Explore Mount Airy, NC: 12 Must-Do Activities for a Perfect Visit

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Mount Airy, NC, isn’t just a charming small town; it’s like stepping into a living postcard of old-school Americana. This cozy gem of a town, famous for its Mayberry roots, welcomes you with its peaceful streets, friendly faces, and quirky landmarks. From sipping craft beer on Main Street to hiking scenic trails that offer sweeping mountain views, Mount Airy has the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and local flavor. I’ll never forget my first visit—how easy it was to get lost in the town’s nostalgic charm. Let’s dive into the 12 best things to do in Mount Airy!

Best Things to See in Mount Airy, NC

Visiting Mount Airy? Step back in time at the Andy Griffith Museum, explore the historic Main Street shops, or take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Whether you’re here for small-town charm, local history, or outdoor escapes, here are the top spots you won’t want to miss.

1. Andy Griffith Museum

• Location: Downtown Mount Airy, next to Andy Griffith Playhouse
• Best For: Nostalgic TV fans seeking authentic memorabilia, multi-generational families sharing childhood memories, pop culture enthusiasts interested in television history
• Nearby Stay: Hampton Inn Mount Airy – modern chain hotel with free breakfast, 5-minute drive from downtown

Here’s what sets the Andy Griffith Museum apart from typical celebrity attractions: it houses the world’s largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia, collected by his childhood friend Emmett Forrest. This isn’t some tourist trap filled with knockoff souvenirs. You’re looking at actual props from The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock that Andy himself donated, plus personal items from co-stars like Don Knotts’ deputy uniform.

I recommend arriving right when they open at 9am on weekdays. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for ages 12 and under, and your ticket includes access to additional Surry Arts Council exhibits within walking distance. What most tourists don’t realize is that your admission also gets you into the Betty Lynn exhibit and the Siamese Twins display in adjacent buildings, essentially three museums for one price.

The museum sits behind the Andy Griffith Playhouse in beautiful gardens, and locals will tell you it’s significantly better after the 2017 renovation. The museum is open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm, but they limit capacity to 10 people at a time during busy periods. 

2. Downtown District

• Location: Historic Main Street corridor
• Best For: Mayberry fans seeking authentic filming locations, antique collectors hunting vintage finds, small-town atmosphere enthusiasts craving genuine Southern charm
• Nearby Stay: Mayberry Motor Inn – themed accommodations on 5 peaceful acres, 5-minute drive from downtown

Downtown Mount Airy operates like a real small town that happens to have Mayberry connections, not a tourist trap dressed up for show. The storefronts house actual businesses that locals use daily: Floyd’s Barbershop still cuts hair, Snappy Lunch feeds workers their lunch, and the antique shops contain genuine finds rather than overpriced souvenirs.

Start early at Snappy Lunch (open 6am) for their famous pork chop sandwich before the lunch rush creates lines stretching down Main Street. The sandwich costs around $6 and requires serious napkins, but it’s honestly worth every drip. Most tourists miss that this is the only Mount Airy business actually mentioned on The Andy Griffith Show, making it the most authentic Mayberry experience available.

Locals shop the antique stores after 3pm when crowds thin out, and that’s when you’ll usually find the best deals. Most shops close by 5pm, and the entire district essentially shuts down by 6pm except for a couple restaurants.

Note: Parking is parallel only downtown, so larger vehicles need the public lots one block off Main Street. 

3. Earle Theatre

• Location: Downtown Main Street, art deco building from 1938
• Best For: Bluegrass and old-time music enthusiasts, live radio broadcast fans, history buffs interested in authentic mountain culture
• Nearby Stay: Quality Inn Mount Airy Mayberry – budget-friendly chain hotel with Mayberry theming, walking distance to theatre

The Earle Theatre houses the second longest-running live radio broadcast in America, making it far more significant than a typical small-town venue. Every Saturday at 11am, WPAQ’s Merry-Go-Round broadcasts live from the stage, featuring musicians who’ve shaped American folk music. This isn’t a tourist recreation, legends like Tommy Jarrell, Bill Monroe, and Lester Flatt literally performed here when the show launched in 1948.

Arrive by 10:30am on Saturdays to secure good seats for the Merry-Go-Round broadcast. Admission costs $8 and includes access to the Andy Griffith Museum exhibits. The show runs until 1:30pm, but locals know the real magic happens during the pre-show jam sessions starting at 9am when musicians warm up and visitors can interact directly with performers.

The Old-Time Music Heritage Hall operates inside the theatre with exhibits showcasing Surry County’s musical legends. Most tourists rush through, but spending time with the audio guide reveals why this specific mountain region produced such influential American music. 

The theatre still shows movies and hosts concerts year-round, but call 336-786-2222 for current schedules.

4. Pilot Mountain State Park

• Location: Pinnacle area (Surry & Yadkin counties)
• Best For: Serious hikers seeking challenging mountain trails, rock climbers wanting technical routes, nature photographers capturing Blue Ridge vistas
• Nearby Stay: Holiday Inn Express Mount Airy – modern amenities with mountain views, 25-minute drive to park entrance

Pilot Mountain stands alone on the horizon like North Carolina’s version of Devil’s Tower, making it impossible to miss from miles away. What surprises most visitors is that this isn’t just a scenic overlook, it comes with serious hiking challenges.

Plan your timing carefully because weekend crowds force gate closures when the summit parking fills to capacity. Arrive before 9am or after 4pm to avoid the shuttle system that kicks in during peak times ($5 per person when operational). The 3.5-mile Grindstone Trail from the visitor center to the summit offers the most rewarding experience, but it’s a steady climb that many underestimate.

Local hikers recommend starting from the campground rather than the visitor center to shave off some distance. The Ledge Spring Trail provides spectacular cliff-base hiking that most tourists miss entirely. For rock climbers, advance registration and permits are strictly required.

The park operates daily with free admission, but gates lock promptly at closing (4pm winter, 5pm summer). No vehicles can enter after hours, even for registered campers. 

• Read next: Magical North Carolina Vacation Rentals

5. Round Peak Vineyards

• Location: 765 Round Peak Church Road
• Best For: Serious wine enthusiasts seeking rare varietals, disc golf players wanting vineyard views, couples looking for mountain backdrop tastings
• Nearby Stay: Andy Griffith Parkway Inn – family-owned inn with Mayberry charm, 15-minute drive to vineyard

Round Peak functions as both working vineyard and recreational destination, combining serious winemaking with an 18-hole disc golf course that winds through the grape vines. The combination sounds odd until you experience both: tasting estate-grown wines while watching players navigate fairways carved between rows of French and Italian varietals creates an unexpectedly relaxed atmosphere.

Skip the weekend rush and visit Tuesday through Thursday when you can actually walk through the vineyard rows without dodging wedding parties or tournaments. The tasting room operates Sunday-Thursday noon-5pm, Friday noon-8pm, Saturday 11am-6pm, but closes completely Monday-Thursday from January through March. Most visitors stick to the covered patio, missing the actual vineyard exploration that sets this place apart.

Bring cash for the disc golf.It’s $15 per person and now requires tasting room approval after too many players brought their own alcohol onto the course. The front nine near the tasting room suits beginners, while the back nine spreading across the full property challenges experienced players.

The property also offers two rental cabins and welcomes pets throughout.

• Read next: Best of the Blue Ridge Mountains

6. Mount Airy Museum of Regional History

• Location: Downtown Mount Airy, restored 1890s mercantile building
• Best For: History enthusiasts seeking authentic regional stories, families wanting hands-on learning experiences, architecture lovers appreciating Victorian-era artifacts
• Nearby Stay: Mayberry Motor Inn – themed vintage motel with Andy Griffith memorabilia, 2-block walk to museum

The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History focuses on stories that shaped the actual region rather than celebrity connections, making it valuable for understanding why this area developed as it did. The granite quarry exhibit explains how Mount Airy stone ended up in the World War II Memorial and Wright Brothers Monument, while Saura Indian displays cover the indigenous people who called Pilot Mountain “Jomeokee” centuries before European settlement.

I recommend arriving Tuesday-Thursday between 10:30am-noon when staff can provide detailed explanations about the 100-foot mountain mural and answer questions about local family genealogies. Admission runs $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 students with free group tours available by advance arrangement. The museum operates Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm.

Local researchers use the archives for family history projects that tourists never see, and the Victorian-era Woodroffe family artifacts on the upper floor showcase the granite quarry founders’ actual possessions. The hands-on history gallery works well for kids under 10, but older children often find the static displays less engaging.

Weekend ghost tours through downtown ($15 per person) book weeks ahead during October, and the museum’s narrow staircases can create bottlenecks when tour groups overlap with regular visitors.

7. WPAQ

• Location: Historic Earle Theatre, downtown Mount Airy
• Best For: Music enthusiasts, radio history buffs, authentic cultural experience seekers
• Nearby Stay: Hampton Inn Mount Airy – comfortable chain hotel with breakfast, 5-minute drive to downtown

WPAQ 740 AM hosts the second-longest running live radio broadcast in America. Every Saturday from 11am to 1:30pm, WPAQ’s signature show the Merry-Go-Round broadcasts live from the restored Historic Earle Theatre. 

It’s better to arrive by 10:45am to secure good seats in the 424-seat theatre. Admission is $8, or free if you’ve purchased Andy Griffith Museum tickets the same day. What makes this special isn’t just the music, it’s watching a piece of living history unfold. Locals have been gathering here since 1948, when the show launched on Groundhog Day alongside the station itself.

The live Saturday broadcast is the best time to experience WPAQ’s full reach in signal strength and energy. You’ll hear the same mix of bluegrass, old-time, and gospel music that legends like Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, and Tommy Jarrell once performed here.

Experience raw, authentic mountain music performed by talented regional artists. You can also tune in on 740 AM, 106.7 FM, or stream online at wpaq740.com if you can’t make it in person.

8. Mayberry Spirits Distillery

• Location: North Mount Airy, 461 N South Street
• Best For: Whiskey enthusiasts, craft spirit lovers, unique souvenir hunters
• Nearby Stay: Hampton Inn Mount Airy – reliable chain hotel with breakfast, 4-minute drive to distillery

Mount Airy’s first legal distillery since Prohibition crafts something you won’t find anywhere else: single-malt sorghum whiskey. While most American whiskeys use corn, Mayberry Spirits Distillery uses 100% sorghum grain. This creates a distinctly smooth, slightly sweet spirit that captures true Appalachian tradition.

Call ahead at (336) 719-6860 to confirm tour availability, as the distillery operates limited hours (typically Friday-Saturday 12pm-6pm). The $10 tour includes five tastings—three straight whiskeys plus two cocktail variations, along with a souvenir shot glass. What sets this apart is owner Vann McCoy’s entertaining approach. He’s part distiller, part showman, explaining everything from moonshine bubble-testing techniques to experimental wood chip aging.

The gift shop sells unique items you won’t find elsewhere, including Madagascar vanilla extract made from their whiskey and locally crafted soaps. Their Crystal Moon, Toasted Oak, and Toasted Vanilla expressions are available at North Carolina ABC stores if you want to take home full bottles.

9. Lovill’s Creek Lake

• Location: Carroll County, Virginia (20 minutes north of Mount Airy)
• Best For: Bass fishing enthusiasts, peaceful escape seekers, birdwatchers hoping to spot eagles
• Nearby Stay: Hampton Inn Hillsville – clean chain hotel with breakfast, 20-minute drive to lake

Lovill’s Creek Lake offers completely different fishing than Mount Airy’s trout streams. The Virginia Department of Wildlife stocks it with largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie, while two resident bald eagles have made it home since 2019.

The lake stays open 24 hours daily year-round, but bring your Virginia fishing license if you’re 16 or older. Only electric motors are allowed, keeping noise levels down for serious anglers. Important regulation: a 12-15 inch slot limit protects bass populations, so you can only keep fish outside that range.

Drive from Mount Airy via Route 52 south to Epworth Church Road, then follow signs to the boat ramp. The facility includes a fishing pier, picnic shelters, and handicap-accessible features. Reserve the picnic shelter through Carroll County at (276) 730-3001 if you’re planning a group outing.

This makes a worthy detour from Mount Airy’s mountain streams, especially since state biologists rank it among Virginia’s finest fishing lakes.

10. Mount Airy Granite Quarry

• Location: Northeast Mount Airy
• Best For: Industrial history buffs, geology enthusiasts, explosion watchers hoping for a blast
• Nearby Stay: Hampton Inn Mount Airy – reliable chain hotel, 10-minute drive to quarry observation deck

The world’s largest open-face granite quarry operates as Mount Airy’s most impressive industrial attraction. The Mount Airy Granite Quarry has produced stone for Fort Knox, the Wright Brothers Monument, and the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. since 1889.

Drive directly to the free observation deck during quarry operating hours (weekdays and weekends during daylight). The quarry blasts multiple times daily – you’ll hear and feel the explosions from the safe viewing area. The white granite contrasts dramatically against surrounding greenery, creating what astronauts reportedly spot from space.

The geological marvel extends 8,000 feet deep with enough granite to mine for another 500 years. Near the entrance, check out buildings constructed entirely from quarry granite, including a church that showcases the stone’s pristine white color.

Park at the observation deck and walk the perimeter for different perspectives. The site puts Mount Airy on the world map decades before Andy Griffith made it famous. Combine your visit with nearby Mayberry attractions for a full day exploring the town’s dual identity.

11. Miss Angel’s Heavenly Pies

• Location: 153 North Main Street, downtown Mount Airy
• Best For: Pie lovers, farm-to-table enthusiasts, sonker experience seekers
• Nearby Stay: Hampton Inn Mount Airy – reliable chain hotel with breakfast, 1-mile drive to downtown

Miss Angel’s Heavenly Pies fills downtown Mount Airy with heavenly aromas from scratch-made pies using fruit grown on the owner’s 65-acre farm. Angela and husband Randy create everything fresh daily without preservatives, from classic fruit pies to regional sonker (a local deep-dish fruit dessert) and moonshine ice cream.

The overwhelming selection includes face-sized cookies, turnovers, pot pies, and seasonal specialties made with farm-fresh peaches, blackberries, and apples. Try the signature sonker, a uniquely Surry County dessert that’s like a deep-dish fruit cobbler. 

Open seven days a week (Monday-Thursday 9am-5:30pm, Friday-Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday 10am-4:30pm). Any unsold items get donated to local food banks and shelters. During peach season (June-October), visit their farm at 252 Heart Lane for pick-your-own fruit, pizza nights with wood-fired ovens, and seasonal festivals.

Featured on AMC and in Our State Magazine, this family operation represents authentic farm-to-bakery traditions that put Mount Airy on the culinary map.

12. Horne Creek Living Historical Farm

• Location: 308 Horne Creek Farm Road, Pinnacle (25 minutes from Mount Airy)
• Best For: History enthusiasts, families with kids, hands-on learning seekers
• Nearby Stay: Hampton Inn Mount Airy – reliable chain hotel with breakfast, 25-minute drive to farm

Horne Creek Living Historical Farm transports visitors to 1900s Piedmont farm life on the original Hauser family homestead. This working farm operates with heritage livestock, heirloom crops, and endangered animal breeds in authentic buildings from the 1880s.

The experience goes beyond looking. Kids can feed chickens, adults can watch tobacco curing demonstrations, and everyone tries hands-on activities like corn shelling and sorghum making. Guided tours reveal fascinating details about cast iron cooking, fruit preservation, and daily farm routines from over a century ago.

It’s open Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm with free admission. The quarter-mile nature trail passes the family cemetery and follows Horne Creek through wooded ridges. Special events throughout the year include corn shucking frolics, ice cream socials, and Christmas by Lamplight dinners.

The Southern Heritage Apple Orchard contains 400 varieties of rare apples. Visit during fall events to purchase heritage varieties and grafted trees unavailable elsewhere. This North Carolina Historic Site preserves agricultural traditions that shaped the region’s character.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Best Things to Do in Mount Airy, NC

Looking for more content on the top things to do in Mount Airy NC? Here are some popular questions (and answers) I get that will help you plan your trip to Mount Airy NC:

Is Mount Airy NC the real Mayberry?

Absolutely! Mount Airy is the birthplace of Andy Griffith and served as the inspiration for the fictional town of Mayberry in “The Andy Griffith Show.” While Mayberry might be fictional, the charm and warmth of Mount Airy are very real.

When’s the best time to visit Mount Airy NC?

While Mount Airy is delightful year-round, many visitors prefer the fall months. The autumn foliage is breathtaking, and the annual Mayberry Days Festival in September is a treat for fans of “The Andy Griffith Show.”

Are there family-friendly activities in Mount Airy NC?

Of course! From the historical Horne Creek Farm to the delightful Miss Angels Heavenly Pies, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.

How many days should I spend in Mount Airy NC  to see the highlights?

A weekend trip is perfect for capturing the essence of Mount Airy. However, if you have more time, there’s always more to explore and enjoy in this charming town.

What is Mount Airy NC known for?

Mount Airy, NC, is best known as the birthplace of Andy Griffith and the inspiration for the fictional town of Mayberry in “The Andy Griffith Show.” The town embraces this legacy, offering visitors a nostalgic trip down memory lane with attractions reminiscent of the beloved TV series.

Is Mount Airy NC worth visiting?

Absolutely! Mount Airy, NC, offers a delightful blend of nostalgic charm, natural beauty, and unique attractions, making it a must-visit for those seeking a blend of culture, history, and scenic views. Here are some reasons why you should visit:

1. Mayberry Connection: Mount Airy is famously known as the inspiration for Mayberry. This is the idyllic town depicted in “The Andy Griffith Show.” Fans of the show will appreciate the numerous nods to the series throughout the town. This includes squad car tours and the Andy Griffith Museum.
2. Historic Downtown: The downtown area boasts well-preserved buildings, antique shops, boutiques, and quaint eateries. This makes it a pleasant place to stroll and shop.
3. Winery Tours: Surrounded by the Yadkin Valley wine region, Mount Airy offers several wineries and vineyards that you can tour. Notably, the Shelton Vineyards is one of the larger and more recognized wineries in the area.
4. Outdoor Activities: The nearby Blue Ridge Parkway offers scenic drives, especially during the fall foliage season. There are also many opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking in the surrounding areas.
5. Cultural Events: Mount Airy hosts several events throughout the year. This includes the Mayberry Days festival, which celebrates “The Andy Griffith Show” with music, parades, and appearances by some of the show’s stars.
6. Music Heritage: The town has a rich tradition of old-time music. You can often find live performances in the local theaters and during the weekly jam sessions at the Historic Earle Theatre.

Concluding Thoughts on Exploring Mount Airy, NC

Mount Airy, with its rich history, captivating attractions, and undeniable charm, is a destination waiting to be discovered. It’s a place where nostalgia meets modern-day wonders, where every corner has a story to tell, and where the spirit of Mayberry lives on.

Whether you’re retracing the steps of Andy Griffith, indulging in delectable pies, or simply soaking in the town’s serene beauty, Mount Airy promises an experience like no other.

So pack your bags and set your sights on this North Carolina treasure. After all, in Mount Airy, every moment feels like a scene straight out of a classic TV show, filled with warmth, laughter, and a touch of magic.