Everyone deserves time away from the demands of daily life once in a while. When nothing sounds better than a scenic and exciting retreat to North Carolina, a stay in Mount Airy is just what you need. No matter what season you happen to be arriving in, Mount Airy provides the fun, entertainment, views, and history that make a stay one-of-a-kind. If you’re fortunate enough to be looking forward to an upcoming family reunion, this is the picture-perfect place for everyone in your crew to enjoy an unforgettable getaway. When you’re ready to turn your travel plans into a reality with a large group of family in tow, the following is everything you’ll need to know to plan a successful and meaningful Mount Airy, North Carolina family reunion.
Where Is Mount Airy?
Before your family reunion fun can really get underway, logistics are certainly key. To that end, Mount Airy, North Carolina is found in Surry County within the greater Piedmont Triad metropolitan region. Visitors to Mount Airy will find themselves within easy reach of the Ararat River and a mere three miles from the Virginia state line. Mount Airy’s reputation for boasting breathtaking natural beauty isn’t hard to figure out when you realize that the city sits right at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city has a settlement history dating back to the 1750s, but it wasn’t fully incorporated until 1885. Mount Airy is often referred to as Mayberry and is perhaps most well known for being the birthplace of actor Andy Griffith. Mount Airy enjoys a location in the upper Yadkin Valley in the northwest portion of the state and is no more than a 40-minute drive from Winston-Salem.
Getting Here Is Easy for Everyone
No matter what your starting point of origin might be, getting to Mount Airy for your next family reunion promises to be a breeze. Those who are flying into town will want to set their sights on landing at the Greensboro/High Point Airport (GSO). If you’re flying in on a smaller aircraft, there may be options to land at the Mount Airy/Surry County Airport which is found in the unincorporated Holly Springs community not far from the central business district. If you do choose to land in Greensboro, you’ll find there are plenty of rental car options on-site to book to make getting around once you arrive easier than ever. The distance between the Greensboro/High Point Airport and Mount Airy takes just a little over an hour by car. If you’re up for more of a drive, surrounding airports in Charlotte, Raleigh, Roanoke, and Asheville will have you finding your way into Mount Airy in anywhere from 3.5 hours to 5.5 hours from landing. Not to worry, if you do decide to road trip in, you’ll find the scenery is well worth the experience with every passing mile and could make for a great addition to your family reunion memory bank!
Getting Around When You Arrive
While Mount Airy is on the smaller side, having a car here is still a good option if your family reunion plans come with customized outings. Booking a car at the airport is the easiest way to go but it’s good to note that there’s also an Enterprise Rent-A-Car right in town as well. If you’re forgoing the far-off excursions during your stay and plan to stay near the center of town, it’s possible to swap out your vehicles for bikes instead. Mount Airy Bike Rentals, Zoomies’ Bike Rentals, and Mountain Airy E-Bike Rentals and Tours are all good starting points when you want to find quality gear to use during your stay.
Weather Expectations Year-Round
Mount Airy is truly a destination to enjoy in all seasons and whether you’re one for chilly temperatures or you can’t imagine a North Carolina family reunion without plenty of warm weather and sunshine, you’ll have options here to pick and choose from. Between March and May, you can expect daily highs for your family reunion experience to linger between the 60s and mid-70s. The daytime hours warm up quickly but in the evenings, lows can drop into the 30s and 40s through May. There are on average eight to nine days of rain expected in Mount Airy in the spring, but you typically won’t have to worry about endless torrential downpours this time of year. Spring is a fantastic time of year to plan a family reunion in Mount Airy if you want to beat the summer crowds and still want to be able to enjoy mild weather for outdoor excursions.
If you don’t mind sharing space with other visitors, summer is a great family reunion season in Mount Airy for hot weather fun. This time of year, daily highs are typically in the mid to upper 80s with lows dropping comfortably into the mid-60s by the evening hours. You’ll want to take summer humidity and thunderstorms into account in June, July, and August, but if that doesn’t deter you, you can focus on the fun you’ll have outdoors with those you love most!
The family that loves fall foliage and wants to incorporate seasonal colors into their family reunion experience will love every second of a gathering here between September and November. Weather this time of year takes a turn for the slightly milder, but even through September, daytime highs can stick around the 80s. By October, things begin to cool off with average daily lows in the 30s and 40s. You can count on rain around six or seven days of the month in the fall, but the opportunity to see the leaves changing colors dynamically along Blue Ridge Parkway and in nearby state parks will have you forgetting about that in no time.
For travelers who are hoping to plan a family reunion when temperatures are much cooler, winter is your season of choice in Mount Airy. This time of year, plan on daily highs fluctuating between the high 40s and low 50s will lows lingering in the mid-20s. This is the ideal season for a family reunion where you can cozy up indoors and enjoy great company or bundle up and head out to make the most of the crisp winter air together too.
What to Pack for Your Stay
No matter when you plan your family reunion in Mount Airy, having an idea of what to pack can make your stay and overall experience that much more enjoyable. If you’re heading here in the spring or summer, don’t forget to throw plenty of sunscreen in your suitcase as well as sunglasses when you’re planning to get out and explore. Spring and fall travelers will want to pay attention to fluctuating weather patterns in these shoulder seasons and should be mindful to pack layers of clothing so you’ll be comfortable whether you’re inside or exploring outdoors. Mount Airy is a destination that beckons travelers to constantly get out and find something new and wonderful to discover. This makes it worth your while to pack at least one pair of comfortable and sturdy outdoor shoes. You’ll also want to pack something nice for those evenings you spend dining out and a camera to capture the moments. Above all, be sure to leave plenty of space in your suitcase for gifts and souvenirs because you’ll definitely want to commemorate this family reunion.
Activities to Enjoy in the Area for Your Reunion
While every family is unique and has a different idea of what makes for an exceptional and unforgettable family reunion, Mount Airy is a place where you can easily pick and choose from a variety of fun activities and attractions to enjoy together that keep everyone entertained. One stop you simply won’t want to miss when you’re here is the iconic Andy Griffith Museum. This one-of-a-kind stop honors Mount Airy as Andy Griffith’s birthplace and is filled with fun exhibits, displays, and fun facts related to the actor and his namesake show. You’ll get to enjoy all kinds of behind-the-scene information and memorabilia that will take you back in time! If you’re looking for a fantastic family reunion photo opportunity, the statue of Andy and Opie in from of the museum is the place to be. Entrance to the museum is just $8 for adults and $6 for kids under the age of 12. A visit to the museum can be paired with time at the Andy Griffith Playhouse in town which hosts live theater and musical performances throughout the year. It’s managed by the Surry Arts Council and is as fascinating as it is entertaining.
After you’ve had your fill of fun at the museum, make sure to enjoy time on the Good Time Trolley Tour. You and your entire traveling crew can enjoy a tour on a small 12-seater trolley which tours the town in 60 minutes and provides insightful narration along the way. While the trolley is closed in the winter, it’s open in the warm weather months of the year on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Yet another way to tour Mount Airy is by Squad Car. This tour lets you feel like you’re really a part of television history as you jump in the Mayberry Squad Car and enjoy a tour that highlights landmarks like Snappy Lunch, Floyd’s Barbershop, and the Courthouse too. The tour takes passengers down Main Street and near the granite quarry with a ton of fun facts thrown into the experience along the way.
Passing by Main Street on a tour might inspire those in town for your family reunion to head back that way and enjoy some quality time shopping together. This area is packed with charming shops to explore including bookstores, coffee shops, souvenir stops, vintage boutiques and beyond. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, or you’re looking for new décor to take home, you’ll find it all here and more. If your family loves antiquing, your stay in Mount Airy can always include time at the Mayberry Antique Mall situated on North Main Street. Here, you’ll have access to around 18,000 square feet of display space where you can search through ever-changing inventory to find hidden gems.
Seasonal Events to Add to the List
Mount Airy is a place that knows how to celebrate, and it seems no matter when you plan your family reunion here, there will be an event or gathering that you can include in the lineup. If you’re here in the fall, be sure to plan to attend the Mayberry Days which are beloved by locals and visitors alike. Mayberry Days last a week and include great local vendors, a downtown parade, and live music for attendees to enjoy.
The Autumn Leaves Festival also happens this time of year and has been a fan-favorite event in the area since it kicked off in 1966. It’s a great experience if you love live music, cornhole tournaments, Southern food, and options to browse and purchase handmade crafts.
A family reunion in the spring aligns with the arrival of the Mayberry Farm Fest which is a blast thanks to the many craft vendors on-site and the tractor parade that’s part of the experience. The annual wine and craft beer festival known as Budbreak also comes to town in the spring and is a must for May visitors.
If it’s a winter family reunion you have planned, the Winter Wine & Beer Passport is one you’ll want to pick up when you arrive to enjoy group tastings at 18 different breweries, distilleries, and wineries in the area with special discounts included.
Large Cabin Rentals in North Carolina to Book for Your Stay
No matter how many people are attending your family reunion in Mount Airy, having the right accommodations in place makes all the difference. At Carolina Getaway Cabins, we have large cabin rentals in North Carolina that suit every need. Whether you’re looking for a cozy single-level retreat or a spacious multi-level residence to enjoy, we’re here to make sure you find the home-away-from-home your crew needs to enjoy every moment. Some of our North Carolina cabin rentals for large groups can accommodate upward of 20 guests while providing everyone with the space, stylish furnishings, modern amenities, and great views they deserve to enjoy. We even have large group rental cabins for family reunions that come with private hot tubs in place as well as fireplaces, large yards, scenic surroundings, impressive entertainment setups and gourmet kitchens. If you’re traveling here with canine companions in tow, our pet-friendly rentals are sure to please. From property options with spacious custom-built bedrooms and outdoor dining areas to those that showcase pool tables, game rooms, and BBQ grills, we have the options ready to be enjoyed with the details in place that make all the difference.
Book Your Mount Airy Getaway Today
There’s no reason to wait when you’re ready to enjoy a fantastic family reunion in Mount Airy. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting family reunion cabins in North Carolina and how we can help you elevate every moment you’re here.
