Quote:
Originally Posted by jannland
Hi,
Please excuse, unfamiliar with posting here. I am visiting Mt. Airy in a couple of weeks to interview for a good job offer (healthcare) and look around.
I am a "grit", familiar and comfortable with the south. Have lived mostly in cities in South/West US, will now be coming from small town, coastal GA (cannot abide it). I am comfortable with a small town, but need to be close enough to an area to provide me with the type of food (think Whole Foods), beverages (is it dry there?), shopping etc. within a very reasonable drive. Love to hike, swim, feel I can p/u fishing, maybe skiing in western NC (how far is it, have close friends in Asheville).
In my late 40's, divorced, healthy and spiritual, very "green".
Any advice or opinions? Thanks.  |
It sounds to me like Mt. Airy will suit you just fine, though don't expect it to be very liberal or "green".
You'll have to go to Winston-Salem for the closest Whole Foods, but that's an easy 30 minute drive. Winston Salem will be your go to place for a mall (though Mt. Airy does have a very tiny one with a Penny's and Belk), and any other major shopping or dining.
I find restaurant choices pretty lacking in Mt. Airy. There are all the regular chains you'd expect, including Chilli's and Lonestar Steak House, but that's about it. The county is not dry and you can get alcohol at ABC stores.
The hospital is well regarded.
In a best case scenario you can get to Asheville in 2.5 hours, though it really depends on where in Asheville specifically.
One of the best things about the area is the mountain backdrop and how close you are to many great outdoor opportunities. There are also very active meetup groups out of Winston Salem and Greensboro that go out hiking most weekends when the weather is nice. Being in Mt. Airy you'd be right on the way to where these groups are going a lot of the time.
When you visit be sure to go to the center of town and and old Main Street. It is the essence of Mt. Airy (or "Mayberry" as was popularized by Andy Griffith). There are great shops and places to eat as you walk from one end to the other. I also really like the older homes within walking distance of downtown.
In addition, travel north out of Mt. Airy on hwy 52 to Fancy Gap to really see more of the countryside. You can be at the Blue Ridge Parkway in about 20 minutes. Look for B & B Produce along the way and stop for some fresh fruit, veggies or local honey. Then stop and grab a bite to eat right next to the Parkway at the Gap Deli, if they are open. They are only open weekends right now until Easter I believe.
Hope this helps and good luck with the interview!
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