Mount Airy NC “Something For Everyone “

Town of Mount Airy NC
Mount Airy takes you back to a simpler time. Actor Andy Griffith grew up in this community and Mount Airy’s Main Street is vaguely similar to the town of Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Show. You can hear traditional and bluegrass music jam sessions or listen to a live radio show every Saturday morning. History buffs can enjoy the area’s colorful past at the Mountain Airy Museum of Regional History, or by visiting many of the areas historic sites. Take a day trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway or hike at Pilot Mountain State Park. Come visit the Andy Griffith Museum, the local wineries or check out one of the festival that are held annually! Whatever your interest may be, Mount Airy has something for everyone! 

 

 

History of Mount Airy  North Carolina
The first settlers that came to Mount Airy arrived in the mid-1740s. Records show the early inhabitants went by the surnames of Loven, Mount, and Renfrow. Thomas Perkins is said to have named the town Mount Airy after purchasing a plantation home on the river.

The US Post Office Department accepted an application for a Post Office in Mount Airy on July 1, 1798; the first Postmaster was Mr.John Lawrence.  The city wasn’t incorporated until 1885. Shortly after the granite quarry began large scale production. The first furniture factory began work in 1895 and tobacco factories popped up all over town.

In July of 1976, Mount Airy’s name was changed from the Town of Mount Airy to the City of Mount Airy. 

Mayberry Days 
Come visit Mount Airy, the hometown of Andy Griffith and reflect back on a time when life was simpler! There is much to do at this festival such as watching the parade, meeting the Special Guests, laughing at Colonel Tim’s Talent Time, participating in a Silent Auction or hang out and listen to the same music that Andy Griffith grew up listening to! Come on down to Mount Airy and enjoy a blast from the past!

Autumn Leaves Festival
The Autumn Leaves Festival always the second weekend in October offers rich musical heritage, such as Old-Time, Blue Grass and Gospel, unique arts & crafts of more than 170 vendors line the streets with pottery, paintings, textiles and jewelry. Many of the vendors demonstrate their talents and skills passed down through the generations. If your hungry for a cause try the “Food for the Soul”, ham biscuits, collards & cornbread, barbeque, hamburgers, ground steak and more served with hospitality by our local civic and other community groups.

Chosen as one of the Top Twenty Events for October 2012 by the Southeast Tourism Society, the Autumn Leaves Festival™ marks the 46th anniversary of one of North Carolina’s longest running and most successful events in the state. 

 
The festival began as a celebration of the end of the tobacco and apple harvesting season over 40 years ago and has turned into the celebration of fall colors as the leaves turn.  Over two hundred thousands visitors will fill the streets of Mount Airy over the three day festival weekend. During the festival Mount Airy North Carolina radiates with the picturesque scenery of the entire mountainside bathed in autumn reds and luminous gold’s set against the scenic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This great community once again puts out the “WELCOME” mat and invites one and all to come and experience the true spirit of America’s Hometown.
 
NO PETS ALLOWED DURING THE AUTUMN LEAVES FESTIVAL™ ON MAIN STREET OR THE SURROUNDING AREAS WHERE THE FESTIVAL IS GOING ON.  (Admission is FREE).  Hours are 9-9 Friday and Saturday and 12-6 on Sunday.