—Lynns Trip To Mount Airy – 2022—
My trip to Mt. Airy, NC., is coming up.
This Wednesday, around 1 pm, Mom, My Aunt, and I will depart headed toward Mt. Airy for this year’s “Mayberry Meet-Up.” I’m looking forward to it.
Many of you know that I am a big “The Andy Griffith Show” fan, or as we call it, “TAGS,” and each year, we “Meet-Up” in the hometown of Andy Griffith, in Mt. Airy, NC.
At night, over a hundred of us sit in our lawn chairs and watch episodes of TAGS on the big screen using a projector to project the show.
There is a Gazebo on the property, and late at night, many sit in the Gazebo and talk TAGS.
It’s a nine-and-a-half-hour drive from home, so we break it up into two days of driving.
I can usually make it to Dandridge, TN., where the “Bushs Baked Beans” factory is located.
I’ve been told that we WILL NOT be staying at any $79 bucks-a-night Motels.
I personally like cheap Motels. I grew up that way. I like the big ol’ A/C unit under the window that runs all night. I sleep well, turning the temperature into the ’60s and listening to the A/C whirl all night.
But NOT this trip.
I’ve been told we will stay somewhere with a quiet A/C and Breakfast in the morning. Or at least a Continental Breakfast.
Now, the place we stay at in Mt. Airy is an older Motel.
To me, it is part of the “Mayberry” Experience.
They have a ’60s Ford Galaxy Patrol Car sitting out front and one room dedicated to Aunt Bee.
Many items in the “Aunt Bee Room” came from the Francis Bavier estate Auction after she passed.
Looking inside that room is like looking into the past—a different time in History. And, for just a second, you’re in Mayberry, USA.
The property has a lovely lawn that is well manicured and maintained.
And, as I said earlier, they have a Gazebo.
The Gazebo is the icing on the Cake. A nice, quiet place to sit and talk.
Some people take board games such as TAGS Board Game and sit and play.
I enjoy sitting and thinking.
There are many things to do in Mt. Airy, and I’ll try to hit the high spots daily.
Then, at night, under the stars, I’ll sit with over a hundred people and watch one of the greatest television shows in American History.
We will come together as strangers and leave as friends and family.
…And isn’t that what Mayberry is about?
