water, electricity, sewage, and cable TV connections. They also have a laundry establishment, fire pits, playground, biking trails, and community grills.

You can spend the day fishing or walking the trail leading to The White plains church, where you’ll find Eng and Chang Bunker buried.

Address: 114 Byron Bunker Ln, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States.

26. Mount Airy Visitors Center

One place you can’t afford to miss is the Mount Airy Visitors Center. Think of it as that ultimate guide to help you tour Mount Airy.

You will find maps and brochures about Mount Airy, Surry county, and Yadkin Valley Wine Region.

The Center is open seven days a week, offering trolley tours, squad car tours, and an on-tour operator for tour groups, including accommodation options.

Learn about the top activities, restaurants, spots, shopping centers, and housing selections available in Mount Airy at the Visitors Center.

You can find this place right at the heart of Mount Airy, so you surely can’t miss it.

Address: 200 N Main Street, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States.

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Plan a Trip to Mt. Airy

There are numerous fun things to be part of when you visit this beautiful town as it has tons of attractions that will pique your interest, including museums, shops, exquisite restaurants, and outdoor areas.

If you want an ideal vacation experience be sure to stop by. Have fun!