A Blue Bird Diner Special

The Ladies of The Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce – and Fife

First Baptist Church

Wally’s Filling Station

Downtown Mount Airy

The Squad Car

TV Land Statue

James A. Hadley House

I must have seen every episode of The Andy Griffith Show at least a hundred times.  And after all those viewings, I still laugh.  That’s great writing – and good, wholesome entertainment.

Andy Griffith got many of his Mayberry ideas from the place he grew up in and the area surrounding it – Mount Airy, North Carolina. 

When I was putting together the route for this trip, I knew that I needed to add a stop in North Carolina.  I thought of Charlotte and Chapel Hill, but what I really needed was a small town like Mayberry!  “Is there a Mayberry?”  I looked on the map and didn’t see one.  So, I did what everyone does, these days.  I Googled it.  What popped up was Mount Airy – it became a must stop!

I wasn’t sure of what I would see or what I would do.  I was going in without expectations and ended up coming away with fond memories.

The downtown district of Mount Airy certainly does have that “Mayberry” feel.  Yes, they do use well known aspects of the show throughout the town, but that’s understandable. 

Coming here, you will find a Blue Bird Diner, Floyd’s Barbershop, Wally’s Filling Station, Howard Sprague’s Office, and the squad car, just to name a few.  But most importantly, you will find a community that welcomes you with open arms.  I couldn’t feel more welcome.

How about my run?  The morning brought a soft, inviting drizzle of rain.  I didn’t mind it in the slightest.

I studied one of the siteseeing map signs that stand downtown.  Of course, I THOUGHT that I knew where I was headed – I really didn’t.  I just ran.

I headed out on Main Street and waved as the ladies from the Chamber of Commerce took my picture.  Haven’t seen it, yet - I think they’re holding it for blackmail purposes.  Just kidding, ladies   You’re the best – seriously!

The names of the streets that I took are a blur to me.  Like I said, I just ran.  Down 2 blocks and took a right.  Went down a couple blocks and came back up.  Took a right and then another right and then a left – that was the basic theme of my route. 

Like all stops that I know nothing about, I just wanted to have a look around and try to get a good run in.  A good run is what I did get.

I made several observations about the town but one thing is that it’s not all just “The Andy Griffith Show.”  There are some truly beautiful homes here, and TONS of churches!  Churches of every size, shape, and denomination are represented.  Some made of local granite.

I noticed the First Baptist Church last night when looking for a hotel.  It has many stained glass windows which were backlit and shining brilliantly in the night.  I wanted to make sure that I ran by there in the morning – and I was able to find it.

I noticed two men talking outside the church.  What was going to be a short question on how many stained glass windows there are, turned into a great 15 minute talk (run break) of what the main hall is being used for, now, and a little about the town itself.  They even invited me in to show me around, not knowing who I was.  Thanks, guys!  A great example of what kind of people live in Mount Airy.

I finished up my run with a pass by of a bed and breakfast called Maxwell House – I bet they have great coffee.  Then made a stop at the TV Land Statue in honor of The Andy Griffith Show.  And trotted back to my car – went but happy.

I had a great time in Mount Airy and will definitely be back.  And hopefully, I will meet Otis when I do.  I was told that he might be around in the afternoon, and I wondered if he might ride in on his cow – he didn’t.

If you’re looking for a last minute vacation destination, Mayberry Days are coming up in a few weeks!  And their fall festival follows in October.  You can check them out at http://www.visitmayberry.com/ .

Am excited about tomorrow’s stop – I’m running Currahee Mountain near Toccoa, GA!

Make sure to check out today’s highlighted charity!!

Peace.

Chris

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Charity Of The Day:

So many helpless animals face abuse throughout this country.  The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is working to make the lives of those victims, positive.

Please check out the ASPCA’s website listed in the Organizations link section.  Everyone should have an orange band!

 

Road Song Of The Day:  “Mayberry” by Rascal Flatts