EXPLORE MOUNT AIRY MAYBERRY, MUSIC, AND MORE July 28 – 30, 2017 Produced by Our State magazine Schedule of Events Friday, July 28 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Our State welcome in the Hampton Inn lobby 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Welcome reception on the top floor of the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History Enjoy wine and light appetizers from Old North State Winery as you feast upon some of the best views of the surrounding mountains and countryside from the highest peak in town. 6:30 p.m. Dinner on your own in any of the delightful downtown Mount Airy restaurants Saturday, July 29 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Breakfast at your leisure at the Hampton Inn 8:30 a.m. Your full day of insider touring starts with a private, narrated tour of the area including: • The Andy Griffith Homeplace (not open, but you can view the home) • Granite Quarry (Stop for an up-close visit of this enormous quarry) • Wally’s Service Station (Stop for photos and fun reminiscences of the show) 10:00 a.m. Historic Earle Theater and Old-Time Music Heritage Hall Start your visit with a talk by Kelly Epperson on the history of these hallowed walls where the second-longest running live radio show (69 years) continues to this day. See a flatfoot dancing demonstration by Marsha Todd and then stay for Merry-Go-Round, a live radio broadcast of different bluegrass musicians, which airs on WPAQ. Note: Merry-Go-Round goes until 1:00 p.m. You are free to stay, or enjoy a sampling and shop the charming, unique stores that fill downtown Mount Airy. 1:15 p.m. Snappy Lunch It’s time for what has been called “the state sandwich” — the famous pork chop sandwich. Other items available. 2:00 p.m. The Andy Griffith Museum Tour the recently renovated site to soak in the memories of The Andy Griffith Show that always brought a smile and a gentle heart tug. A special presentation by author Neal Brower, “Mayberry 101 — A complete guide to the shows,” will be a highlight of the tour, as well as Betty Lynn, the actress who played Barney’s girlfriend, Thelma Lou. There will be time to shop the gift shop for Neal Brower’s book and all your favorite The Andy Griffith Show memorabilia. Afterwards, it’s back to the hotel for a quick rest. 6:00 p.m. Depart for Harvest Grill at Shelton Vineyards for a delectable dinner with wine pairings in a truly beautiful setting. Sunday, July 30 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Breakfast at the Hampton Inn followed by a safe farewell from Our State. Be sure to receive your departure gift and directions to the two churches in the area that influenced Andy Griffith’s upbringing — the Haymore Memorial Baptist Church, where Andy attended, and also Grace Moravian, where he learned to play music. Please note: Exact schedule times subject to change..