The Whittling Wall is a sculpture located in downtown Mount Airy. Finally, as expected, there are several shops in downtown Mount Airy offering Andy Griffith souvenirs. Construction was never completed but the remains are still visible today. Other landmarks include Floyds Barbershop, Wallys filling station, and the Mayberry Jail. Pilot Mountain is less than half an hour from Winston-Salem. Visit Main Street, check out a show at one of the town theaters, learn more about the history of Mount Airy and Andy Griffith at one of the museums, enjoy a wholesome meal or a treat (beer, spirits, wine or sweets), or explore the nature of the NC mountains. Nearby the actual town is Pilot Mount State Park which is known for its Big Pinnacle peak seen for several miles. If you want to reminisce, the Andy Griffith show is available to stream on Prime video. Stokes County, which borders Surry County to the east, is mentioned as the location of Myers Lake in episode 140 "Andy And Helen Have Their Day". We found it to be a good workout but not too tough. The Mountain trail at Pilot Mountain can be used for hiking and horseback riding. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The main street store fronts look nice and well kept. Miles: 3.3 miles one way Difficulty: moderate Location: Pilot Creek access (GPS coordinates in directions section) Surface Type: natural surface with water crossings Blaze Trail Markers: orange circles. Hikers can follow the trail to the base of the mountain (known as the summit which is a bit confusing). You will see the Blue Signs that say Visitors Center. Admission to the park is free. In North Carolina, humidity causes summers to be hot and muggy but the winters can be very cold and wet. Mayberry is a small town with a population of just over 6,000 people. The best route to take when driving from Mayberry to Mount Pilot is to take the scenic route. If youre a fan of The Andy Griffith Show, then you know that Mayberry is the fictional town where the show is set. For current water conditions, check the status on the Army Corp of Engineers site. Dedicated as a National Natural Landmark in 1974, this solitary peak is the centerpiece of Pilot Mountain State Park. The history of Mount Pilot is a long and storied one. Many assume Mayberry was loosely based on Andy Griffith's hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina, but actually, Griffith has indicated that nearby Pilot Mountain, also in Surry County, North Carolina, inspired him in creating the town. The islands in the Yadkin River in Pilot Mountain State Park are 15 acres and 45 acres in size. The 2022 Summer Art Series show schedule is available here. There are several famous landmarks in Mayberry and Mount Pilot. There are many nice shops along Main Street and it is an easy walk up and down the street to window shop or stop in and browse. Quality Inn is also just 10 minutes away from the Mount Airy/Surry County Airport. While the two towns are not explicitly compared or contrasted in the show, it is clear that they are quite different from one another. It is a mesa-like monadnock. The Andy Griffith Playhouse is connected to the Andy Griffith Museum. Mount Airy North Carolina is home to Andy Griffith and the Mayberry-themed dominates the list of things to do. The quartzite rock that makes up Pilot Mountain was never a volcano but is the westernmost point of the Sauratown mountains. They formed the Pilot Mountain Preservation and Park Committee, Inc. to preserve the natural beauty of Pilot Mountain. Pilot lies southeast of Mayberry. Leashed pets are allowed on Pilot Mountain State Park hiking trails. Turn left onto Hwy 52 N. Take the Hwy. The population is growing as more people discover all that Mayberry has to offer. Mayberry "Sentimental Waltz" 5.0 Exceptional. Visit the Real Mayberry in Mount Airy, North Carolina - Wide Open Country From Floyds Barber Shop to fried pork chop sandwiches, Mount Airy has embraced its role as the inspiration for Mayberry. It was commissioned by TV Land in the early 2000s as part of a series honoring TV greats from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Next door to Wallys is a replica jailhouse including pale green walls and the big wooden sheriffs desk. However, it is a vacation rental available for nightly rental. Gas Cost. There are many attractions in Mount Pilot, NC. The town of Mount Airy has embraced its appeal to visitors. This is the fastest route from Mount Airy, NC to Pilot Mountain, NC. During our visit, the lady working offered to call and make a Mayberry Squad Car tour reservation for us. Ledge Spring is a strenuous hike from the Pilot Mountain summit parking area. Hotel in Mount Airy, NC | Comfort Inn Official Site | Comfort Inn The brothers married sisters and had 22 children in total. If you are short on time, consider hiking another trail at Pilot Mountain and driving up the Little Pinnacles Overlook for great views of Pilot Mountain. Skip to the table below for a complete list of all trails including one-way mileage. Speeding was also mentioned in the area, like that on Highway 6 in the fourth season episode "Barney's Sidecar". Main Street Mayberry, Andy Griffith Museum, Floyds Barber Shop, Squad Car Tours and the Snappy Lunch Counter are some of the most popular attractions in Mount Airy. How Far Is Mayberry From Mount Pilot - 666how.com The Andy Griffith Show: Mayberry FAQ's Page2 Mayberry, the idyllic hometown made famous on The Andy Griffith Show, has long been considered a fictional place, but the real Mayberry does exist. The Little Pinnacle bluff offers the best views of the Big Pinnacle. If ever watched the Andy Griffith show, you remember Floyd the barber. Did Billy Graham speak to Marilyn Monroe about Jesus? Mayberry is said to be based on Andy Griffith's hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The trail is primarily wooded with good shade when leaves are on the trees. Everyone says you have to visit the real-life Mayberry in Mount Airy. If you arent planning to walk across the entire state but want a challenging hike at Pilot Mountain, check out the segment of the Mountains to Sea trail within the park. This route will take you through the mountains and give you a chance to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the area. If you get hooked and need a fix, you can find hamburgers and hot dogs with chili and slaw on the menu in most diners throughout the state. Mount Pilot is a 15-minute drive from Mayberry. Airy. So while the actual distance between Mayberry and Mount Pilot may be relatively short, in the world of The Andy Griffith Show, theyre worlds apart. Andy made numerous references to travel to this wonderful place the locals simply know as Pilot. You will also have the opportunity to stop at some of the local attractions along the way. Let us help plan your next trip with less research and without breaking the bank. The shop served the same purpose as a town gathering spot. Hours vary but we noticed most are closed are Sunday and Monday. Pilot Mountain dominates the skyline for miles so youll know which way to go well before you get there. Pilot Mountain has hiking trails for all skill levels ranging from the kid-focused short TRACK trail to the strenuous section of the Mountain to Sea trail that crosses the whole state. Its been in business since 1923. Faster, more advanced hikers can possibly complete the Grindstone out and back trail in a shorter time. The Yadkin River State Trail is a designated 165-mile paddle route on the Yadkin River. A no-frills diner located downtown, Snappys is famous for its pork chop sandwich. It is the largest city near Mayberry, home to many visitors and law enforcement that have come and gone through the years. The Mayberry Courthouse is a replica of, Wallys Service Station is an original service station built in 1937 and operated as a Gulf Station and then later, For the Mayberry fan, there is no other place to experience Mayberry but in Andy Griffiths own home. In addition to Mayberry-themed attractions open year-round, thousands of fans visit Mount Airy each September for its Mayberry Days celebration. Follow Main Street until you see the Big Granite Building located beside Barneys Restaurant. Owners are warm and welcoming! Self-guided Tours from $27.00 per adult The area 1792 Pilot Knob Park Rd Pinnacle, NC, Pinnacle, NC 27043-9090 Best nearby Restaurants 13 within 3 miles EJ's Family Restaurant 10 2.2 mi$ Trails End Grill 9 2.3 miDiner Soups Aunt Beas 103 2.7 mi$ Quick Bites American Fast Food See all Attractions 4 within 6 miles JOLO Winery & Vineyards 828 The top things to do in Mount Airy NC are Andy Griffith and Mayberry oriented. The visitor center has several well-curated educational exhibits about the history and nature of the area. A random claim to fame for Mount Airy is their famous residents, Chang and Eng Bunker. The groupings are Mayberry and Andy Griffith Related, History, Art, and Outdoor. Then-student Andy Griffith frequented this quaint diner for a quick lunch before local schools had cafeterias on campus. The Mountain to Sea trail will eventually traverse the entire state of North Carolina. This article is about the fictional setting for The Andy Griffith Show. Pilot Mountain was the inspiration for the fictional town of Mount Pilot in The Andy Griffith Show, a nearby larger town near Mayberry. So, how far is Mayberry from Mount Pilot? Both offer hiking trails for visitors. Expect roots, rocks, a few boulders, stone stairs and an overall challenging hike. We wear long, lightweight hiking pants year-round to protect ourselves from poison ivy, ticks and other undesirable trail inhabitants. A Currituck County is located in eastern North Carolina. You will see the Blue Signs that say Visitors Center. Once a favorite spot of Andy Griffith, this charming diner located on (of course) Main. The locals use the two names interchangeably and happily answer to either one. Today Wallys Service Center offers t-shirts, jams, postcards and several local goods. Mount Airy is located in Surry County North Carolina in the Yadkin Valley. It is close enough to Yellowstone National Park to combine the two for an epic road trip. The town was named after a nearby mountain, Pilot Mountain. He wanted to make sure that Mayberry felt like a truly unique place, unlike any other town on television. The county seat of Surry County is in Dobson; thus, this is the location of the nearest courthouse to Mount Airy. The population was 1,477 at the 2010 census. Riverside Park in Mount Airy offers a break from tourist activities. Pilot Mountain to Mount Airy - 2 ways to travel via taxi, and car It can be accessed via hiking trails or by car. I cant comment on the authenticity of the locations but youll find Floyds Barber Shop, Opies Candy Store, Emmits Fix-It Shop and Wallys Service Station. Where does Andy Griffith live in Mount Airy NC? The festival date was chosen to align with the first episode launching on October 3, 1960. So, if youre driving at a reasonable speed, it would probably take you about 45 minutes to make the trip. In the 1960s, Surrey County residents were concerned with the mountain would be further commercialized. (Located about 1.5 miles from Mount Airy Visitors Center) Brady Country Christmas - Near Pilot Mountain in the Pinnacle community, Ricky and Nancy Brady have put up Christmas lights and decorations since 1989 at 1776 Bradley Road, Pinnacle. Mayberry Squad Car Tours start and end at Wallys Service Center. This is the fastest route from Mount Airy, NC to Pilot Mountain, NC. Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock are both within 30 minutes from Mount Airy. It is located 22 miles northeast of Mount Airy in Virginia. Visitor information at (800) 948-0949 or www.visitmayberry.com. Dedicated as a National Natural Landmark in 1974, this solitary peak is the centerpiece of Pilot Mountain State Park. Spring and autumn are the best times for hiking at Pilot Mountain. While the two towns are not explicitly compared or contrasted in the show, there are some notable differences between them.Mayberry is a small town with a population of just over 6,000 people. What is Pilot Mountain Turquoise? The Best Things To Do In Mount Airy - TravelAwaits The town is also home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Mount Pilot African American Cemetery and the Mount Pilot Civil War Museum. If you are short on time, the Ledge Spring hike from the summit parking area is a very strenuous 2-mile hike. Kids in Park is a grant and donation-funded program to get families with kids outdoors more. It is only a few blocks and can be walked completely in less than half an hour. Purportedly, Andy Griffith himself chose the name of the fictional community. The one you saw in every episode? Hours are primarily breakfast and lunch but the diner is closed completely on Sundays and Mondays. Enjoy Holiday Light Displays In and Around Mayberry Mount Airy NC is Mayberry on the Andy Griffith show on tv. Nearby the actual town is Pilot Mount State Park which is known for its Big Pinnacle peak seen for several miles. In the fifth episode of the seventh season of Desperate Housewives, Doug refers to Wisteria Lane as Mayberry due to the apparent idyllic suburbs where the show is set. We visited on a Tuesday afternoon and noticed several were closed during their business hours so call ahead if possible. Dedicated as a National Natural Landmark in 1974, this solitary peak is the centerpiece of Pilot Mountain State Park. Website. Airy.-- Paul Mulik How far is Mt. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The best photos of Pilot Mountain are available from the Little Pinnacles Overlook which can be reached by car or hiking trail. I am currently alternating between Kuhl FreeFlex Move or the inexpensive Baleaf hiking pants from Amazon. Hikers will be rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding Yadkin Valley. There is also a large parking area for those lacking time, desire or ability to hike to the summit. Enjoy the views of the Sauratown Mountains and nearby Hanging Rock State Park to the east from the overlook. Second, only to the Grand Ole Opry. Follow Renfro Street and take a left onto Independence Blvd. Miles: 1.3 miles one way Difficulty: moderate Location: Ivy Bluff access (GPS coordinates in directions section) Surface Type: uneven natural surfaces with water crossings Blaze Trail Markers: red circles. If you are curious about the sweet shops, check out the Best Places to Eat in Mount Airy NC for more details. Approach from any direction and see Pilot Mountain or as fans of the show might know it, Mount Pilot rising more than 2,000 feet above the rolling countryside of the region. There is no food service in the park. There are several destinations in the park so I recommend using GPS for specific directions to your desired section. But it is a great opportunity to enjoy nature while getting some exercise. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mount Pilot.-The Mount Pilot scenic overlook: This is a great place to get a view of the town and the surrounding area.-The North Carolina Museum of History: This museum is located in Mount Pilot and is a great place to learn about the history of North Carolina. Pilot Mountain is a monadnock consisting of quartzite. Pilot Mountain became the 14th State Park in 1968 when it was purchased from Mrs. J.W.