If you find yourself longing to enjoy a getaway that’s rich in history and filled with natural beauty too, Mount Airy, North Carolina is the place for you. This scenic and inviting locale is loved by travelers from across the map who are looking for a place where they can easily pair time in the great outdoors with fantastic shopping and dining options as well. Mount Airy is a magical place for those looking to slow things down and relish time away from the daily routine. No matter when you arrive, how long you plan to stay, or how many others you adventure alongside, Mount Airy is a destination that has a way of bringing visitors back to him and again with good reason.
Located in the Piedmont region, Mount Airy is part of Surry County. The many entertaining activities to try here as well as the festivals and annual events bring locals and visitors alike in the name of fun. Whether you’re a traveler with a passion for antiquing, or you prefer to restaurant hop your way through a stay, a trip to Mount Airy will never disappoint. The destination’s delightful location within the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills means that just about everywhere you look, you’ll be treated to great views. Surrounding rolling hills and distant mountains make for a picture-perfect place to settle in and enjoy relaxing in good company. If all of that isn’t enough to convince you to visit Mount Airy this year, the following are 10 reasons to spend your summer in Mount Airy, NC.
1. The Amazing Weather
Travelers who love warm weather will find that a summer in Mount Airy is sure to satisfy. While this area is known for all four distinct seasons, there’s something about the vibrant summer vibe that’s hard to top. During the summertime, daily average highs linger around 76°F. The average annual rainfall in this area is only about 45.5 inches total per year, so while there may be a spotty shower or two to contend with, there’s very little in the way of the risk of your summer plans being ruined by the weather. With so much sunshine available to you during your stay, you’ll want to make sure that your Mount Airy getaway includes plenty of sunscreen, and a sun hat as well.
2. You’ll Enjoy Easy Access to Outdoor Activities of All Kinds
While it’s entirely possible to spend a summer getaway in Mount Airy simply settling in and savoring the views that surround you, a highlight for many visitors heading this way is getting out and exploring the great outdoors. The good news is that there’s no shortage of options no matter what type of adventure you might be in the mood for. For many guests spending their time in Mount Airy, heading over to Pilot Mountain State Park is something that tops their to-do list. While the park is open year-round, summer is the ideal time of year to enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures ranging from camping and hiking to rock climbing, canoeing, horseback riding, and wildlife-watching. The Yadkin River runs through this park making it an ideal place to cast a line if you happen to be an avid angler. There’s a comprehensive visitor center on-site at Pilot Mountain State Park which is a good place to start when you’re looking to customize your day out and about.
While you’re spending time here, don’t forget to head over to the Big Pinnacle Peak at least once. While this is visible from miles around and is an iconic landmark in the park, there’s nothing quite like getting up close and seeing it for yourself. If you happen to be a bird-watching enthusiast, you’ll want to make sure that you have your binoculars for this adventure because the park hosts a variety of species of winged creatures to observe overhead.
If you’re a traveler who prefers to lace up their hiking boots and hit the trails, Mount Airy’s Pilot Mountain State Park is also a place to explore a variety of routes suitable for all skill levels. The park even offers horseback riding trails that make for unique sightseeing adventures. Those who are looking for more of a thrill in the great outdoors will find Mount Airy is a place designed by nature for rappelling. There are steep cliffs located within Pilot Mountain State Park that provide amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as well as the nearby Sauratown Mountains.
3. It’s Easy to Get Here
No matter where your point of origin may be, a summer trip to Mount Airy is an easy journey. Travelers who are flying in for a summer getaway will often find airports in Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville, and Roanoke are all convenient destinations to select. When you do, you can count on a scenic drive into town lasting anywhere from 3 to 5.5 hours depending on the airport you select. The Greensboro/ High Point Airport is another option that sits just an hour from Mount Airy and comes with plenty of rental car selections right on-site. If you happen to be arriving in a private jet or small aircraft, the Mount Airy/ Surrey County Airport is your best bet. When your plans have you sticking to the center of town, there’s no reason you can’t swap out a vehicle for time on foot or bike rental instead. Of course, if you’re looking to see as much of the surrounding countryside as possible, having a rental car to use during your summer stay is always a good idea.
4. You’re Close to Fantastic Wineries
When summer temperatures are on the rise, there’s something wonderfully refreshing about sipping a red, white, or sparkling beverage in good company. To that end, if you’re a wine enthusiast, you’ll find proximity to amazing wineries is yet another reason to head to Mount Airy in the summertime. When you visit here in the summer, you’ll find yourself situated right in the heart of the Yadkin Valley. The lush and fertile terrain that defines this region has allowed it to become a designated American Viticultural Area. This federal wine region designation is the first of its kind in North Carolina and gives visitors even more reasons to look forward to their time on the Surry County Wine Trail.
If you do choose to spend your summer getaway following this route, you’ll be treated to tasting sessions featuring award-winning wines at every turn. You’ll also get the opportunity to speak with locals who produce the wine and have put their heart and soul into the process and are excited to share with others. In total, there are more than 18 wineries in and around Surry County. The combination of loamy soil and temperate climate makes it an ideal destination for final products like Chardonnay Pinot Grigio, Saray, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc.
5. You Can Explore Andy Griffith’s Hometown
If you happen to be a fan of Andy Griffith, just knowing that Mount Airy was his hometown might be enough to bring you this way this summer. Mount Airy is affectionately referred to as Mayberry and sets the scene for the iconic television show that took audiences by storm in the 1960s. Today, the show still has a huge fan base and those who are looking to step into that world can do so just by taking a close look around Mount Airy. Here, there are opportunities to visit Snappy Lunch and Floyd’s Barber Shop as well as Aunt Bea’s restaurant when cravings come calling. If you’re interested in touring Griffith’s childhood home, that’s an option as well! Here, you’ll enjoy a close-up look at the two-bedroom residence that Andy called his own from the age of 6 until he left for college. Needless to say, the photo opportunities are truly endless.
6. There are Great Options for Sightseeing
Diehard Mayberry fans as well as summer visitors looking for something unique to do, will find Mount Airy is an ideal destination for great sightseeing opportunities. Among the many options is a squad car tour exactly like the one Barney drove in the Andy Griffith Show. When you book your place on this sightseeing adventure, you’ll cruise around the Mayberry that Andy Griffith highlighted on-screen. The tour takes you up and down Main Street, visits the barbershop, stops by iconic restaurants, and even swings by the old jail. At the end of the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy sightseeing at the Andy Griffith Museum. This inviting destination hosts a treasure trove of artifacts and keepsakes that showcase the highlights of the actor’s career. There’s a ton of memorabilia on site including costumes, photos, records, and props that were used on the show itself.
7. You Can Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Travelers who make their way to Mount Airy in the summertime we’ll find it’s a place where you can easily satisfy your sweet tooth. That’s because it provides direct access to the Surrey Sonker Trail. This mouth-watering treat is native to North Carolina, and it doesn’t take long to fall in love with this dessert that sits somewhere between a deep dish pie, and a cobbler. For many Mount Airy visitors, it’s bound to be love at first bite. When you take a day to follow the Surrey Sonker trail, you’ll make stops at 7 eateries that serve up this local dish in abundance. That means you’re definitely going to want to bring your appetite along with you for the journey.
8. There’s a Vibrant Downtown to Explore
If you’re looking forward to a summer getaway that comes with plenty of opportunities for great shopping, Mount Airy has you covered. This is especially true when you set your sights downtown and spend time strolling among the collection of eclectic shops, delicious eateries, and art galleries that adorn the area. Downtown Mount Airy is a great place to find souvenirs, home goods, food products, apparel, and jewelry too. There are plenty of unique boutiques to check out including Bear Creek Candy Kitchen which features a variety of fudge, and Mayberry on Main which is a popular gift shop selling custom T-shirts. If you happen to be in the mood to shop for vinyl records, Bertha’s Vinyl Shop has everything you need and more.
9. You Can Count on Great Music
Sometimes, there’s nothing more exciting than the idea of having a spectacular summer show on your calendar. When you make time to enjoy a Mount Airy summer getaway, you’ll find this destination has an abundance of cultural amenities in place that are designed to inspire. Both Mount Airy and the greater Surrey County area have earned a reputation over time as a hub for fantastic old-time music with a firm focus on bluegrass. In fact, Mount Airy is proud to host the annual Mount Airy Fiddler’s Convention downtown which draws in crowds of musical enthusiasts each year. There’s also an outdoor concert series held at the local Amphitheatre each season that’s put together by the Surrey Arts Council. Live radio broadcasts of bluegrass music are showcased at the downtown theatre throughout the summer months as well. If you’re looking for a great time this summer with plenty of music to go along with it, Mount Airy is certainly the place to be.
10. The Variety of Annual Events
All year long, the Mount Airy event calendar is brimming over with exciting options for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. That said, summertime is truly a season that brings people together in the name of festival fun. If you find yourself heading this way in June, you’ll be just on time to enjoy the Go With The Flow Music and Brew Fest. This is typically hosted at Riverside Park and includes great music, plenty of food trucks, and tasting booths to explore. Travelers who make their way to Mount Airy in July can always take part in the fantastic annual 4th of July celebration. The summer concert series is built into this event, and you can count on impressive fireworks included in the lineup of activities as soon as the sun goes down. In August, Mount Airy welcomes the Front Porch Fest to town. This is a family-friendly gathering that spans four days of music festival fun and is one you won’t want to miss.
Book Your Getaway Today
When your travel plans bring you to Mount Airy in the summertime, or you’re looking forward to a trip this way another time of year, making sure you have the right accommodations in place is always important. That’s where the team at Carolina Getaway Cabins comes in. We have a variety of vacation rental options to choose from including pet-friendly cabins in North Carolina that infuse luxury, comfort, and convenience into your stay. Whether you’re here for a few days, or you’re looking forward to an extended summer stay, we’ll make sure that you’re settled into the home-away-from-home that you deserve. Reach out today to learn more about our many North Carolina vacation cabin rentals and to get started.
