You work hard year-round and when summer rolls around once again, it’s the perfect time to pack a suitcase and head off somewhere fun in the name of a well-deserved vacation. If you’re the type of traveler who is looking for great scenery to enjoy, a destination rich in history, and a place that provides options to get out and explore your interests, time in Mount Airy, North Carolina promises to inspire. This inviting vacation destination is worth visiting year-round but in the summertime, the warm-weather vibes, fun seasonal events, and access to a multitude of attractions and entertainment alike make it a place that’s hard to top! Whether you’re looking to enjoy a solo summer trip in this direction, you can’t wait to make the most of a Mt. Airy vacation for two, or you’re excited to spend time with a group of family and friends, planning a summer vacation in Mount Airy is a sure way to elevate the experience every step of the way.
Enjoy a Summer Stay That Fits Your Travel Style
Mount Airy, North Carolina is a captivating destination that sits within the Piedmont Triad metropolitan region within Surry County. When you’re here, you’re only every three miles from the Virginia state border and the Ararat River is a defining natural landmark in the area as well. Many visitors head this way in the summertime to make the most of the beautiful natural surroundings which are enhanced by the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. History buffs will adore the fact that a summer trip this way is a chance to learn more about the area’s past which dates back to the 1750s. Your summer vacation also comes with the opportunity to learn more about the place that is iconic for being the birthplace of actor Andy Griffith!
Mount Airy is often referred to as Mayberry and hosts a population of just over 10,600 residents. Its location in the upper Yadkin Valley gives guests lush terrain to explore that lends itself well to a robust collection of local wineries. A summer getaway to Mount Airy provides travelers with a chance to enjoy many local breweries as well as time at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, the Historic Earle Theatre, or dining at destinations like Snappy Lunch which has been a staple in the area since the early 1920s. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Mount Airy this summer, you’ll find tailoring your stay to your travel style is always a breeze.
Plan Your Summer Route to Mount Airy
When you decide to visit Mount Airy for a well-earned summer retreat, you’ll be thrilled to find that getting here is easier than you might have imagined. If you’re flying into town, you’ll want to make plans to land at the Greensboro/High Point Airport (GSO). This is a large, modern, and convenient destination to arrive at that serves travelers from across the country. From the Greensboro/High Point Airport, it’s no more than an hour’s drive into Mount Airy and there are plenty of rental car options on-site to make your trip even more convenient. In the event you’re heading this way on a private jet, the Mount Airy/Surry County Airport situated in the unincorporated Holly Springs community is your best choice.
For travelers excited to spend time in Mount Airy this summer who are looking for a scenic drive into town, flying into nearby airports in Asheville, Raleigh, Roanoke, or Charlotte works just as well. From these alternative destinations, the drive in will take anywhere from three and a half to five and a half hours to reach Mount Airy.
Choose How You Get Around When You’re Here
Summer is typically a sunny time of year in Mount Airy which means seasonal visitors always have options to ditch vehicles upon arrival and focus on getting around on foot or by bike instead! This is a great option when you want to slow down, enjoy a more leisurely pace of life for a while, and make the most of the sightseeing without rushing. Local outfitters like Mount Airy E-Bike Rentals and Tours as well as Mount Airy Bike Rentals and Zoomies’ Bike Rentals are all great options when you’re looking to enjoy this mode of transportation. That said, if your plans have you heading further out of town to explore during your summer stay, having a rental car during your journey can give you more options and flexibility to customize your schedule.
Get Ready for Summer Fun in the Sun
Summer in Mount Airy tends to be a popular time of year for visitors from across the map with good reason. The seasonal weather is hot and welcoming, giving guests every reasons to get out and explore the great outdoors during their stay. When you plan a vacation in this direction in the summer, you’ll want to be ready for daily highs that linger in the upper 80s with lows dropping into the 60s in the evening. June, July, and August are also marked by significant humidity levels and some pop up thunderstorms to be aware of, but if you come prepared, neither will deter your plans. To that end, you’ll want to be sure to pack appropriately so you can make the most of every moment in Mount Airy this summer. Be sure to have plenty of sunscreen on hand for those sunny afternoons out and about as well as an umbrella in your bag for any unexpected showers. A light jacket could be worth packing for cooler evening temperatures while an extra bag for summer souvenirs is always worth your while as well! Making sure to have a sun hat, sunglasses, and a travel bag you can take on hiking and biking adventures is a good idea while an extra pair of walking shoes for some serious sightseeing shouldn’t be overlooked.
Seasonal Events to Check Out This Summer
Mount Airy is a destination that knows how to celebrate year-round and summer travelers will find that a trip this way this time of year is no exception to the rule. There are plenty of exciting and inviting events to participate in when you make the most of summer fun in Mount Airy including the annual Go with the Flow Music & Brewfest. This highly anticipated event is held in June and typically runs from noon until 8:00 pm at Riverside Park. Alcohol-free tickets are $15 while regular access tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the gate. Visitors always have an option to add an extra drink ticket to their admission as well for $6. The Go with the Flow Music & Brewfest is a one-stop resource for amazing spirits, wine, cocktails, and brews served up alongside great musical entertainment and family-friendly fun. Performers like LK & The Fleetwoods, Jake Cox, and Radio Revolver will be taking to the stage much to the delight of audiences. There are also a variety of local food trucks on-site for attendees to enjoy, axe throwing to try, and a 5K race to participate in as well. It’s a fun for all event you won’t want to miss when summer plans bring you to Mount Airy.
The Mayberry Cool Cars & Rods Cruise-In will also be in full swing for summertime visitors who have a passion for hitting the road in style. This event is held downtown each third Sunday between May and September from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm. It’s a gathering that celebrates all things classic cars and great tunes while infusing fantastic flavor, shopping, and fun into the mix! The Mayberry Cool Cars & Rods Cruise-In is presented by the Downtown Business Association and a great event for locals and visitors alike to enjoy all summer long.
For music enthusiasts, summer in Mount Airy is marked by the arrival of the Summer Concert Series presented by the Surry Arts Council. This seasonal concert series includes a great lineup of live music and entertainment which is hosted throughout the summer at the Blackmon Amphitheatre. Shows begin at 7:30 pm and season tickets can be purchased in advance online for $160 with children under the age of 12 enjoying entrance to performance at no cost. When you attend a show that’s part of the Summer Concert Series, you can bring chairs and blankets to settle in on the grass alongside family and friends and enjoy an evening of great music as well as beer and wine served up by the team at Thirsty Souls Community Brewing. The Dairy Center is also on hand to provide audience members with hot dogs, chips, and candy that add flavor to this family-fun experience. The Summer Concert Series typically includes around 58 concerts total and in years past, top performers have included The Embers, Jim Quick, and Band of Oz to name a few of many.
Summer Eats to Enjoy in Town
Summertime in Mount Airy is a great opportunity for food enthusiasts to get out and explore some of the top local eateries in the area. When cravings come calling, you’ll be delighted to find that Mount Airy is a place with something for every palate. Head over to Gondola Italian Restaurant at 101 W Lebanon Street when you’re in the mood for authentic Italian fare enjoyed in the heart of North Carolina. They’re open for dinner Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 4:00 pm until 9:30 pm as well as Sundays from noon until 9:30 pm. Here, you can count on finding friendly service, a cozy dining room to settle into, and a menu that’s brimming over with delicious options. Whether you find yourself craving pizza, pasta, or small plates to share, you can find it here paired up with great Italian wine options as well. Gondola Italian Restaurant also has a full kid’s menu in place when you’re dining out with little ones this summer and plenty of vegetarian options to enjoy as well.
After a day of exploration and fun, a dinner enjoyed at Libby Hill Seafood this summer might be just what you’re looking for. This inviting restaurant is found at 199 Mayberry Mall on Highway 52 North and is open from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm Monday through Saturday with adjusted hours on Sunday until 7:30 pm. It’s a great place to enjoy the on-site oyster bar or opt for the shrimp cocktail, clam strips, scallops, deviled crab, fish bites, and beyond. There are seafood sandwiches on the menu that are sure to please as well as fried platters and soups like New England clam chowder that hit the spot too. When you’re looking to pair your seafood dish with something more traditional, you’ll also find burgers on the menu to top off your appetite.
For family friendly dining in Mount Airy this summer, the Olympia Family Restaurant is the place to be. This eatery is located at 602 Linville Road and is open from 7:00 am until 8:00 pm Monday through Saturday as well as 8:00 am until 2:00 pm on Sundays. Olympia Family Restaurant offers guests access to a laid-back destination decked out in old-fashion style booths where homestyle dishes are always at your fingertips. The menu here showcases everything from breakfast fare like hashbrowns, eggs, bacon, biscuits, pancakes, and coffee to dinner options like burgers, seafood, salad, soup, and pasta. The service is friendly, and portions are generous, giving guests reasons to return time and again.
Destinations to Add to Your Itinerary
When you’re looking for a summer vacation destination where it’s easy to fill an itinerary with unique stops and one-of-a-kind fun, Mount Airy has you covered. During your summer visit, you’re going to want to make sure to make time for a trip to the Mayberry Courthouse on Main Street which is a replica courthouse paying homage to the set of the Andy Griffith Show. It’s free to visit and self-guided tours are terrific options for fantastic photo opportunities. Your summer trip this way can also include time at the Andy Griffith Museum which is just $8 to tour and sits within easy proximity of the Andy Griffith Playhouse as well. If you’re looking for some fun shopping to add to the list this summer, the Mount Airy Antique Mall on North Main Street is a must. There are also options to enjoy a trolley tour of town or see a movie at Creekside Cinemas on East Bluemont Road if you find yourself here on a rainy day. A tour of the Old North State Winery is a treat for the tastebuds while you can’t go wrong enjoying a sweet moment with the entire family at Opie’s Candy Store during your summer stay.
Book Your Summer Getaway to Mount Airy Today
There’s never been a better time to make your way to Mount Airy and enjoy a summer stay that’s unforgettable from start to finish. When you book your North Carolina vacation cabin rental through Carolina Getaway Cabins, you can count on luxury, comfort, and style being a part of your experience too! Reach out today to learn more about our inviting options available such as our North Carolina cabin rentals for large groups and to get started.
