Mount Airy, North Carolina

Mount Airy is a city located in Surry County, North Carolina. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 8,484.

Related Topics:
Surry County, North Carolina - 2000

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It was the home of American actor Andy Griffith, and the inspiration for the fictional community Mayberry, the setting of The Andy Griffith Show. Several locations mentioned in the show reflect real sites in or near Mount Airy, including Mount Pilot (nearby Pilot Mountain) and Snappy Lunch, a restaurant which still stands in the city's downtown. The community holds an annual "Mayberry Days" celebration which regularly attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.

Related Topics:
Andy Griffith - Mayberry - The Andy Griffith Show - Pilot Mountain

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Even though Mayberry may be representative of Mount Airy, it is not to be confused with the fictional town. There are some similarities but the differences outnumber them. The City of Mount Airy markets and profits off of the idea of Mayberry, which draws tourists and money into the area. Citizens of Mount Airy normally take pride in the Mayberry theme, but others are embarassed by the association. These citizens would actually like to see Mount Airy showing off and marketing its own rich heritage.

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Mount Airy's most notable feature is its granite quarry, the largest open-faced quarry in the United States.

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Mount Airy was also the hometown of country singer Donna Fargo.

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