Mount Airy, North Carolina, is a charming town full of history, culture, and small-town Americana magic. Known as the inspiration for the fictional town of Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Show, it offers much more than nostalgia. Whether you love history, outdoor adventures, or local food, there are countless activities to do in Mount Airy, North Carolina, that will make your visit memorable. Let’s dive into the highlights of this delightful town, as a trip here is filled with unique Activities to do in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
Gertrude Smith House
Step back into the early 20th century with a visit to the Historic Gertrude Smith House. This beautifully preserved Victorian house offers an authentic glimpse into the life of a prominent family in Mount Airy. Furnished with original pieces from the turn of the century, the home gives you a deep understanding of local history and the architecture of the era. Exploring the meticulously maintained rooms and grounds is like walking through a time capsule. It provides a fascinating historical counterpoint to the town’s Mayberry charm, making it an essential Activity to do in Mount Airy, North Carolina, for history enthusiasts.
Details
Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday)
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday (Closed Thursday, Saturday, Sunday)
Seasonality: Open from April to December
Admission: Free (Guided tours available, followed by self-guided exploration)
Follow the Sweet Scents of the Surry Sonker Trail
Dive deep into a truly unique regional culinary tradition by exploring the Surry Sonker Trail. This isn’t a traditional hiking path; it’s a confectionery journey across Surry County designed to showcase Sonker, a beloved heritage dessert unique to this area of North Carolina.
The Surry Sonker Trail leads you to multiple bakeries, restaurants, and general stores across Surry County (including stops in Mount Airy, Pilot Mountain, Elkin, and Dobson). Each location offers its own authentic take on the dessert, allowing you to sample different flavors and styles.
For food lovers visiting Mount Airy, following the Surry Sonker Trail is a delicious and essential Activity to do in Mount Airy, North Carolina, that connects you directly to the region’s rich, sweet history.
This is a culinary trail that spans Surry County. You will need to check the hours for the individual participating locations as they vary.
Mount Airy Locations include: Anchored Sweet Treats and Savory Eats, Twilight Farm Shoppe (in Hundley’s General Store), and Miss Angel’s Heavenly Pies.
Stroll Through Downtown Mount Airy
Downtown Mount Airy offers a charming, nostalgic experience. Cobblestone streets, colorful murals, and boutique shops make it perfect for a relaxed walk. Stop by local cafes for coffee or pastries, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. A must-see is Floyd’s City Barber Shop, which inspired the show’s barbershop and is still a working business today. A simple stroll is one of the most authentic places to visit in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
Indulge in Local Cuisine
Food lovers will enjoy Mount Airy’s local flavors. From Southern comfort food to modern eateries, there’s something for every palate. Be sure to visit Snappy Lunch, the only business in town ever mentioned on the TV show, and try its famous pork chop sandwich. You can also explore the Surry Sonker Trail to taste “sonker,” a unique regional dessert similar to a deep-dish cobbler, found only in this area. Experiencing the cuisine is one of the most delicious activities to do in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
Hike Pilot Mountain State Park
Adventure seekers shouldn’t miss Pilot Mountain State Park. With its unique, iconic “Big Pinnacle” rock formation, hiking trails, and scenic views, it offers fun for both casual walkers and serious hikers. Experiencing Pilot Mountain is one of the most exciting outdoor activities to do in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
Details
Park Gates: Close and lock at posted closing times. No entry/exit after closing.
Visitor Center Hours:
October – February: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Daily);
March – September: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily)
Admission: Free (Fees apply for camping)
Camping: Tent/trailer camping is open from March 15 to November 30.
Downtown Mural Trail
Beyond Mayberry nostalgia, Mount Airy’s vibrant arts scene shines through its captivating Downtown Mural Trail. This self-guided walking tour transforms the historic brick walls of the town into an open-air art gallery, showcasing large-scale murals that tell stories of the region’s heritage, iconic figures, and natural beauty.
Following the Downtown Mural Trail is a fantastic way to explore Mount Airy at your own pace, discover hidden artistic gems, and appreciate the town’s character from a different perspective. It’s a charming and visually engaging Activity to do in Mount Airy, North Carolina, that offers a unique blend of art appreciation and local storytelling.
Visit Mayberry Courthouse and Wally’s Service Station
Fans of The Andy Griffith Show will love the Mayberry Courthouse. Located in downtown Mount Airy, this replica landmark is perfect for photos. You can sit at Sheriff Andy Taylor’s desk and even take a picture behind the jail bars. The courthouse is located next to Wally’s Service Station, a key starting point for tours and another great spot for photos.
Wally’s Service Station Hours (and starting point for tours): 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday – Saturday);
9:30 AM or 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM or 4:00 PM (Sunday)
Note: The Mayberry Courthouse replica is typically located next to Wally’s Service Station and is a key photo spot.
Attend the Mayberry Days Festival
The annual Mayberry Days Festival celebrates Andy Griffith and small-town life. Enjoy live music, parades, street performances, and themed contests. Participating in the festival is one of the most festive activities to do in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
Details
Date: Annually, typically the last full week of September.
Example 2025 Dates: September 22 – September 28, 2025.
This is an annual, multi-day event with a full schedule of concerts, shows, contests, and a parade.
World’s Largest Open-Face Granite Quarry Overlook
Mount Airy’s nickname, “The Granite City,” comes to life at the World’s Largest Open-Face Granite Quarry, a stunning industrial wonder that predates the town’s famous Mayberry connection.
This massive quarry, operated continuously since 1889, covers an area so vast that local legend claims it can be seen from space! The pure, white-gray granite extracted here has been used in landmarks across the United States, including the Fort Knox Bullion Depository and the Wright Brothers Memorial
Visiting the overlook to gaze upon this powerful piece of North Carolina history and industry is a truly monumental Activity to do in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
The quarry overlook is typically accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 202.8. The parkway itself is generally open 24/7, but access is subject to weather conditions (especially in winter).
Shop at Local Boutiques and Antique Stores
Mount Airy’s boutiques and antique stores are perfect for unique finds. From vintage collectibles to handmade crafts, shopping here is a fun adventure. This is one of the most charming activities to do in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
- What to Expect: Stroll Main Street and its side avenues to find vintage collectibles, handmade crafts, North Carolina pottery, and unique home décor. The antique stores often hold pieces with their own Mount Airy history.
- Location: Primarily centered on Downtown Main Street.
- When to Go: Typical Hours: Varies widely by shop, but most operate from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday – Saturday). Plan your shopping during the week or on Saturday morning, as Sunday hours are rare.
- Tip: Look for locally themed souvenirs that extend past the Mayberry theme, celebrating the region’s granite history and musical heritage.
Enjoy the Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway
Just a short drive from Mount Airy, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers breathtaking views of the mountains. You can hike trails, stop at scenic overlooks, or enjoy a peaceful drive. This is one of the most refreshing Activities to do in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
Mount Airy’s downtown is a treasure trove for shoppers looking for items with character. This isn’t just retail; it’s an adventure in discovering local creativity and history.
What to Expect: The Parkway provides hundreds of miles of peaceful driving, pull-offs for panoramic photos, and access to numerous hiking trails. From Mount Airy, you can head North toward the Granite Quarry Overlook (Milepost 202.8) for a unique glimpse of the world’s largest open-face granite quarry, or head South toward other key landmarks.
Location: Access points are a quick drive from Mount Airy, often via US 52 or I-77.
When to Go: Hours: The road is open 24/7, Year-Round.
Notes: The Parkway is managed by the National Park Service. Always check for road closures due to weather (especially ice and snow in winter) before you begin your drive.
Yadkin Valley
Local breweries and wineries, part of the scenic Yadkin Valley wine region, offer tasting experiences and insights into production. Sampling craft beers and wines is a fun way to explore Mount Airy’s culinary scene. This is a delightful and flavorful addition to the list of activities to do in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
What to Expect: You can sample award-winning European and native-style wines at beautiful vineyard estates, often accompanied by gorgeous views of the rolling foothills. Many spots, like Old North State Winery right in downtown Mount Airy, also offer great local food pairings.
Location: Wineries and breweries are located throughout Surry County. Downtown Mount Airy also features its own tasting rooms and craft breweries like Thirsty Souls Community Brewing.
When to Go: Typical Tasting Room Hours: Varies significantly by season and day, but generally Thursday – Sunday, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Weekends often feature live music or special events.
Tip: Consider booking a tasting experience ahead of time, especially for larger vineyard tours, and designate a driver!
Discover Historical Homes and Sites
Mount Airy is full of history. Explore historic houses and other landmarks to get a glimpse of the town’s past. Walking these historic streets is an immersive experience and one of the most educational Activities to do in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
What to Expect: Engage with the town’s rich past as a thriving railroad town, granite center, and birthplace of Andy Griffith.
- Self-Guided Tours: Pick up a brochure at the Visitors Center for a Historic Walking Tour of downtown’s Victorian and Colonial Revival architecture.
- Mount Airy Museum of Regional History: A central hub for learning the area’s history, from Native American heritage to the growth of the granite industry.
- The Historic Earle Theatre: While also a Mayberry attraction, the theater hosts the Old-Time Music Heritage Hall, showcasing the region’s deep roots in bluegrass and Appalachian music.
Location: Scattered throughout downtown and surrounding residential areas.
When to Go: The Historic Walking Tour is always available. Check individual museums (like the Museum of Regional History) for specific hours, admission, and exhibit details.
Explore Ararat River Trails
For peaceful outdoor activities, try the Ararat River Trails. Walking or biking along the river is relaxing, and the natural surroundings make it one of the most scenic Activities to do in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
What to Expect: This paved, multi-use trail runs about 2.2 miles along the newly restored Ararat River. It’s ideal for a relaxing walk, an easy bike ride, or trout fishing (with a license). The surrounding natural areas offer great opportunities for bird and wildlife viewing.
Location: The trail is easily accessible from Riverside Park (350 Riverside Dr.) in Mount Airy.
When to Go: Hours: The public greenways are open daily from Dawn to Dusk, Year-Round.
Tip: The trail is level and stroller-friendly, making it a perfect activity for families.
Enjoy Seasonal Events
Seasonal events showcase local culture and products. From farmers’ markets to holiday fairs, these gatherings are vibrant and fun. Attending them is one of the top cultural Activities to do in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
What to Expect: Events range from massive, town-wide festivals to intimate local markets.
- Major Festivals: Beyond the famed Mayberry Days (late September), look for the Autumn Leaves Festival (mid-October) or local food festivals celebrating regional cuisine like Sonker.
- Regular Gatherings: In the warmer months, look for the Mount Airy Farmers Market (typically held on a weekday afternoon/evening) and periodic Downtown Art Walks or food truck rallies.
Location: Events are often held on Main Street, at the Blackmon Amphitheatre, or in local parks like Watkins Park.
When to Go: Check the official Mount Airy Visitors Bureau or Downtown Mount Airy event calendar for dates and times, as they change annually.
You may also read our blog “Best Things to Do in Mount Airy NC (2025 Must-Visit List)“
Conclusion
Mount Airy, North Carolina, offers a mix of history, culture, outdoor adventures, and local charm. From iconic landmarks like the Andy Griffith Museum to scenic hikes, festivals, and culinary delights, the range of activities to do in Mount Airy, North Carolina, caters to every interest. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a longer visit, this town leaves a lasting impression with its warm hospitality and memorable attractions
