One of the 500 remaining drive-in theaters in the United States finds its home in Mount Airy, N.C. Since 1958, the number of drive-ins has dropped 87 percent from 4,063, according to the National Association of Theater Owners, but Mount Airy's drive-in remains popular.
The drive-in theater is equipped with speakers, or moviegoers can listen to radio sound, 89.5 FM. For more information about movie listings and current prices, call 336-786-5494.
Andy Griffith Playhouse
The Andy Griffith Playhouse, circa 1920, is Mount Airy's first known site of a public school, the Rockford Street School. It is located at 218 Rockford St.. Andy Griffith attended elementary school and performed on stage here during the 1930s and 1940s. The Surry Arts Council leased the building in 1975 and renovated it into a theatre and arts center. The building was named in Andy Griffith's honor during the early 1970s.
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday at various times. Call for a schedule of events at 336-786-7998 or 1-800-286-6193. Fax: 336-786-9822. Mailing address: Surry Arts Council, P.O. Box 141, 218 Rockford St, Mount Airy, N.C. 27030. E-mail: surryarts@advi.net. Website: www.surryarts.org
Surrounding Area Attractions
Mabry Mill
Mabry Mill is located in Meadows of Dan, Va. at Milepost 176 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from the last weekend in April throughout October. Demonstrations that may include sorghum molasses making, apple butter making, grinding corn and buck wheat take place every Sunday from 2-5 p.m. The mill emphasizes the pioneer culture of the Blue Ridge Highlands and impromptu music and dancing are usually a part of Sunday afternoon activities. Free admission. Food and drinks are available at the restaurant on the premises. For more information, contact 276-952-2947.
Historic Rockford Village
The Rockford Preservation Society Inc. was organized in 1972 to stabilize and preserve the town of Rockford. The town of Rockford was established by a legislative act in 1789 and served as the county seat of Surry County until 1853. At that time, Surry County encompassed present day Yadkin County. The town bustled with hotels, taverns, mills and general stores. As the county seat, Rockford became a commercial center, as well as, the hub of county and private business transactions. The town of Rockford was placed on the National Register of Historic places in 1976; the Rockford Preservation Society was incorporated the same year. Today, Rockford represents a part of Surry County's unique history and has become quite a tourist attraction.
Visitors to Rockford can also enjoy looking at the antiques, candy and odds-and-ends that fill the Rockford General Store. Operating Hours: Closed Monday and Tuesday; open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and open Sunday, 1-5 p.m. For more information, call 336-374-5317.
For information about many more Mount Airy/Mayberry attractions please give us a call!
More Area Attractions
Blue Ridge Parkway - Ranked as "America's Most Senic Drive". (30 minute drive from B&B)
Pilot Mountain State Park - Also known as "Mount Pilot" from the Mayberry Show. This park is within walking distance from our B&B.
Stone Mountain State Park - 600 foot granite dome; more than 17 miles of designated trout waters. Hiking, fly fishing, picnicking, rock climbing, repelling & horseback riding.( about a 35 mile drive)
8AM - 5PM. Call (336) 957-8185.
Tanglewood Park - Clemmons, NC. Full park including horseback riding; $16 per hour. Open daily 7 AM - Dusk year round. Admission. Call (336)766-9540.
Horne Creek Farm - April - October Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Horne Creek Living Historical Farm - Pinnacle, NC. (336) 325-2298. Admission is Free. Reconstruct the physical enviroment and seasonal work cycle of a North Carolina family farm.
Wally's Service Station - Offering Squad Car Tours. Located at 625 S Main Street in Mt Airy. Hours: Monday - Friday 9AM - 5PM and Saturday 10AM - 3PM. (336) 719-0181 or 789-OPIE.
Yadkin Valley Wine Trail Visit this website for all of the vineyards in the Yadkin Valley. Includes maps and schedules of special events, including concerts & wine festivals.
Saturday Morning Jam Session - Join the jammers on the stage
of the Surry Arts Council's Historic downtown cinema, 142 N
Main Street, Mt Airy for 90 minuites of music by some of our
area's pickers every Saturday morning at 9am until 10:30am.
Call (800) 286-6193 or (336)786-7998 www.surryarts.org
Blue Ridge Jamboree - (Third Saturday Monthly) Admission $7.00;
Contact the Surry Arts Council.
Tim Fry's Pickin on the
Creek - Live music concerts are held each month scheduled
Saturday at 7:30 pm at Granite City Floor Covering, 3332
Westfield Rd Hwy 89, Mount Airy; $5.00 per person (336)786-5039
Thursday night jam session - Andy Griffith Playhouse, 218
Rockford Street, Mt Airy. Contact the Surry Arts Council.
In-room Massages available; Call Diane Blakemore at (336) 345-0328.
Call Penni Miller at (336) 971-1542
The Main Oak Emporium, (336) 789-2404; Home of The Official Andy Griffith Collection - Enjoy a cup of Cofee, Specialty drinks, Smoothies & Lunch Live Entertainment on Thursdays & Weekends at the Good Life Cafe ~~ furniture, antiques, art, home accents, garden items, wine & gourmet foods, Good Life outfitters & much more collectibles. Downtown Mt Airy.
Local Horseback Riding
Whistling Creek - horseback riding rate of $25 per person per hour; (336) 351-4451.
Bregman's Trail Riding (within 2 Miles from our Inn) 336 368 5740 "People Friendly Horses"
Ogburn Stables - 15 min from Pilot Knob Inn $30.00 per hr. - (336)983-2279.
Tanglewood - 40 min from Pilot Knob (336)766-9540.
Mayberry Wedding Chapel - Want to get married in Mayberry Thurs - sat 10am - 5pm (336) 786-7000, Or if you would like a preacher to meet you somewhere with your own special arrangements please contact Bruce Hodges at (336) 326-8078 or 336 786-8399 or 336 710-2254 leave a message with Bruce.
www.prohealthcenter.com - Northwest Medical Partners / PROHEALTH Center is $5.00 for a daily pass. You can use their indoor walking track, indoor lap pool, outdoor swimming pool, spa hottub, all nautilus equip stair master, free weights bikes & much more This is a 15 minute drive straight up Hwy 52N in Mt Airy, NC.
www.homplacepark.com - Swimming & miniature golf.. 15 minutes from Pilot Knob Inn.
Hanging Rock State Park -Waterfalls, boating, picnicing, fishing, rock climbing, repelling, hiking, horseback riding & swimming in the 12 acre lake.(15 mile drive) Call (336) 593-8480.w
