If there is one lasting legacy of The Andy Griffith Show it's that the little fictional town of Mayberry, where the iconic TV show is set, is synonymous with the ideal American way of life. With friendly sitcom characters like Sheriff Taylor, Aunt Bee, Opie, and Barney Fife roaming the sitcom's quaint small town it's hard not to disagree. Who wouldn't want to live there, wandering down main street, past Floyd's Barber Shop, and waving to real-life Wally, Otis, Gomer, or Goober? Great news! You can. There is a real-world version of Mayberry. It's Andy Griffith's hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina, upon which Mayberry was based. Not only is the town real, but it's loaded with fun stuff to do. Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the North Carolina-Virginia border, Mount Airy is the exact type of charming small town people love to spend the weekend in at a Bed and Breakfast, taking in the local fare. But not only that, being the inspiration for Mayberry isn't just a piece of trivia for the home of Matlock, it's a part of their identity they love to celebrate. With all that in mind, here are some of the best things to do should you ever decided to head on down to Mayberry er, we mean Mount Airy. The Andy Griffith Museum Obviously you have to start with the man who put the town on the map. The Andy Griffith Museum was founded by Emmett Forrest, who passed away in 2013. In the museum you can find all sorts of artifacts related to Griffith and his famous characters, like Sheriff Andy Taylor and Matlock. Admission is only $8 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. The museum operates regular business hours Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Mayberry Days Every year the Surry Arts Council and City of Mount Airy put on this beloved local festival that includes concerts and shows at the Andy Griffith Playhouse inside the Historic Earle Theater as well as the Blackmon Amphitheater, tons of local food like pork chop