For generations, The Andy Griffith Show has charmed audiences worldwide with its heartwarming stories of small-town life in Mayberry. The idyllic town, Sheriff Andy Taylor, Barney Fife, and the rest of the beloved characters feel so authentic, it’s natural to wonder: Where Was Andy Griffith Filmed? While the series itself was famously filmed in Hollywood sound stages, the true heart and soul of Mayberry lies in a real place – Mt. Airy, North Carolina, the hometown of Andy Griffith himself.
This charming town served as the direct inspiration for Mayberry, and a visit to Mt. Airy is like stepping back in time to the 1960s. Even decades after the show’s original run from 1960 to 1968, the spirit of Mayberry is alive and well in Mt. Airy. The show’s enduring popularity is undeniable; even today, over sixty years later, The Andy Griffith Show continues to broadcast somewhere in the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Stepping off Interstate 77 in 2016 and heading east towards Mt. Airy felt like entering a different era. Just a short 14-mile drive transported me back to 1963. The show’s iconic whistling theme song played in my mind as I arrived in the place where it all began. Mt. Airy was Andy Griffith’s home from his birth in 1926 until 1966. This is where he spent his childhood and formative years, before moving his parents to California to be closer to him during his burgeoning acting career.
Barneys Cafe in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, reminiscent of The Andy Griffith Show
As I strolled down Main Street, familiar names like Floyd’s Barber Shop, Opie’s Candy Store, and Barney’s Café instantly brought the black and white world of Mayberry to vibrant life. It was almost surreal; the line between reality and television fiction blurred. While The Andy Griffith Show filming locations were all based in Hollywood studios, Mt. Airy feels undeniably like the genuine article. It’s clear that Mt. Airy holds immense pride for their native son, Andy Griffith, and the legacy of Mayberry he brought to the world.
Remembering the Enduring Appeal of The Andy Griffith Show
What is it about The Andy Griffith Show that continues to resonate with audiences across generations? The show offered viewers a comforting vision of community, emphasizing values like family, neighborly love, and kindness to both friends and strangers. It taught us the importance of helping those in need and seeking the good in everyone. Problems in Mayberry were always resolved with a dose of humor and a gentle reminder of the importance of human connection.
Spending time in Mt. Airy, it’s easy to understand the origin of these values. The warmth and friendliness of the town’s residents are palpable. During my visit, I was greeted with genuine smiles and a friendly, “Hi Sweetie, you from ’round here?” – a testament to the town’s enduring charm. Even decades after The Andy Griffith Show graced television screens, the people of Mt. Airy maintain the same welcoming spirit that defined Mayberry. It’s a spirit we can only hope will continue to thrive.
Despite its small size, with a population of around 10,000, Mt. Airy offers a surprising array of attractions and activities for visitors.
10 Things To Do in the Real Mayberry within 24 Hours
Heart & Soul Bed and Breakfast – 618 N Main Street
Forget large, impersonal hotels. Mt. Airy offers a more intimate lodging experience. While you’ll find a few motels on the outskirts, the true charm lies in staying within the town itself. For those seeking a closer connection to nature, there are over 400 campsites in seven campgrounds surrounding Mt. Airy.
I opted for a stay at the Heart & Soul Bed and Breakfast, a delightful four-room inn located right in town. Hosts Pam and Chris Bastin welcomed me with open arms, greeting guests from their porch. Check-in is conveniently scheduled between 3-6 pm, and arrangements can be made for arrivals outside these hours.
Heart N Soul Bed and Breakfast, a charming lodging option in Mt. Airy, North Carolina
After a welcoming tour of the B&B, Chris set the relaxed pace of Mt. Airy with, “Breakfast is at 9 am, seein’ how nothing in town really gets going ‘til at least 10 am.” With the afternoon free, I set off to explore the town at my own pace.
Barney’s Café – 206 North Main Street
Chicken and Dumplings at Barney's Cafe, a taste of Southern comfort food in Mt. Airy
Barney’s Café is a classic diner, primarily serving breakfast and lunch, but also offering two dinner specials that feel like a delicious step back in time. My choices were spaghetti with salad and a roll, or comforting chicken and dumplings with two sides and cornbread – both for an incredibly affordable $6. Even the prices seemed to echo a bygone era. I chose the chicken and dumplings, accompanied by green beans and yams, and enjoyed the extra dose of Southern hospitality with every “sweetie” from the friendly waitress.
Though tempted by the dessert menu featuring strawberry shortcake, chocolate pie, pineapple cake, coconut pie, peach cobbler, and coconut sheet cake (all at just $2 a slice!), I was simply too full. Dinner service at Barney’s concludes at 6:30 pm, perfectly timed for my next destination: the Old Time Jam at the historic Earle Theater just down the street.
Old Time Jam at the Historic Earle Theater – 142 North Main Street
The historic Earle Theater in Mt. Airy, a venue for community and musical gatherings
My visit fortuitously coincided with a Thursday night, the regular night for the Old Time Jam at the Earle Theater. Every Thursday, year-round, local musicians gather for an evening of “pickin’ and grinnin’.” The welcoming atmosphere extends to everyone. “Come on in,” the greeter announced as I entered the historic 250-seat theater, clearly a central hub of Mt. Airy’s community. He jokingly added, “I don’t charge people to come in. I only charge them to leave. I make more money like that.”
On stage, a dozen or so musicians played fiddles, guitars, and basses, leading a relaxed performance of gospel, country, and bluegrass tunes. Various singers took turns throughout the two-hour program, adding to the evening’s authentic and entertaining character. Inspired by the music, local dancers even took to clogging in front of the stage.
The Old Time Jam is a truly delightful experience – authentic local music, free admission, and genuine mountain spirit. Afterwards, I enjoyed a pleasant four-block walk back to Heart and Soul, where a cup of tea provided the perfect ending to a day filled with good food, music, and small-town charm.
A hearty breakfast at Heart N Soul Bed and Breakfast, starting the day in Mt. Airy
The next morning began with a delicious and generous Heart N Soul breakfast: poached pears with vanilla yogurt, almonds, and gingersnap crumbs, followed by peach and blueberry crepes with fresh whipped cream, roasted butternut squash, redskin potatoes, and sausage. After saying farewell to my hosts, I walked a block to the Gertrude Smith House.
Gertrude Smith House – 708 North Main Street
Gertrude Smith House, a historic home preserved for public enjoyment in Mt. Airy
Built in 1903, the Gertrude Smith House is a testament to Mt. Airy’s history. Owned solely by the Jefferson Davis Smith family, the house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, adding to the historical significance of a visit to Mt. Airy. Jefferson Davis Smith, a prominent local figure, owned the general store, farms, and rental properties. He and his wife raised seven children in this home. Following his death, his daughter Gertrude Smith, a New York interior designer, returned to manage the family businesses. Gertrude and two of her unmarried brothers lived in the house until her death at the age of 90 in 1981.
To prevent the home’s demolition and conversion into a parking lot by the neighboring Baptist church, Gertrude established a foundation to preserve it for public enjoyment in perpetuity. A highlight of my tour was chatting with local docents, offering invaluable insights into the town’s present and past. Conversing with locals is always the best way to truly understand the heart of a place.
Opie’s Candy Store – 135 North Main Street
Stepping into Opie’s Candy Store is like entering a sweet-filled time capsule. I was surprised to find bubble gum and candy cigarettes, seemingly relics of a bygone era. But in Mt. Airy, near Winston-Salem, the heart of tobacco country, and in a candy store named after Sheriff Andy’s son, these nostalgic treats are still available.
Opie's Candy Store in Mt. Airy, a nostalgic stop for sweet treats and memories
Opie’s is a must-visit for an ice cream cone and a trip down memory lane with your favorite childhood candies. Remember, you’re in a town that embraces the spirit of the 1960s. Like many Main Street businesses, Opie’s operates as a cash-only establishment, adding to its old-fashioned charm.
Floyd’s Barber Shop – 129 North Main Street
Floyd's Barber Shop in Mt. Airy, a real-life inspiration for the iconic TV barbershop
Andy Griffith’s character of Floyd the Barber was inspired by Russel Hiatt, a beloved Mt. Airy barber. Hiatt recently passed away at 93, after barbering for an incredible 72 years. His son keeps his father’s memory alive by opening the shop and sharing stories with tourists. He even offers to take photos of visitors sitting in Floyd’s chair, using your own camera, creating a perfect Mayberry moment.
Mount Airy Museum of Regional History – 301 N Main Street
Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, showcasing the broader history of the region beyond Mayberry
To delve into the history of the region beyond The Andy Griffith Show, the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History is an essential stop. Located in the heart of town, the museum’s exhibits span from Native American history and early settlers to the arrival of the railroad, segregation and integration, and modern times. The third floor features a “Hands-on History” exhibit, engaging for both children and adults. For a spooky twist, “The Haunted Mayberry” ghost tours depart from the museum on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from June to October.
The Loaded Goat – 247 City Hall Street
Named after a memorable Season 3 episode of The Andy Griffith Show where Andy and Barney encounter a dynamite-eating goat, The Loaded Goat pub is a more recent addition to Mt. Airy. Owner Craig Deas, a former radio broadcaster from Cleveland, opened the pub after falling in love with Mt. Airy during Mayberry Days. He aimed to blend his love of sports with the atmosphere of a Cleveland bar in his new Mayberry venture.
Adding to the local charm, actress Betty Lynn, who played Barney’s girlfriend Thelma Lou, is a Mt. Airy resident and recently celebrated her 90th birthday at The Loaded Goat.
A Carolina Burger at The Loaded Goat, a modern eatery with Mayberry charm in Mt. Airy
The Loaded Goat offers a casual menu of classic bar fare. I enjoyed their Carolina Burger, a hearty ½ pound burger topped with homemade chili on a brioche bun, accompanied by coleslaw. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed break and refueling during a day of Mayberry exploration.
Wally’s Service Station – 625 South Main Street
For a truly unique and informative tour of Mayberry and Mt. Airy’s history, a Squad Car Tour starting at Wally’s Service Station is a must. Wally’s, of course, brings to mind Goober Pyle, Wally’s cousin who worked at the station on The Andy Griffith Show (though likely inspired by many real-life “Goobers” in Mt. Airy!). My tour guide, Melvin, and I hopped into a 1967 Ford Galaxy, a replica of Sheriff Andy’s squad car, to begin our exploration.
Wally's Service Station in Mt. Airy, the starting point for squad car tours of Mayberry
Each year, a Ford dealer in California loaned squad cars to The Andy Griffith Show. After filming, the cars were returned, repainted, and sold. While none of the original show cars have survived, the squad car tours utilize the same model, offering an authentic experience. Who could have imagined in the early days of television that these cars would become cherished pieces of television history?
The Squad Car Tour
Riding in the un-airconditioned squad car on a summer day, sirens occasionally blaring, was a fun and memorable experience. Melvin pointed out Andy Griffith’s childhood home, the Wiener-Burger where his mother worked and where Andy developed his love for hot dogs, and various Main Street landmarks. He also shared local history beyond The Andy Griffith Show, enriching the tour with broader Mt. Airy narratives.
Replica of the Mayberry Courthouse in Mt. Airy, a popular photo opportunity for visitors
We visited the world’s largest open-face white granite quarry. I learned about country singer Donna Fargo, a Mt. Airy native, whose song “The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA” launched her career. And the fascinating story of Eng and Cheng Bunker, the Siamese twins who settled in Mt. Airy after a career in freak shows, married local sisters, and fathered 22 children. Mt. Airy’s history extends far beyond Andy Griffith’s fame.
A replica of the Mayberry Courthouse, complete with jail cells, stands next to Wally’s. A local pastor even performs weddings there, in front of a replica of Sheriff Andy’s desk. Melvin, my guide, sometimes even plays the role of the deputy in these Mayberry-themed nuptials! Couples can even ride through town in a squad car, sirens blaring, after saying “I do.”
The Andy Griffith Museum – 218 Rockford Street
No visit to Mt. Airy is complete without a trip to The Andy Griffith Museum. Emmett Forrest, Andy Griffith’s childhood friend, amassed an extensive collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia throughout his life. This collection is now housed in the museum, showcasing items from The Andy Griffith Show, Matlock, movies, Broadway, comedy albums, and highlighting Griffith’s philanthropic endeavors. The collection continues to grow through ongoing donations and is supported by the Surry Arts Council. A visit to this single-room museum is a worthwhile experience, easily enjoyed in under an hour.
Sheriff Andy's Desk at The Andy Griffith Museum in Mt. Airy, a focal point for fans of the show
From Mayberry to Merlot: Mt. Airy’s Modern Appeal
Many visitors discover Mt. Airy, like myself, drawn by its reputation as the real Mayberry and Andy Griffith’s hometown. Often, it’s a stopover, a convenient halfway point for travelers on I-77 heading south towards the Atlantic beaches. However, many find themselves extending their stay beyond a single night. As visitors explore, they discover the depth of Mt. Airy’s charm and the surprising variety of things to see and do. The town is also gaining popularity as a retirement destination, attracted by its relaxed pace, scenic Blue Ridge Mountain views, and affordable cost of living.
Before your trip to Mt. Airy, consider revisiting classic episodes of The Andy Griffith Show. You’ll be surprised by the subtle connections and nuances of Mt. Airy woven into the series, enhancing your appreciation for the real-life Mayberry. On my next visit, I plan to explore Mt. Airy’s modern evolution, including the burgeoning Yadkin Valley wine region and the entrepreneurial spirit that is expanding beyond Mayberry nostalgia into new ventures, from Mayberry to Merlot.
For reviews of Heart & Soul and other lodging options, visit Trip Advisor, a MilesGeek affiliate.
