Fitnessroadie

by, Beth Foster

I don’t know about you, but I absolutely enjoy watching just about anything that has North Carolina’s hometown TV star Andy Griffith in it. I probably watch the Andy Griffith Show every night of the week! Let’s not forget, he was also known for playing an almost unbeatable lawyer in the TV show Matlock. Well, there is nothing like going to Mount Airy, North Carolina, which is the hometown of Andy Griffith. The Andy Griffith Show is based on his hometown, but in the TV show it is called Mayberry instead of Mount Airy.

When visiting Mount Airy, North Carolina, these are 14 things I recommend doing while you are there!

1.) Andy Griffith’s Home Place

This home is where Andy Griffith was born and raised, and the home is currently being used as an Air B n B that is owned and operated by Hampton Inn. Most of the time when I swing by his childhood home, more times than likely someone is renting the place out. This is not the original size of the house. When Andy became famous, he was able to extend and remodel the house at its current state for his parents. The house contains antiques and is decorated with Griffith’s memorabilia.

The address to the house is 711 East Haymore Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030. If you would like to book a night or two here visit this website http://www.andygriffithhome.com.

2.) Davis Arcade & Hotel

Davis Arcade actually isn’t an arcade at all. You go down this long hallway that consists of different businesses and at the end of the hall, you will come to a lobby/front desk hotel window. Davis Arcade started off as hotel in the 1930s and is currently being used as somewhat of a halfway house for men.

3.) Donna Fargo’s Mural

Donna Fargo is also a hometown star from Mount Airy. She is an American country singer and songwriter known for her country music hit “Happiest Girl In The Whole U.S.A.”!

4.) Walkers Soda Fountain

As of May of 2025, Walkers Soda Fountain is permanently closed, however it is a pleasure to see, especially if you are an Andy Griffith show fan. During the tv show, Walkers was home of the town’s pharmacy, which was run by Ellie Walker, which just so happened to be Andy’s love interest in the first season. Not only did it provide pharmacy things but also was a great place to eat ice cream and floats. Quick fact: Elinor Donahue who played Ellie Walker is still living and is 88 years old as of today. You may also know her from the tv show hit “Father Knows Best”.

When I went to Mount Airy a few years ago, Walkers was a restaurant that served eateries such as old-fashioned burgers, fries and shakes.

The address is 175 N Main St, Mount Airy, 27030, NC.

5.) Opie’s Candy Store

If old fashioned candies such as caramel cremes, doubled dipped peanuts, and ice cream are your thing. Then you have to stop by Opie’s Candy Store, which is located right downtown beside Floyd’s Barber Shop.

The website to the candy store is http://www.opiescandystore.com and the physical store is located on 135 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030.

6.) Floyd’s Barber Shop

Floyd is by far one of my favorite characters from the show because he is funny and seems to be putting Andy up to something lol. You can watch people getting their haircuts from the window or you can get one yourself! Andy used to get his haircut in Floyd’s Barbershop.

Address is 129 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030

7.) Snappy Lunch

Come on by the Snappy Lunch and sit a spell for lunch! Snappy Lunch opened back in 1923 and was actually mentioned on the show! It is still open and serving up their famous pork-chop sandwiches. Pork-chop sandwiches are definitely a southern thing. You take two pieces of old-fashioned white bread and put a piece of pork-chop in between it, but I also like to add some hot sauce to the sandwich, preferably some Texas Pete hot sauce. You have to come for breakfast or lunch; the hours are from 6am-1:45pm Monday through Saturday.

The address is 125 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030

8.) Easter Brothers Mural

The Easter Brothers were born and raised in Mount Airy in the early 1930s. The brothers are known for their traditional gospel music mixed with bluegrass and country. The instruments the brothers played were the mandolin, the banjo and the guitar. Often times during the show, Andy would play the banjo and sing a song. Quick fact, after graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a music major, Andy was the high school music and drama teacher at Goldsboro High School.

9.) Ride in a Squad Car

A good way to learn about the hometown of Andy Griffith is to book a squad car tour with Squad Car Tours at http://www.tourmayberry.com. I have not had the opportunity to do this tour but I it looks so fun! You will begin at Wally’s Fillin Station and then stroll down Main Street and see all the famous sights.

The address is 625 South Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030

10.) The TV Land Andy & Opie Fishing Statue

This statue by far is my favorite on the list! It reminds me of the opening credits when Andy and Opie are walking on a dirt path alongside the lake with their fishing poles. A statue just like this one can be found in Raleigh, North Carolina at Pullen Park in downtown Raleigh.

This statue was put into real life in 2004 by TV Land Network. You can’t miss this statue; it is located in front of the Andy Griffith Museum. You might even find yourself humming the theme song just by looking at the iconic statue!

The address is 218 Rockford Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030

11.) Andy Griffith Playhouse

I like the structure of this theater, and you can also attend plays, concerts and musicals here!

The address is 218 Rockford Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030

12.) Murals of Mayberry

These murals are so beautiful and sit behind the Andy Griffith Playhouse. Andy used the fictious name Mayberry instead of the town’s actual name Mount Airy.

218 Rockford Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030

13.) Mayberry Auto Sales

This reminds me of the actual tv show and I also think it is worth checking out!

14.) Stock Car Racing Wall of Fame

It was really neat walking down this alley and reading about the history of Mt. Airy’s stock car racing.

Honorable Mentions:

–Visit the gravesite of Aunt Bee, Actress Frances E. Bavier:

Oakwood Cemetery
Siler City, NC 27344

Image Credit: Vistnc.com

–The Famous Lake from the opening credits– Franklin Canyon Park

Image Credit: MRCA.CA.GOV

The lake that you see on the opening credits of the Andy Griffith show is not in North Carolina, but it is in Franklin Canyon Park, 2600 Franklin Canyon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA.

–Miss Angels Heavenly Pies: It is located in the heart of downtown Mt. Airy, and the cookies and pies are actually really good. The owner also owns a peach farm so you can also go get some peaches if it is peach season.

http://www.missangelsheavenlypiesinc.com

153 N Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030

You can watch the video below: