"Mayberry like" towns?

[TCK]

Originally Posted by rclement

See http://www.insearchofmayberry.com/towns.html for a dozen suggestions!

(My, that's funny, why doesn't it work as a link? Well, sorry, just copy and paste it into your browser, I guess.)

I went to this site and really enjoyed it. Searching through all the towns was nice and definitely some quaint places. I love Durango, CO..it is 3.5 hours away from me here in NM. I saw that Hillsborough was voted/named a Distinctive Desination like Durango. Got to see this one day then!

Thanks again.

[RuralCoastalGuy]

Originally Posted by TCK

I was watching an entertainment show today and Andy Griffith was on. Showed him sitting with Ron Howard at one point and also in his latest role on Waitress. Near the end, I thought I heard them say he lives in Mt. Airy.
Did I hear wrong?

I didn't see the show but at the last I heard was that he lived on Ocracoke Island on the NC coast.

[SunnyKayak]

Originally Posted by TCK

I was watching an entertainment show today and Andy Griffith was on. Showed him sitting with Ron Howard at one point and also in his latest role on Waitress. Near the end, I thought I heard them say he lives in Mt. Airy.
Did I hear wrong?

Mt Airy at least the down town area is still very quaint. I went during the week and arrive just before 4:00 pm and the town has already shut down or whatever did not close at 2 p.m closed at 4 p.m. Hardly anybody walking the sidewalks a very sleepy type town. As we walking checking out the shops I suddenly heard this loud screech and thought I set something off but it was a bluegrass song getting ready to play across a store front speaker. We went inside and they carry all kind of knick knacks alot of variety of barbecue and cookie sauces. If your looking for a classic North Carolina Southern town with widow front displays this town will fit your bill. Walk down toward the episcopal church and you can smell the bakery across the street with delicious apple fritters and fudge.
I was informed by the lady in the bakery best time to arrive in the week is during the morning or on the weekends during the warmer weather and the town is more lively.

Andy does live in Mt Airy but I am not sure if he is at his homeplace it is private property and it rather a small home that I am sure someone of his wealth would have a larger home.

Pilot Mountain (Mount Pilot) is a nice place to go and hike, check out the views, park or rock climb.
I made mistake and took the first exit that said Pilot Mountain off 52 south from Mt Airy and even though I got to see beautiful country side when I arrived at Pilot Mountain I realize I could have exited closer to the mountain.
There is an exit on 52 right beneath the mountain but the road to the top is very curvy with a 15 % grade.

photos of the area
http://www.city-data.com/forum/1782982-post91.html

[RuralCoastalGuy]

Originally Posted by SunnyKayak

Mt Airy at least the down town area is still very quaint. I went during the week and arrive just before 4:00 pm and the town has already shut down or whatever did not close at 2 p.m closed at 4 p.m. Hardly anybody walking the sidewalks a very sleepy type town. As we walking checking out the shops I suddenly heard this loud screech and thought I set something off but it was a bluegrass song getting ready to play across a store front speaker. We went inside and they carry all kind of knick knacks alot of variety of barbecue and cookie sauces. If your looking for a classic North Carolina Southern town with widow front displays this town will fit your bill. Walk down toward the episcopal church and you can smell the bakery across the street with delicious apple fritters and fudge.
I was informed by the lady in the bakery best time to arrive in the week is during the morning or on the weekends during the warmer weather and the town is more lively.

Andy does live in Mt Airy but I am not sure if he is at his homeplace it is private property and it rather a small home that I am sure someone of his wealth would have a larger home.

Pilot Mountain (Mount Pilot) is a nice place to go and hike, check out the views, park or rock climb.
I made mistake and took the first exit that said Pilot Mountain off 52 south from Mt Airy and even though I got to see beautiful country side when I arrived at Pilot Mountain I realize I could have exited closer to the mountain.
There is an exit on 52 right beneath the mountain but the road to the top is very curvy with a 15 % grade.

photos of the area
http://www.city-data.com/forum/1782982-post91.html

When did he leave Manteo/Ocracoke Island???

[Nims]

If you live in one and want to extol its virtues, post the information on the newly-formed RuralLife thread.

Ditto if you want to relocate to a small town. Ask questions about specific areas of the state (by county if you know which) and (we hope) you will get some valuable information.

[tomsdiner]

Originally Posted by Prichard

I don't know about North Carolina, but in North Georgia there are some towns that are Maybery-like. I'd say that Clayton is one. Some other mountain towns probably equally so, both in Georgia and North Carolina. Yes, there are families that have lived in these towns for many generations, and they do tend to run things. But, it's not impossible to move there and be accepted - you just have to make an honest effort to become a part of their community, leave "the way we do it in ______ville" at the county line before you even step foot in the town. Most folks are nice people, especially if you make a sincere effort to befriend them. Like, affiliate with a church; Go to Highschools football / basketball games, even if you don't have kids that attend; volunteer your time when and where you can. Even people who's families have lived in a town for generations take notice of these things when an "outsider" moves to town.

Prichard is right, i bought a house in Hiawassee, Ga. about 30 miles west of Clayton, and everything said here is the truth, the local people are great and friendly. As with most mountain towns you will see alot of outsiders, mostly from Florida, either as part time vacation homes or as residents that have started up businesses locally. Most Local accept newcommers because they bring money to their economy. Alot of these towns were poor farming towns and the real estate boom that started in the 70's made many of the locals wealthy. I think these towns are the closest you can find to Mayberry today.

[RuralCoastalGuy]

Originally Posted by tomsdiner

Prichard is right, i bought a house in Hiawassee, Ga. about 30 miles west of Clayton, and everything said here is the truth, the local people are great and friendly. As with most mountain towns you will see alot of outsiders, mostly from Florida, either as part time vacation homes or as residents that have started up businesses locally. Most Local accept newcommers because they bring money to their economy. Alot of these towns were poor farming towns and the real estate boom that started in the 70's made many of the locals wealthy. I think these towns are the closest you can find to Mayberry today.

You are right...nothing like these Mayberry-like towns...but the original is still the best

[Nims]

According to what gets posted in the Rural Life thread, the 'Mayberry-like town' concept is alive and well.

TO EVERYONE WHO LIVES IN ONE -- What do you like best about your little town?