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North Carolina Attractions|Small Towns

North Carolina's Most Famous Small Town Will Take You Back To Your Childhood

By Robin Jarvis | Published March 22, 2018

The Tar Heel State has its share of places made famous in the movies, but it was a television show that put this little town in North Carolina on the map. Whether you grew up in the sixties, or watched syndicated reruns of the iconic television series “The Andy Griffith Show,” you’re certain to take a step back in time in North Carolina’s most famous small town whose unofficial nickname is “Mayberry.”

Mt. Airy is a thriving little city located near the Virginia border in Surry County. One thing for certain about this little town is their pride for their most famous resident runs deep.

"The Andy Griffith Show," aired on the CBS network from 1960 to 1968. The show's namesake (center in this photo) was born and raised in Mt. Airy.

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For ardent fans, Mt. Airy IS the fictional town in the series. A visit to the historic town reveals a multitude of clues that tell the same story. Let's see how many you can recognize.

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Residents and visitors alike can get their hair cut at Floyd's Barber Shop.

And pert near everyone can take a tour in an old police car like the ones they used in the show.

And there's more to see! Like the Darlin's cabin.

Briscoe, Charleen and the boys may not be around, but you'll know you're in the right place.

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Spotting Wally's tow truck may bring a tear to your eyes, but you'll still be happy to have had the encounter. (By the way, Goober says, "Hey!")

Swing by and snap a photo of Emmett's... that will surely dry your tears.

Heck, you can even ride by Andy's childhood home, or stay overnight. (Yes, you can sleep in Andy's room.)

If you really want to see a bevy of the show's artifacts, then be sure to visit the Andy Griffith Museum. It's located one half mile from his childhood home.

Sit at his desk and pretend to holler at Barney Fife. Bang the gavel to restore order to the room, or call the operator from the phone on Andy's desk. (Her name is Sarah, in case you forgot.)

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Or, step over to the other side of the law and get locked up like Ernest T. Bass.

(R.I.P., Ernest T.)

Historic Mayberry, err... Mt. Airy, is located less than 10 miles from Interstate 77.

For more information about Mt. Airy’s Mayberry attractions, see this link.

For additional famous showbiz locations in North Carolina, check out these 14 places that show up in blockbuster movies.

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