Travelers who are looking to take time away from their busy schedules to enjoy a scenic, inviting, and unforgettable trip somewhere new instead can never go wrong when they set their sights on beautiful Mount Airy, North Carolina. Sitting in the foothills of the impressive Blue Ridge Mountains, Mount Airy has a way with inspiring vistas that’s truly hard to top. While an extended stay here is an ideal scenario for adventurers excited to explore, there’s truly just as much to gain when you have a day trip planned and you’re looking to make the most of the fun. The following guide is where you’ll find the best day trips in the NC Mountains that will maximize every single moment that lies ahead.
Enjoy the Ultimate Day Trip Destination
Mount Airy, North Carolina is an amazing day trip destination for travelers no matter where their point of origin might be, or what their unique travel interests entail. Here, you’ll always find plenty of small-town charm to go around that’s rivaled only by the scenic beauty waiting to be discovered in the great outdoors. Fans of The Andy Griffith Show never fail to be inspired by an up-close look at the place that inspired the TV wonder, while those looking to enjoy the best that the local wine country has to offer will have their fill of options here too! Because Mount Airy is only two hours from Charlotte, it’s a great destination to add to even the busiest of itineraries. You can reach Mount Airy in just 90 minutes from Greensboro as well, giving those who are heading to North Carolina even more to look forward to experiencing during their travels.
Enjoy a Scenic Drive into Town
No matter how long you have to spare in Mount Airy on your next day trip this way, you’re going to want to get out on the road as early as possible so you can maximize every opportunity to enjoy local landmarks, views, and activities too. We highly recommend heading here before sunrise so you can enjoy seeing the colors rise over the horizon as you cruise in along US-52 or I-74 alike. The scene is made even more spectacular as you get closer to Mount Airy because the sunrise is matched with views out over rolling hills and farmland. Once you’ve seen the town’s charming welcome sign, your adventure will officially be underway.
Treat Yourself to Breakfast at Miss Angel’s Heavenly Pies in Town
You’re going to want to start your North Carolina day trip to Mount Airy on a delicious note, and the best place to do just that is Miss Angel’s Heavenly Pies. Head over to 153 N. Main Street to enjoy breakfast in this quaint and welcoming bakery that really sets an inviting scene for your day ahead. The menu here hosts everything from apple cider donuts and peach pies to cinnamon rolls and apple hand pies as well. You can pair your pastry with hot coffee and settle in to see the morning crowd begin to wander in along Main Street. The atmosphere is wonderfully welcoming and it’s a place where you’re more than welcome to linger longer than you might have originally planned. Miss Angel’s Heavenly Pies is open from 9:00 am until 5:30 pm Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am until 7:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays, and from 10:00 am until 4:30 pm on Sundays.
Take Time to Enjoy a Walk Along Historic Main Street in Good Company
Since you’re already on Main Street and fueled up for fun ahead, the next stop is simply taking time to explore this exciting and vibrant area alongside your family and friends. In many ways, Main Street is the heartbeat of Mount Airy as it’s home to candy shops, unique cafes, retro diners, vintage storefronts, and so much more. It’s a place where you can easily feel like you’ve stepped firmly into the past, especially when you add a lineup of Andy Griffith-inspired stops to your itinerary here. Main Street is home to the Andy Griffith Museum, which is a must-visit for those day trippers with a passion for shows of the past. When you find time to drop by this iconic museum, you’ll have a chance to explore an impressive collection of memorabilia on-site, which includes exclusive photos from Andy’s childhood growing up in the area, as well as behind-the-scenes extras that are sure to thrill, directly from the show!
After you’ve had time to browse the fascinating displays, you’ll want to make sure to sign up for your spot on a Mayberry Squad Car Tour. These depart from Main Street and invite passengers to ride in a vintage police cruiser while they explore town with a driver who will provide insightful information on everything from meaningful historic landmarks to stories about filming the show at perhaps lesser-known local destinations too. While you might not find yourself with too much of an appetite yet at this point in the day, you can still stop in at Snappy Lunch, which was featured on the show, and hosts a menu that includes those iconic pork chop sandwiches!
Discover the Old Time Music Heritage Hall
Whether you’re someone who loves discovering meaningful historic stops, you have a passion for music firmly in place, or it’s a bit of both, the Old Time Music Heritage Hall is the next stop on your list, and it might just be one of the highlights of your adventure. You’ll find the Old Time Music Heritage Hall located within the Earle Theater, at 142 N. Main Street in Mount Airy. This is a wonderful place for visitors to learn more about local musicians who brought incredible talent, art, and performances to Surry County over time. The Old Time Music Heritage Hall is truly a terrific place to learn more about the roots of old-time Appalachian music and Bluegrass at its best, and the nostalgic décor only adds to the overall charm. Throughout the lobby, visitors can browse artifacts, portraits, and storyboards that showcase some of old-time music’s greatest icons.
Feel free to stop by Monday through Friday between noon and 2:00 pm, Saturdays from 11:00 am until 1:30 pm, or Sundays between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm. It’s just $8 per person to tour, and your entrance includes an audio guide as well as a wristband for the Andy Griffith Museum if you feel like following up on items you might have overlooked the first time around.
Savor Local Comfort Food at Its Finest
After your tour of the Old Time Music Heritage Hall, there’s a good chance you’ll be ready to curb a craving or two. That’s a good sign that it’s time to head over to 13 Bones Restaurant and enjoy a sit-down lunch that’s sure to satisfy. You’ll find 13 Bones at 502 S Andy Griffith Parkway, and they’re open from 11:00 am until 8:30 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 11:00 am until 9:00 pm on Thursdays through Saturdays. If you drop by for lunch on a Sunday, you can enjoy a meal here between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. 13 Bones is a wonderful choice for a lunch out and about when you find yourself in the mood for hearty baby-back ribs, or a perfectly cooked steak. The menu also features a variety of seafood-focused options too ranging from fried oysters and flounder to sauteed shrimp and lemon pepper trout. There’s also a full kids’ menu here if you’re dropping by for lunch with the little ones in tow, and no matter what you order up, you won’t want to overlook a side of their iconic cornbread and honey butter during your visit. To end things on a sweet note, make sure to peruse their dessert menu too which showcases options like key lime cheesecake and red velvet cake, to name a few.
Enjoy Some Shopping-Focused Fun
For many visitors, the best day trips in the NC Mountains might not feel entirely complete until they’ve taken time to explore the Mayberry Antique Mall for themselves. If you’re someone who is always up for hunting for treasure, and antiquing is truly your style, this is the place you’re going to want to be after lunch on your day trip here. You’ll find the Mayberry Antique Mall at 160 N Main Street, and they’re open from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm Monday through Saturday as well as from 12:30 pm until 5:30 pm on Sundays. When you drop by, do be sure to bring your sense of adventure with you! This location has a lot to offer up between nit’s many antiques waiting to be explored, to its wide variety of one-of-a-kind books too. From antique toys and nostalgic prints, to furnishings, and décor, the options here are endlessly rotating, making every visit one-of-a-kind.
Check Out Shelton Vineyards
Mount Airy puts its visitors within easy reach of the Yadkin Valley Wine Country year-round. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking to explore local landmarks, we highly recommend adding a stop at Shelton Vineyards to your day trip itinerary. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Mount Airy by car, Shelton Vineyards is convenient to reach, and a gorgeous place to enjoy a luxury vineyard tour and wine tasting session as well. It’s the largest family-owned estate winery in all of North Carolina, making it a meaningful stop to add to your agenda while you’re in Mount Airy too.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Before your day in Mount Airy comes to an end, you deserve to enjoy time outside, savoring the sights and relishing your getaway in nature. A perfect place to do that is Pilot Mountain State Park which is located just 16 minutes from the center of town. This is a great place to enjoy some quality hiking or biking in good company, and of course, views of Pilot Mountain itself never fail to impress. Be sure to bring your binoculars for birding, or pack a blanket and settle in to savor your surroundings at a more leisurely pace.
See a Show to End Your Day on a Great Note
A wonderful way to end your North Carolina day trip to Mount Airy, the next time you’re here, is with tickets in hand to see a show at the Andy Griffith Playhouse. All year long, this iconic playhouse invites fantastic performers to the stage, so you’ll want to be sure to check the event lineup long before you arrive in town. After the show, consider making your way to the Copper Pot for dinner on Scenic Outlet Lane. Here, you can indulge in a variety of Southern fare staples ranging from buttered biscuits and catfish to chicken-fried steak and beef tips when you’re looking to lean into local flavors. Before you go, don’t forget to order up a slice of peach cobbler for yourself and your entire traveling crew to enjoy! Your taste buds will surely thank you for the experience from start to finish.
Book Accommodations That Take Your Day Trip to the Next Level of Excellence
The best day trips in the NC Mountains should most certainly include amazing vacation accommodations that not only keep you conveniently close to the places you’re excited to explore, but come packed with exceptional standards of luxury and style too. That’s exactly what you can expect when you book your day trip rental through Carolina Getaway Cabins this year. Our property options sit within the private gated community of Paradise Mountain Estates, and are ideal for small and large group getaways alike. As spacious and meticulously designed as they are, it’s often the panoramic Blue Ridge foothill views that keep our guests coming back time and again. Many of our cabin rentals come with cozy fireplaces included, and guests can also enjoy time in accommodations that feature game rooms, theaters, multi-level decks, gourmet kitchens and more.
Whether you’re looking for a pet-friendly stay, or a property that keeps you within easy reach of Yadkin Valley Wine Country, we’re here to help make it happen. Reach out today to learn more about our inspiring day trip rental options, as well as our cabins that are idyllic for longer stays.
