North Carolina Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Mount Airy, North Carolina

Population: 7,156

Located in Surry County

Step back to a simpler time when you visit Mount Airy. Actor Andy Griffith grew up here, and it's no coincidence that a stroll down Main Street in the "Friendly City" reminds people of the town of Mayberry on the endearing and enduringly popular '60s hit TV series. Fans of The Andy Griffith Show can visit Floyd's City Barber Shop, the Old Mayberry Jail, Snappy Lunch, and even Andy's childhood home. And you'll be sure to relish the generous and caring spirit that you encounter wherever you go.

Mount Airy, home to the late Old-Time legend Tommy Jarrell and country music singer Donna Fargo, has a wealth of Bluegrass and Old-Time music that can be found each week. Every Saturday morning of the year, the Merry-Go-Round is broadcast by WPAQ radio from the Downtown Cinema Theatre.

Mount Airy is nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is only a short 15-mile drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Mount Airy is a gold mine for nature lovers. Pilot Mountain, Hanging Rock and Stone Mountain state parks can all be reached from Mount Airy within a 45-minute drive., Approach from any direction and see Pilot Mountain rising more than 1,400 feet above the rolling countryside of the upper Piedmont plateau. Dedicated as a National Natural Landmark in 1976, this solitary peak is the centerpiece of Pilot Mountain State Park. Fun, from relaxation to exhilaration, is easy to find here. Treat yourself to a horseback ride through the woods or challenge the river from a raft or canoe. A six-mile woodland corridor joins two sections of the park, each section offering a wealth of opportunities for outdoor fun. The mountain segment, which includes the two pinnacles, contains most of the visitor facilities. The more primitive river section centers around the lazy, meandering Yadkin River.

The Yadkin Valley, including Mount Airy, is becoming a popular spot for vineyards and wineries. The Shelton Vineyards, established in 2000, stimulated the wine industry with the opening of the largest estate winery in North Carolina. More recently, the Old North State Winery, owned by a cooperative of 38 family farmers, opened in December 2003 on North Main Street in Downtown Mount Airy.

Also near Mount Airy and off the Blue Ridge Parkway is Levering Orchard a pick-your-own-cherry orchard. You can still catch a movie on the big screen at Mount Airy's Bright Leaf Drive-In located on the Andy Griffith Parkway or Highway 52 North. The Bright Leaf is one of 500 drive-ins remaining in the United States.

Mount Airy is truly a magical place, made magical by Andy, but kept magical by the people of the town. For a place that truly will make you feel you are living the "way it was", Mount Airy can't be beat!