The small town life of Mt Airy, North Carolina, where Andy Griffith grew up, was a big influence on the way he portrayed Sheriff Andy Taylor in the Andy Griffith Show which ran from from 1960–1968. The Snappy Lunch, Mount Airy Newspaper, local towns, and street names all were mentioned or made appearances on the show. Today Mt Airy plays up on the nostalgia and welcomes tourists to take a tour in an early 1960s Ford Galaxie squad car or buy souvenirs at Wally’s Gas Station.
We know Griffith from his TV appearances as Sheriff Taylor and Matlock but we weren't aware that he was also an accomplished comedian, television producer, singer, and writer. Although the museum is small it features a large collection of artifacts and memorabilia and covers Griffith's childhood and 70 year career which included roles on Broadway and over a dozen feature films.
The lower level of the museum has a mishmash of related items. The main exhibit is a collection of memorabilia from the career of Betty Lynn who played Barney Fife's girlfriend, Thelma Lou. There are also cutouts of some of the characters on the show.
Both floors of the museum are accessible. Follow the sidewalk from the parking lot past the Andy Griffith Playhouse to the museum entrance. To see the lower level exit the museum and follow the sidewalk down.
Parking is in the lot of the Andy Griffith Theater which is large enough for most RVs.
Museum 36.49764, -80.60921
That was great. Thanks. Thelma Lou was Barney Fife's girlfriend. Andy dated Helen, Opie's teacher.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'll fix it.
DeleteHe was accomplished, yes-sir-ee! I doubt we'll ever get that way, but since you've shown us the museum, we don't have to go!
ReplyDelete