“Mayberry—what else?”

Fred Thompson, Troy, a member of Randolph EMC

Hats off to small towns that have invested in their main street/downtown area with a variety of boutiques, diners, outfitters, restaurants and other businesses. Mount Airy is our readers’ favorite this year, and it’s a lovely place to stroll and explore. Welcome Home Décor & Gifts shop owner Karen Gillespie says she enjoys the repeat visitors each year. Tours and stops tied to Mayberry lore such as a ride in Mayberry’s squad car, the Andy Griffith Museum, a visit to Floyd’s Barber Shop (also among this year’s Finest), or Snappy Lunch are all attractions. The Visitor Center at 200 North Main, open daily, is the place to stop for events and other information. The longest running festival (60 years) is the Autumn Leaves Festival, typically in early October, but there is usually something fun scheduled for most months.