15 Best Things To Do In Mount Airy, North Carolina - Updated 2024

1. Go on nature hikes at Pilot Mountain State Park

Pilot Mountain State Park is known for its stunning natural beauty and picturesque views of the mountains. It is very popular with outdoor enthusiasts for camping, horseback riding and canoeing. Besides this, it has some of the most beautiful nature trails, which allow you to be amidst the lush green flora of this place and at the same time get glimpses of the colorful birds that have taken sanctuary in the park. Moreover, adventure lovers can try rock climbing or rappelling, here.

Pilot Mountain State Park

Address: 1792 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043

Opening hours: 7 AM - 9 PM

Website: Pilot Mountain State Park

2. Immerse yourself in the region's history at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you are curious to know more about the city, then the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History definitely deserves a visit. This museum houses a vast array of collectibles, ranging from those belonging to the Saura Indians of the 17th century to those owned by Andy Griffith in the 20th century. Through its exhibits, this museum provides a great deal of information about the city’s history, as well as the people who lived here.

Mt Airy Museum of Regional History

Address: 301 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030

Website: Mt Airy Museum of Regional History

3. Browse through Andy Griffith's memorabilia at the Andy Griffith Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Mt Airy, home of Andy Griffith, has paid homage to this wonderful actor by preserving some of the items from his life and career. This museum also houses some of the mementos from his TV shows, most of which were collected by his childhood friend, Emmett Forrest. Some were also donated by his film crew and co-actors. This museum is located close to the Andy Griffith Playhouse and his boyhood home.

Andy Griffith Museum

Address: 218 Rockford St, Mt Airy, NC 27030

Website: Andy Griffith Museum

4. Watch an event at Blackmon Amphitheater

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Blackmon Amphitheater is an outdoor theater, with state of the art facilities and amenities, located in downtown Mt. Airy. It is the location where the Summer Music Series by the Surry Arts Council takes place, from April to October. On nights when beach music is the theme, you can groove to the beats and enjoy Yadkin wine (mentioned below) and hot dogs, for an additional charge. Just make sure to always check out Mount Airy’s upcoming events, you’ll surely find one you’ll definitely enjoy.

Blackmon Amphitheater

Address: 231 Spring St, Mt Airy, NC 27030

Website: Blackmon Amphitheater

5. Relax with a local vintage at any of the Yadkin Valley Wineries

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Yadkin Valley is a wine hub, close to Mt Airy, comprised of more than 30 local wineries. The products here range from sweet, fruity wines to strong and slightly bitter ones. The winery tour includes a tour of the entire wine-making process and a wine tasting session. You can even buy your favorite wine, at a reasonable price, from the shop on the property.

With so many vineyards to choose from, you’ll have enough choice to experiment with different wines, each time at a new winery, during your stay in Mt Airy.

Midnight Magdalena Vineyards

Address: 5109 Howell School Rd, Jonesville, NC 28642

Website: Midnight Magdalena Vineyards

6. Opt for a squad car tour

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A squad tour is a unique type of tour of Mt Airy. On this tour, you are taken around Andy Griffith’s ‘Mayberry’, in a black and white police patrol car similar to the one Barney drove on the show. During this tour, you will get to visit the iconic places from the show, such as Andy’s home, the Old Jail and others. Besides all this, you will also get to see the barbershop and the lunch home, that were featured on the show.

Squad Car Tours LLC

Address: 625 S Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030

7. Experience jamming at the Earle Theater

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you are a fan of bluegrass and old time music, then this is the place for you. The Earle Theater holds jams every Thursday and Saturday, where you can hear local bands play these genres. This place was originally a music hall from the 1930s and was then converted to a theater. This theater is full of musical heritage and has helped to keep Surry County’s old time music alive.

Earle Theater

Address: 142 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030

8. Walk around downtown Mt Airy

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you want to get the essence of any place, the best way to do it is on foot. And if it is a city like Mt Airy, then the pleasure of exploring the city on foot doubles. Mt Airy is a city where urban living blends harmoniously with tradition. The vibrant Main Street, downtown, is lined with plenty of shops and eateries. So if you get a hunger pang while walking, just stop at one of these restaurants and try some authentic food.

Downtown Mt Airy

Address: Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030

9. Drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway (from USD 105.0)

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Located a couple of miles away from Mt Airy, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most frequented national parks in North America. This national park is renowned for its scenic beauty. In fact, the drive to this park is equally scenic, too.

The colorful trees that pop up from both sides of the road will leave you enchanted. Besides all this, the waterfall and lovely towns near the mountain will have you wanting to return. This park has several little attractions within it, such as the ‘Humpback Rocks’, the 'Peaks of Otter’ and more.

Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls Hiking Tour with Guide

Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes

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105.0

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10. Be fascinated with North Carolina's historic Siamese Twins Exhibit

If you’re a little bit of a history buff and enjoy trivial pursuits, then a must to check off your travel bucket list when in North Carolina is the renowned Siamese Twins Exhibit. Hailed from the world-famous conjoined twins, Chang and Eng Bunker, Mount Airy established an exhibit after the pair, displaying their life in Mount Airy when then moved back in 1845 from Mekong, Siam. The exhibit outlines their early upbringing and childhood in Siam all the way to their migration to North Carolina in the years that followed. For those who are interested in seeing their graves, they are conveniently just seven minutes away by foot from the Surry Arts Council, who curated the exhibit.

Siamese Twins Exhibit

Address: 218 Rockford St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

Website: Siamese Twins Exhibit

Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours

Contact: 336.786.7998; arts@surryarts.org

11. Get a few interesting Instagram shots of the Open Pit Granite Quarry

When in North Carolina, it’s impossible to miss the state’s pride for their official claim to fame which is plastered throughout the state; granite. History buffs and photography buffs alike can make a subtle detour to the North Carolina Granite Corporation’s quarry, just outside of town proper. See the 150-year-old quarry which was dubbed as the official state rock, but due to tighter rules and regulations, the quarry is not open to tours anymore, but there is a free designated viewing area people can visit daily just on a ridge above the excavation site. Catch a snapshot of the quarry from interesting angles and up your Instagram game with some of North Carolina’s most historic yet underrates gems.

Open Pit Granite Quarry

Address: The North Carolina, Granite Corporation, PO Box 151, Mount Airy, NC 27030

Website: Open Pit Granite Quarry

Contact: 1.800.227.6242; sales@ncgranite.com

12. Learn about 1900 design at the Gertrude Smith House

One of the most fascinating design points in North Carolina can be found in the Gertrude Smith House, a local attraction to definitely check out. This scenic property was a Victorian-Colonial Revival home that was completely refurbished by Gertrude Smith, the daughter of the homeowner, Jefferson Smith Davis who died in the 20th century. Post-death, Smith came back from studies in New York as an interior decorator and designer, where she used the house as a canvas for her ideas. To date, the Gertrude Smith House has become a top Mount Airy tourist spot - people enjoy as it boasts the lifestyles of the early 1900s that many continue to grow curious about before and even more after visiting her home.

Gertrude Smith House

Address: 708 N. Main St., Mount Airy, NC 27030

Website: Gertrude Smith House

Opening hours: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Fridays, and Saturdays

Contact: +1 (336) 786 6856; gilmersmith708@gmail.com

13. Experience luxurious wine tasting with Old North State Winery

Old North State Winery offers a luxurious wine tasting experience for those who want to really get a taste of North Carolina. Explore the vibrant vineyard where different kinds of delicious grapes are harvested. You can even see the process of winemaking and discover what makes each bottle special. Pick the tasting tour that most appeals to you and enjoy glasses of refreshing international and local wines along with some cheese if you prefer.

Old North State Winery

Address: 308 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

Website: Old North State Winery

Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 11am - 3pm; Thu - Sat: 11am - 9pm (closed on Sun)

14. Have a mouthwatering meal at Little Richards BBQ

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Little Richards lets you experience real authentic smoked barbecue. Meat lovers will be glad to know that this restaurant has plenty of options from pork barbecue to baby back ribs. You will surely appreciate their signature sauces and dips as these give the meats their unique flavors that people have come to love. If you are looking for delicious meals to satisfy your hunger, Little Richards BBQ will definitely not disappoint.

Little Richards BBQ

Address: 455 Frederick St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States

Website: DLittle Richards BBQ

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 9m; Sun: 11am - 2:30pm

15. Visit the historic grave of Chang and Eng Bunker

If you haven’t heard of them, Chang and Eng Bunker were Siamese twins who were originally born in Thailand but took a liking to North Carolina, so they eventually moved and settled as farmers in the area. Because of their unique and intriguing history, their graves, located in White Plains Baptist Church Cemetery, are often visited by tourists. Those who are genuinely interested to know more about them can certainly pay Siamese Twins Exhibit a visit, which is only 3.3 mi (5.2 km) away from their graves.

Grave of Chang and Eng Bunker

Address: 614 Old U.S. 601, Mount Airy, North Carolina, 27030, United States

Welcome to the Granite City

Mt. Airy, with its small-town feel, welcomes tourists with warmth. By now, you know that Mt Airy is much more than Andy Griffith and the Siamese twins. If you’re still wondering what to do in Mount Airy, simply book your tickets and come here to experience what this place is, for yourself. You will not regret your decision.