Today, arrive in Mount Airy, NC where you check into your hotel for two-night stay and dinner is included at a local restaurant.

Following dinner, select one of the following:

1. Enjoy a lecture by Neal Brower on The Andy Griffith Show.  Professor Brower’s lectures go deep into an episode of “The Andy Griffith Show.”  He shares back stories, production techniques, and details that shine a new light on a classic episode.  He has also taught classes on “The Andy Griffith Show” at community colleges across North Carolina.
2. Sit through an evening show with Comedian John Floyd, the Mouth of Mayberry.  John is a seasoned comedian who has entertained folks in all 50 states, as well as on the high seas.  (D)

Today’s visit to “Mayberry” begins with a Squad Car.  Where else can you ride in Barney’s car except Mayberry?  Cruise on over to Andy’s Homeplace then ride in Mayberry style down Main Street past Floyd’s Barber Shop and Snappy Lunch.  You’ll cruise by other Mayberry attractions like The Andy Griffith Playhouse, The Old Jail and the Visitors Center – Home of the Andy Griffith Museum.  While at Wally’s don’t miss the best photo opportunity of the day – your photo in front of the Squad Car, a photo that says Mayberry like nowhere else.  There are six squad cars that carry 4 passengers each on a 30 minute tour.  Large groups will rotate between the gift shop and tour.

Then lunch is on your own in the historic downtown.  Enjoy one of many unique restaurants and if crowd permits your travelers may be able to at Mount Airy’s oldest continuous eating establishment The Snappy Lunch (1923), home of the “Famous Pork Chop Sandwich” so frequently mentioned in the Andy Griffith Show. You’ll have plenty of time here for a little shopping and picture taking.  Fans of The Andy Griffith Show will feel like they are returning to that simpler time.  This is where Andy Griffith grew up and a stroll down Main Street in the “Friendly City” reminds people of the town of Mayberry on the endearing popular ‘60s hit TV series, The Andy Griffith Show. You’ll be sure to relish the generous spirit of The Andy Griffith Show that you encounter wherever you go.

You also visit the Andy Griffith Museum, their museum’s collection features hundreds of items from the life and career of Andy Griffith in movies, television and music as well as a variety of memorabilia.  There are even actual props from The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock given by Andy Griffith himself.  You also enjoy a Behind the Scenes tour at the Andy Griffith Playhouse, where Andy first performed on stage at his high school.

This evening following another local dinner you take your seats for an Old-Time Mountain Bluegrass Show.  It’s a night of toe-tapping, hand-clapping music in the same spirit as The Darlings that fictional family of musically inclined hillbillies that appeared frequently on the Andy Griffith Show. (B,D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for home. (B)