Mount Airy, North Carolina

Planning a visit to Mount Airy, North Carolina?
Make your first stop www.visitmayberry.com, where you’ll find online information on area lodging and attractions, and can request a free printed visitior’s guide. (Or call 800-948-0949.) Squad Car Tours (www.tourmayberry.com; 336-789-6743) offers an hourlong driving tour of Andy-related attractions in the same sort of black-and-white squad cars driven by Sheriff Taylor and Barney on the show. Tours start at Wally’s Service Station (625 South Main Street).

The Andy Griffith Museum is home to the world’s largest display of Andy-related memorabilia; it’s open daily and located next to the Andy Griffith Playhouse (218 Rockford Street; 336-786-7998).

Barber Russell Hiatt is behind the chair most days at Floyd’s Barber Shop (129 North Main Street; 336-786-2346; closed Thursdays and Sundays). Just next door is Snappy Lunch, “Home of the World Famous Pork Chop Sandwich” (125 North Main Street, 336-786-4931). It’s open Monday through Saturday for breakfast and lunch.

Look for the life-size image of Deputy Barney Fife in the window of Barney’s café (206 North Main Street; 336-786-8305), which serves a hearty breakfast and lunch (and early dinner on weekdays). Closed Sunday.

Mayberry Motor Inn (501 North Andy Griffith Parkway; 336-786-4109; www.mayberrymotorinn.com) is situated on ten acres a short drive from downtown, with 27 basic but comfortable rooms and a black-and-white squad car parked out front.

Andy Griffith’s simple boyhood home is located at 711 East Haymore Street, across from the water tower, and offers overnight accommodations at $175 per night plus taxes. Call the Hampton Inn Mount Airy (336-789-5999) for more information or reservations.