Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1 – Mount Airy, NC – An Evening with John Floyd: The Mouth of Mayberry

Today, arrive in Mount Airy, NC, where Andy Griffith was born in Mt Airy, NC on June 1, 1926. Come celebrate his 100th birthday in 2026.  Check into your hotel for a two-night stay and dinner is included at a local restaurant.

Following dinner, you enjoy an evening show with Comedian John Floyd, the Mouth of Mayberry. John is a seasoned comedian who has entertained folks in all 50 states, as well as on the high seas. (D)

Day 2 – Mayberry Sightseeing – Squad Car Tour of Mayberry – Andy Griffith Museum – Old-Time Local Bluegrass Show

Today’s visit to “Mayberry” begins with a Squad Car.  Where else can you ride in Barney’s car except Mayberry? Cruise on over to Andy’s Homeplace then ride in Mayberry style down Main Street past Floyd’s Barber Shop and Snappy Lunch. You’ll cruise by other Mayberry attractions like The Andy Griffith Playhouse, The Old Jail and the Visitors Center – Home of the Andy Griffith Museum. While at Wally’s don’t miss the best photo opportunity of the day – your photo in front of the Squad Car, a photo that says Mayberry like nowhere else. There are six squad cars that carry 4 passengers each on a 30 minute tour.  Large groups will rotate between the gift shop and tour.

Then lunch is on your own in the historic downtown.  Enjoy one of many unique restaurants and if crowd permits your travelers may be able to at Mount Airy’s oldest continuous eating establishment The Snappy Lunch (1923), home of the “Famous Pork Chop Sandwich” so frequently mentioned in the Andy Griffith Show. You’ll have plenty of time here for a little shopping and picture taking.  Fans of The Andy Griffith Show will feel like they are returning to that simpler time.  This is where Andy Griffith grew up and a stroll down Main Street in the “Friendly City” reminds people of the town of Mayberry on the endearing popular ‘60s hit TV series, The Andy Griffith Show. You’ll be sure to relish the generous spirit of The Andy Griffith Show that you encounter wherever you go.

You also visit the Andy Griffith Museum, their museum’s collection features hundreds of items from the life and career of Andy Griffith in movies, television and music as well as a variety of memorabilia. There are even actual props from The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock given by Andy Griffith himself.  You also enjoy a Behind the Scenes tour at the Andy Griffith Playhouse, where Andy first performed on stage at his high school.

This evening, following another local dinner you take your seats for an Old-Time Mountain Bluegrass Show.  It’s a night of toe-tapping, hand-clapping music in the same spirit as The Darlings, that fictional family of musically inclined hillbillies that appeared frequently on the Andy Griffith Show. (B,D)

Day 3 – Pigeon Forge, TN – Free Time at The Island – Old Smoky Moonshine Tasting – Hatfield & McCoys Dinner Feud Show

After breakfast, depart Mayberry for Pigeon Forge, TN.  Arrive this afternoon in time for lunch on your own and free time at The Island.  The Island boasts 23 acres of entertainment with over 80 shops, restaurants and attractions. The Island Show Fountains are programmed to music and lights year- round and you can purchase a ticket to ride “The Wheel” which is 200 feet tall.  There truly is something for everyone to enjoy at The Island.

Also included this afternoon is a tour & tasting at Ole Smoky Moonshine Museum & Distillery.  As you approach the entrance, you can detect the distinct smell of their grains cooking and fermenting.  You’ll see authentic working moonshine stills and experience the process from beginning to end.  Their distillers will take the time to visit with you and answer any questions about the history and lore of moonshining in East Tennessee.  Enjoy a sample of their classic moonshine including Original Unaged Corn Whiskey, White Lightnin’ and Moonshine Cherries.

Check into your Pigeon Forge hotel for a two-night stay.

Tonight, you have seats right in the middle of the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show – an evening of Feudin’ Feastin’ and Family Fun as these two families settle their differences mountain-style. Whether your city-folk or country cuzins, you’ll love the singing and dancing, mighty feats of strength, jaw dropping stunts and side-splitting comedy. (B,D)

Day 4 – Great Smoky Mountain Tour – Afternoon at Dollywood – Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Show

This morning, meet your local guide for a tour of the Great Smoky Mountains.  Travel the scenic mountain road around the famous “Loop” by way of the high-rising Chimney Tops. Once on top of the mountain, enjoy a Newfound Gap which marks the Tennessee, North Carolina State line. You will have opportunities for photos at scenic stops along the way. At an elevation of 5,048 feet, Newfound Gap is the lowest drivable pass through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Half lies in Tennessee and half in North Carolina.

The afternoon will be spent at Dollywood Theme Park, known for its world-class entertainment, amazing thrill rides, and family-friendly adventure.  At Dollywood you’ll enjoy live stage shows, the Dolly Museum, real train rides, the American Eagle habitat. You’ll also enjoy watching Dollywood’s master craftsmen and artisans at work proudly continuing the centuries-old traditions of hand-making their arts & crafts with daily demonstrations.  Dollywood offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains and the incredible spirit of its people.

New at Dollywood is The Dolly Parton Experience with several interactive elements to make you feel as if you were alongside Dolly as she journeyed from Locust Ridge to stages around the world. Housed in multiple buildings, the multi-faceted Dolly Parton Experience includes exhibits which span her iconic career, the inspiration and results of her biggest dreams, the importance of her family, and even a curated exhibit that highlights Dolly’s signature style through the years. The Dolly Parton Experience provides guests more Dolly than ever, as it is three times the size of the former Chasing Rainbows Museum. The entire Adventures in Imagination area transforms into the Dolly Parton Experience.  Lunch will be on your own at the park.

2025 is the 40th Anniversary of Dollywood.  A special 40th Anniversary show will debut Memorial Day weekend through the end of the summer, highlighting moments from guest-favorite shows.  The park will also host a series of opening ceremonies, a rotation of playhouse favorites guests, a drone and fireworks show as part of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, story time and character meet & greets, a remastering of “Heartsong: The Movie” and more.

End the day with Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Show. The show is filled with friendly North and South competition, thrilling horse riding stunts, spectacular special effects, phenomenal musical productions plus a mouth-watering four-course feast complete with a delicious dessert! Also, Stampede’s SKEETER & NUGGET™ show delivers a huge helping of family-friendly comedy at every show!  As Dolly says, “It’s the most fun place to eat in the Smokies.” (B,D)

Day 5 – Depart for Home

After breakfast, depart for home. (B)

Tour Map