Today we’re taking a trip to nostalgia-ville – a place famous for being the real-life location of one of America’s favorite fictional towns… idealized as a bastion of kindness, community, and family. Grab your fishin’ pole, and let’s get going.

Welcome to Mayberry… kind of. Mount Airy is the real life home town of the one and only Andy Griffith, who famously portrayed Sheriff Andy Taylor in one of the most beloved television programs of all time: The Andy Griffith Show. Located near the Virginia border, straight north of Charlotte, Mount Airy is a must-stop for any fan of this classic American treasure.

Just up the hill from Main Street is The Andy Griffith Museum, home to hundreds of items from Andy’s life and career in theater, film, and music.

Andy was more than Sheriff Taylor, although you will find a whole lot of him on display here. The show ran from 1960 to 1968, totalling 249 episodes. And although it was produced in Hollywood, strong ties live on in Mount Airy.

How’d you like to settle in behind the desk at the Mayberry Courthouse? Check out Gomer’s tow truck? Or sit a spell in Otis’ cell? If you head south on Main Street a ways, you’ll find it.

Not only can you get some great pics and take a trip down memory lane… you can actually TAKE A TRIP down memory lane in Barney’s squad car. Which is great, because we’ve got someplace to be.

Snappy Lunch was Sheriff Taylor’s favorite restaurant on the show – and it’s a real place… serving up the World-Famous Pork Chop Sandwich (along with other breakfast and lunch favorites) since 1923.

This place is a delicious real-life destination featured in one of our favorite fictional locales. Mount Airy is more than Mayberry. But let that wistful nostalgia draw you in and explore all that this beautiful town has to offer.