Interest in Mount Airy grows following death of Andy Griffith

SURRY COUNTY, N.C. (By Chad Tucker, WGHP) — The death of Andy Griffith has brought more interest and first time tourists to his hometown in Mount Airy.

“We had no idea he was born here,” said Ron Filippi of Michigan who learned of the Mayberry ties to the Surry County city after reading about the actor’s death.

Area hotels say they’ve had more summer month reservations booked since his death, and businesses specializing in Mayberry memorabilia say they’ve seen an increase in first time visitors.

“We’ve talked to people from all over the United States who travel I-77 and say they never knew that this was where Andy was born and raised until he passed away,” said Darrell Miles, owner of Mayberry on Main.