Discover 9 Reasons to Visit Surry County, NC

Located in the Piedmont region, it is easy to see why people love to visit Surry County, NC. The county features attractions ranging from vineyards and orchards to delicious restaurants and antique stores and is just a short drive from Greensboro and Winston-Salem.

“Surry County, NC, lies in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, says Tourism Partnership of Surry County Executive Director Jessica Roberts. “That location provides beautiful views of rolling hills and mountains in the distance. Four small towns are located in Surry County: Dobson, Elkin, Mount Airy and Pilot Mountain. Each one has its own personality, while all maintain a level of hospitality that truly makes visitors feel welcome.”

Mayberry and More

Travelers can experience quaint towns, beautiful landscapes and outdoor adventures, including paddling areas, hiking trails, cycling routes, camping sites and scenic Pilot Mountain State Park.

“Surry County also lies in the heart of the Yadkin Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area), North Carolina’s first federally designated wine region,” Roberts says. “Following the Surry County Wine Trail, tasting award-winning wines and meeting the people who make them is one of the best ways to explore the area.”

Andy Griffith’s Hometown

The charming town of Mount Airy is affectionately known as Mayberry, and rightly so. This is Andy Griffith’s hometown and inspired his beloved eponymous TV show of the 1960s. Take a look around Mount Airy on a Squad Car Tour – of course, in a car like Barney drove – to see sights such as Griffith’s boyhood home, Snappy Lunch and Floyd’s Barber Shop. Stop by Aunt Bea’s restaurant for barbecue, burgers and an all-day breakfast menu.

Surry County Wine Trail

The Yadkin Valley is well known for its award-winning wines, and you can swirl and sip at 18 wineries in and around Surry County. The valley is known for its temperate climate and loamy soil, which produces classic varietals such as merlot, chardonnay, pinot grigio, syrah and sauvignon blanc. The newest winery on the trail is Christian Paul Vineyards in Elkin.

Pilot Mountain State Park

Pilot Mountain State Park is known for the Big and Little Pinnacles, with the larger pinnacle being one of the most distinctive natural features in the state. The park offers year-round activities such as camping, birdwatching, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and canoeing and fishing on the Yadkin River. Stop by the visitor center for maps and more information.

Surry Sonker Trail

Need a sweet day trip idea? Follow the Surry Sonker Trail for some delicious treats found only in this part of North Carolina. A cross between a cobbler and a deep-dish pie (a thick batter – more like pancake batter – is poured over a baked fruit base), sonker recipes have been passed down for generations. Seven places along the trail offer a seasonal sonker on their regular menus, so bring your appetite! Or plan a visit around Mount Airy’s annual Sonker Festival, held the first Saturday in October, to taste this North Carolina specialty and enjoy old-time music and quilt exhibits.

Downtown Mount Airy

Take a stroll down memory lane in downtown Mount Airy, where you can experience eclectic shops, art galleries and tasty eateries in a setting that’s a throwback to yesteryear. Downtown is home to some of the places you won’t want to miss, including Bear Creek Candy Kitchen, which has what seems like every flavor of fudge possible. Visit Mayberry on Main, a gift shop where you can find T-shirts, food products and souvenirs, and Bertha’s Vinyl Shop with records, CDs, DVDs and more. The 1938 Earle Theatre is still an important venue in Mount Airy, featuring movies, concerts and other events, as well as the Old-Time Music Heritage Hall.

Surry Ground Steak Trail

What started as a way to stretch ingredients when money was tight during the Great Depression has turned into a regional favorite. Sample the ground steak sandwich at the 11 mom-and-pop restaurants on the Surry Ground Steak Trail. Four small towns on the trail (Mount Airy, Pilot Mountain, Dobson and Elkin) offer the tasty dish – not to be confused with a burger or sloppy Joe – featuring ground beef, which has been thickened with flour and water, then piled on a toasted bun with mayo, coleslaw, chopped onion and tomato.

Whittling Wall & Andy Griffith Mural

Mount Airy honors some of its local legends who have influenced the town’s history and culture. The Whittling Wall, for example, features eight brick sculptures of people who have made an impact such as country singer Donna Fargo, businessman Flip Rees and public educator L.H. Jones. The many faces of Andy Griffith take center stage on a downtown mural showcasing Griffith’s career – from his early days on The Andy Griffith Show to his role in Matlock. Several other murals adorn other buildings around Mount Airy.

Riverside Park

Riverside Park – just two blocks from downtown Mount Airy – offers all kinds of fun activities for families. The city park includes a playground, picnic shelters, soccer field, basketball court, skate park, pickleball courts, a greenway for hiking and biking, and a canoe launch for river outings on the Ararat River.

Blackmon Amphitheatre

Summertime means live music and entertainment under the stars at the Blackmon Amphitheatre in Mount Airy. Bring a picnic and blanket – or chairs – and make yourself at home during the weekly concerts hosted by the Surry Arts Council and held May through October. Three bigger shows are scheduled during Mayberry Days in September, and concerts in October are free.