Getting Lost in Mayberry

Posted by Linda J Bottjer Sep 17, 2007

I admit it, but I actually got lost in Mayberry -or in Mount Airy as it rightfully known.

I have traveled the world where neither the language nor the alphabet makes sense. And I have always found my destination.

But in a small hilly North Carolina city – I got lost. And with a map yet!

The lovely people at the Visitors Center supplied me with tons of information, charmed me into believing that little Opie Taylor would soon be walking in with his oversized sneakers looking for his Pa and reminded me of the late September event which celebrates the TV show.

Strolling down Main Street I began to hum the theme song and was instantly transported back to my youth. Forget TV Land - I am just old enough to remember the original series.

I passed the Snappy Lunch restaurant. I peered into the Barber Shop and stopped in at a local emporium for a look at all the T-shirts, mouse pads etc. with assorted lovable residents of Mayberry festooned on them.

Then I headed for my car.

I was looking for Wally’s Fillin Station. As my mind wandered to the generosity of actor Andy Griffith and the 40 odd years of fame during which his TV series brought to his hometown – I became distracted.

Suddenly I was headed to Winston Salem.

Wrong.

I circled back, and back again. Somehow now the nearby state of Virginia was in view.

What the heck?

In the spirit of Aunt Bee – I could not utter an expletive.

How I wished the date was September 27 – 30 and annual Mayberry Days was happening.

The town is overrun with nostalgia, celebrities and surely some goodhearted Goober or Gomer would be able to help me.

Thankfully I eventually found my way.

You can too by attending Mayberry Days.

www.surryarts.org.