There are times when you’re looking to add a traditional vacation to your annual calendar. Then there are other moments when you just know you’re looking for something a little bit different. If you find yourself in the mood to make the most of a trip with a focus on unusual attractions, unique landmarks, and even hidden wonders, you’re going to want to make sure to make time for a trip to Mount Airy, North Carolina this year. This charming small-town destination is one that’s loved by travelers year-round with good reason. It’s a great place to settle in and relax and unwind in style or spend some time with family and friends exploring everything there is to see. Year-round, Mount Airy hosts a variety of seasonal events to discover, and it’s also a place where you’ll find a long lineup of attractions and entertainment that make it easy to customize your stay exactly to your travel style. That said, Mount Airy also has a few places that might not be on the typical to-do list when you head this way. When you’re looking to boost the fun and make it a Mount Airy vacation to remember, consider this your under-the-radar guide to the area no matter when you’re lucky enough to head this way, or how long you plan to stay.
You’ll Love Mount Airy
Whether you spend your entire vacation focused on under-the-radar experiences, or you’re mixing them in with some of the traditional favorites, one thing that’s certain is that you’re bound to love Mount Airy. This North Carolina fan-favorite getaway destination is located within the Piedmont Triad metropolitan region and sits within the parameters of scenic Surry County. Visiting Mount Airy means you’re only ever three miles from the state of Virginia, and within easy reach of the Ararat River too. The surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains set a beautiful scene in Mount Airy all year long, and those with a passion for history will find they can spend ample time digging into the area’s past which boasts stories dating back to the early 1700s. Here, you can enjoy being in the birthplace of celebrities, while also taking time to savor the tranquility that comes with making the most of your Yadkin Valley surroundings. Home to a fascinating lineup of theaters, museums, landmarks, and attractions, Mount Airy is a place where you’ll never have a shortage of options when it comes to tailoring your itinerary to your personal interests.
Your Journey to Under-the-radar Adventures Begins with an Easy Trip
When you decide to enjoy a trip to Mount Airy with a focus on under-the-radar adventures, that doesn’t mean that your route to getting here has to be under-the-radar as well. In fact, many travelers will love how simple it is to access the experiences that await them in Mount Airy. Whether you’re enjoying a journey this way for just a few days, or you’re fortunate enough to have an extended stay on the calendar, getting here is easier than you might have imagined. Travelers who decide to fly in will want to focus on making arrangements to land at the Greensboro/ High Point Airport. This destination is no more than an hour’s drive into town, and making this your landing location is even more convenient thanks to a variety of rental car options right on site. If you’re flying in on a private jet, the Mount Airy/ Surry County Airport within Holly Springs is often the best option. If you don’t mind including a scenic drive into your journey, choosing to land at airports in Charlotte, Raleigh, Roanoke, or Asheville are all viable options as well.
Once you finally make your way to Mount Airy, you’ll be delighted to find that getting around is just as simple as getting here. If your under-the-radar itinerary takes you out of town, you’re going to want to be sure that you have a rental car to use so you can customize your days according to your preferences. There’s something wonderfully refreshing about being able to wake up and adjust your schedule as needed knowing you have wheels to count on.
Of course, if you prefer to stay closer to the center of town, there’s no reason not to ditch the vehicle and swap it out for walking instead. Many visitors heading this way in the warm weather months of the year also choose to rent traditional bikes or E-bikes and enjoy cycling their way through an unforgettable stay. Either way, you’ll find that as you roam through Mount Airy, you’ll always be treated to great views making the experience that much more meaningful.
Take Time to Search for Treasures at the Mount Airy Antique Mall
When you’re looking for your very first under-the-radar stop in Mount Airy, make sure it’s the Mount Airy Antique Mall. This exciting destination is located right in the heart of downtown, but while the location may not be considered hidden, the antique mall itself hosts a variety of opportunities to search for hidden treasures. This is a must visit for those who are always in the mood to search for something exciting that others might not take the time to hunt for. When you drop by the Mount Airy Antique Mall, you’ll find you have access to over 18,000 square feet of showroom space to explore. This antique mall is proud to host over 100 quality dealers and is a welcoming one stop resource for those who are looking to explore antiques, vintage goods, and collectibles that are always one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re looking for something for yourself, or you’re on a mission to find the perfect gift for someone else, the Mount Airy Antique Mall is where you’ll want to start your under-the-radar adventure.
See a Movie on a Rainy Day or Just for Fun
If you happen to find yourself in Mount Airy on a rainy day, it can be easy to assume that you just need to stay in and kick back for a while and wait until later when you can continue on with your set itinerary and plans. While you’re more than welcome to take a relaxing day off, there’s no reason you can’t head out and still have a great time. Perhaps one of the more under-the-radar activities you could add to your itinerary when this is the case is a movie. Feel free to make your way over to Creekside Cinemas located on East Bluemont Road when you’re in the mood for a film enjoyed on your own or alongside family and friends. This movie theater in Mount Airy is a first run theater where you can purchase tickets for new movies and once in a while, classics too. The environment is fun and friendly and definitely suitable for all ages. There are plenty of concessions to enjoy, and the theater is frequently shouted out for its great customer service. When you drop by here, you’ll be stopping by a place that locals love as well, giving you more insight into what life is like on a daily basis in Mount Airy.
Stop by the Surry Arts Council Complex
When you mention that you’re traveling to Mount Airy, North Carlina to others, there’s a good chance that someone you’re talking to will know that it’s the birthplace of Andy Griffith. It’s fair to say that this town has become closely associated with the celebrity of Griffith, but if you’re looking for a more under-the-radar approach to fascinating locals linked to the location, you’re going to want to make sure to check out the Surrey Arts Council complex at least once during your stay. This is where you can enjoy some time browsing a permanent exhibit highlighting Mount Airy’s iconic twins known as Chang and Eng. These brothers were born conjoined back in 1811 in Thailand, and when they moved to America in 1839, they ended up marrying sisters Adelaide and Sarah Yates. Eventually, the couples and their children moved to Mount Airy in 1845. Upon arrival, they became well-known tobacco farmers and inadvertently ended up introducing the term Siamese twins into the English lexicon along the way. Today, visitors to Mount Airy can learn more about these famous conjoined twins who called Mount Airy home at the exhibit at the Surrey Arts Council complex. Some of the items on display here include admission tickets from their journeys, artifacts from their hometowns, as well as vintage souvenir figurines.
Explore the Hillside of Concrete Statues
Yet another under-the-radar stop near Mount Airy for those who are looking for something truly unique is a place known as the Hillside of Concrete Statues. Situated in Slate Mountain, North Carolina along a rural road just about 6 miles from Mount Airy, this destination is true to its name and showcases a one-of-a-kind display of concrete figures of all kinds. The Hillside of Concrete Statue appropriately sits next to a concrete statue factory, and it makes for a unique photo opportunity to say the least. Don’t be surprised when you drop by if you have the chance to encounter everything from concrete eagles and lions to elephants, dragons, and even menacing warriors.
Try Winetasting Which Includes a Tour While You’re in Town
Mount Airy, North Carolina is known for its robust winery scene, but when you’re looking to enhance the fun of a wine tasting experience even further, consider making your way to the Old North State Winery and adding a tour into the mix. This is a unique way to pair flavor and education while you’re in the area. Old North State Winery is the perfect place to pair a facility tour with quality time at the tasting bar and on-site deli. While you’ll certainly be impressed by the flavor profiles that await, there’s something truly insightful about seeing the production process behind the scenes and getting the chance to speak with producers about the process and how they incorporate their personal touch into their establishment.
Check Out the Mayberry Cool Cars & Rods Cruise-In
When you happen to be a classic car enthusiast, one of the more unique opportunities you’ll have during your Mount Airy stay is to check out the Mayberry Cool Cars and Rods Cruise-In. This is a summertime fan favorite event ideal for those who love hitting the road in style. You’ll want to head downtown on the third Sunday of each month between May and September between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to be a part of the entertainment. This is where everyone gathers to enjoy admiring classic cars, listening to live music, and pairing it all with great food and beverages too. Of course, there’s plenty of cruising around to be done at this event as well which is organized by the Downtown Business Association.
Treat Your Tastebuds at Miss Angel’s Heavenly Pies
If you have a sweet tooth to satisfy when you’re heading to Mount Airy, North Carolina, you’ll want to note that there’s a place in town where you can purchase miniature pies for just $5 each. Don’t leave Miss Angel’s Heavenly Pies off your must-visit list the next time you’re here. This is a one-stop resource for personal-size apple and Key Lime pies that ensure your stay includes that sweet moment or two. Making the experience even better is the fact that just next door is an ice cream shop where you can find truly unique flavors including a selection that’s infused with moonshine.
Dine in Vegetarian Style at The Depot Restaurant
Those heading to Mount Airy who stick to a vegetarian diet might feel like the opportunity to enjoy an eatery with a robust lineup of viable options is the best under-the-radar stop of them all. Just about 10 miles from town in nearby Dobson, those who are excited to have plenty of vegetarian choices on the menu will find it with ease at the Depot Restaurant at Cody Creek. Situated next to a beautiful gazebo and a nearby church, this eatery is a unique chophouse stop that’s loved by meat eaters and happens to have just as many options for vegetarians on the menu! Swing by and treat yourself to a palate-pleasing dinner starting at 5:00 pm no matter what your dietary restriction may or may not be. You’ll be glad you did!
Book Your Stay in Mount Airy Today
Elevate your Mount Airy stay in luxury, comfort, and style by booking your inviting North Carolina cabin rentals through the team at Carolina Getaway Cabins. Reach out today to learn more about our wide variety of Mount Airy vacation rentals available and how we can help you make more of every single moment you’re here.
