Where to stay
There are three main campgrounds close to Mount Airy North Carolina. Beechnut Family Campground is approximately 2.9 miles from Mount Airy and rated at 8.7 out of 10 on campgrounds.rvlife.com. The park consists of 30 and 50 amp permanent or temporary full hook-up sites, tent sites, a pool, a zip line, and restrooms. Verizon speed here averages 13.26MB for any remote workers using a Verizon signal for their internet. There are no pull-through sites and the road in is a bit windy and steep so may not be suitable for larger rigs.
Mayberry Campground is about 2.5 miles from Mount Airy and big rig friendly with pull-through and back-in gravel sites. The grounds are well maintained and connected to the Eng and Chang Bunker house built in the 1830s offering tours. Behind the home is the camp store conveniently containing anything one might need for maintaining the rv or camping. Sites are fairly level and offer full hook-ups. Those who like to fish will enjoy the pond. Bathroom and laundry facilities are also located on the property. Verizon and ATT signals average 12.76MB (lowest 395kb) and 17.29MB (lowest 360kb) respectively. Road access to the campground is a little windy in a few places but doable in our large rig. As an added bonus you’re likely to see July 4th fireworks from your site if you happen to visit at that time! We found the campground quite enjoyable!
Homeplace Recreational Park located in Ararat Nc. is ~6 to 7 miles from Mount Airy. There are sites available for large and small rigs with varying hook-up options (30 or 50amp, sewer option). Its best to call the office to book a site here to make sure your rig will fit in the site you are looking to rent so that you don’t end up at the overflow lot. Those with smaller rigs can enjoy the area near the creek which is shaded and gives the feeling of camping in the woods. Other sites are either in the open or under trees. The park offers showers, restrooms, picnic area rentals, put-put golf, and a pay to swim public pool with a slide, swing rope, diving board, and food hut. (Note: If you visit the pool bring your own chairs or mat to sit on.) Verizon speed was 120kb when we tested it. Our nieces really enjoyed staying here and we agreed its a great place for kids; big and small alike! Roads into the park are windy and somewhat steep in a few places but we found it doable pulling our 41.5 ft. fifth wheel. Just take it slow.
Roaming around in and about Mount Airy
Mount Airy, the home town of actor Andy Griffith is the basis for the fictional town of Mayberry on the Andy Griffith Show filmed from 1960-1968. It hosts quaint diners and shops of a past where people seemingly had more quality connections and existences reminiscent of small town life. The Andy Griffith museum open year round (except Christmas and Thanksgiving) showcases memorabilia of Andy Griffith’s life and career including props and wardrobes from the Andy Griffith and Matlock shows. Wally’s Service Station located at 625 south Main St. is a great place to get souvenirs and an old south favorite snack, RC cola and a moon pie. Here you will also find Ottis’ jail cell, the Mayberry court house and Mayberry Squad Car tours (reservations recommended). Main Street shuts down about 5:00 pm so we recommend getting there early. Parking is available at the post office on the weekends.
Squad Car tours available for $50 a carload beginning and returning at Wally’s Service Station.
No matter what you “get a hankering” for there are quite a few nostalgic diners and sweet shops to choose from. The popular Snappy Lunch diner located on Main St. began offering lunch to Mount Airy workers in the 1920s and is still open today continuing to serve their famous pork chop sandwich made of a tenderized fried pork chop, coleslaw, bun and your chosen condiments. I don’t normally go for coleslaw on my sandwich but braved up and gave it a try. It did not disappoint and was delicious! Ryan had his normal choice of all American hamburger. If breakfast is more your thing they open at 5:45 am Monday-Saturday. Beware closing time is 1:45 pm except Thursdays and Saturdays which is 1:15 pm. Farther down on Main St. you will find Barney’s Cafe and Mi Casa if you prefer Mexican cuisine. Walkers Soda Fountain offers burgers, hot dogs, fries, phosphate soda, old fashioned malts and shakes with an old soda shop atmosphere. We stopped in for a milk shake which hit the spot in the heat of the day. If you like pie then don’t pass up Miss Angels Heavenly Pies! There are 45 different pies to choose from in many creative varieties from apple all the way to oreo to pecan pumpkin to strawberry rhubarb to moonshine apple ect. Don’t want a deep dish 9 inch? There are also 5 inch cutie pies and other delectable deserts from cake to cookies to turnovers and more. You’ll also be delighted to know that fruits from Miss Angel’s farm are used to make the pies. Opie’s Candy Store nearby offers new and old variety candies for purchase by the pound.
If you would like to venture out from Mount Airy there are several wineries nearby. Raffaldini vineyard is a 40 minute drive from Mount Airy and hosts food truck events, festivities and wine releases. Here you will find rolling hills of grapevines with a Tuscany touch that are used to create the white, red and rose wines being offered. Tasting room hours are Monday, Wednesday-Saturday 11 am-5 pm and Sunday 12 pm-5 pm (reservations preferred but walk ins welcome if have availability). If you would like to stay close Round Peak Vineyard is located on 12 acres in Mount Airy serving whites, reds and roses from dry to sweet. They offer live music, grill fests, and RV camp events! Did we mention Round Peak is dog friendly? 🙂 Cabin rentals are available and if you need exercise disk golf is an option. April through December hours are daily 12 pm-5 pm, Friday 12-8 pm and Saturday 12-6 pm. Hidden Vineyard located in Dobson is a 20 minute drive and is a great place for dry wine lovers. Eight different grape varieties located on their beautiful vineyard are used to create interesting notes and flavors such as tobacco, pear, and blackberry. Enticing food and music events are inviting as is the kind lady pouring in the tasting room. Tasting room hours are Thursday through Saturday 11 am-6 pm and Sunday 12 pm-5 pm. Hidden Vineyard is dog friendly! We hope you enjoyed the read and found it informational. Keep roaming!
Ryan & Lorri Ray
July 28, 2022
Roaming Rays 