ALONG COMES MARY

It’s no secret that I love classic TV. Although there are plenty of modern series I’ve enjoyed, nothing beats the oldies. So, when my connecting flight from Charlotte to Roanoke was canceled, I decided to make an alternate plan. I grabbed a rental car and headed towards the Blue Ridge Mountains with a very important pit stop. I went to Mayberry for one of the most unique small-town experiences I’ve enjoyed. 

Mayberry? Yes, that Mayberry. Home to Andy Griffith, Aunt Bea, and Barney Fife. Mayberry, North Carolina, is Mount Airy on record. The one and only Andy Griffith was born in Mount Airy. It’s where he was inspired by his humble hometown to create Mayberry for his alter ego. 

Welcome to Mayberry

When I first arrived in the Mount Airy city limits, I wouldn’t have thought I was in Mayberry. As soon as I reached the aptly named Main street, it all became clear. It was a sleepy Tuesday morning as shopkeepers stood in their entranceway or sat out front chatting. I even passed a Floyd’s Barber Shop and it was rather eerie. I couldn’t tell if the town was all an act or if it was truly that “Mayberry” slow pace we all have a vision of in our minds. The Anytown, USA, where everybody knows your name, not much happens, you enjoy your days, and often they blend. 

I took my time soaking it all in. The long stretch of Main has a variety of shops, boutiques, fast cafes, and local businesses. Not surprisingly, many of the stores are souvenir sanctuaries for the Andy Griffith Show. Several Tees and magnets had “deep cut” references I feel only faithful rerun viewers would get. Since I am one of them, I got a kick out of it. There have coffee mugs for the Bomb Loaded Goat, T-shirts declaring “Citizen’s Arrest!” for a Gomer Pyle nod, and jars of Aunt Bea’s pickles. My takeaway? A pressed penny to add to Mabel’s collection. It’s got Barney Fife and his famous “Nip it in the bud” quip. 

Shop and Ride

A Mount Airy store that left me in awe wasn’t Andy Griffith-inspired. It was the ample-sized Mayberry Trading Post. The spacious corner boutique has everything one would want to decorate their dwellings. Faux flowers, porch furniture, home goods, Christmas galore. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming. It’s certainly a hub and you’re sure not to leave empty-handed. 

I knew that I “wasn’t in Kansas anymore” when an official Mayberry police squad car drove by me. That has to be my favorite activity I spotted during my time in Mayberry. It’s not in operation and is merely for giggles with tourists. This is certainly a “must” for any TV Land fan. 

The Andy Griffith Museum

Speaking of TV Land, I headed over to the Andy Griffith Playhouse and Museum. Out front is a gorgeous bronze statue depicting the famous opening scene of Andy and Opie (Ronny Howard) on their way to go fishing. TV Land sponsored the statue that was dedicated in 2004 with Griffith in attendance. It’s one I have always wanted to see. Another I hope to get in front of is the Mary Tyler Moore statue in Minneapolis. 

The museum is small but packs a lot of fascinating history. Props from Griffith’s shows (including Matlock) are on display. It was intriguing to see that Betty Lynn, who played Barney’s girlfriend, Thelma Lou, was a strong supporter of Mayberry up until her 2021 passing. She would often be seen at the museum for signings and was a fixture at the annual Mayberry Days. 

Visiting Mayberry was an absolute kick. It just goes to show that sometimes it’s a good thing when travel plans go awry and bucket list wishes can come true. Mount Airy is a small and gorgeous town with such a great piece of television history to celebrate.