When I think of Mayberry the first thing I think of is The Andy Griffith Show. This statue is probably the most iconic site to see in Mt. Airy for many. It’s funny I have passed this statue many times and I would say 90% of the time there is at least 1 or 2 people standing beside of Andy and Opie and someone is taking their picture. Many of us grew up watching this show. Its simple message and the hilarious antics of Barney Fife (Don Knotts) made for some wonderful entertainment for many and it still does to this day. I guess the old saying still applies “They just don’t make things like they used to”.
Andy Griffith was born in Mt. Airy, NC on June 1, 1926 and attended Mt. Airy High School. This is how Mt. Airy, NC became known as Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show. There are references to Mt Pilot in the show, which is actually the town of Pilot Mountain, NC about 12 miles down the road. When you come to visit Mt. Airy, be sure to visit the Andy Griffith Museum it has a lot of history on Andy Griffith along with memorabilia from The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. There is a $6.00 admission charge.
Mayberry Days is a great festival to attend for all things Mayberry. There have been some very notable stars from the TV show or with ties to the show in attendance. Thelma Lou, The Darlings, and Karen Knotts, daughter of Don Knotts (Barney Fife) to name a few. So for a fun weekend, this would be a great time to visit the town of Mt. Airy, NC
There are many hotels, bed and breakfast and campgrounds in the area to accommodate you and your family during your stay. For more information Lodging in and around “Mayberry” has some wonderful choices for accommodations.
I hope this information has been helpful to those who are trying to find Mayberry and once they leave hopefully they leave feeling as though they have.