Therefore, the Andy Griffith Museum is the most popular tourist attraction in town. Visitors are greeted by a statue of Andy and Opie from Griffith's first show, headed to the fishing hole for a day's recreation. It's a gift from TV Land, and a duplicate was place in a park in Raleigh.
Inside the building, exhibits feature a ton of memorabilia about Griffith's career and the two shots. The doors to the sheriff's office are there, as is Andy's work desk in Mayberry. Someone even saved the keys to the jail, as well as one of Barney Fife's "Ivy League" suits.
Then next door, the Surry Arts Council has a building for visit. A big room explores the connections between Mayberry and Mount Airy, as real street names and buildings were dropped into the story. An area is dedicated to Betty Lynn, who played Thelma Lou (Barney's girlfriend) on the show. Think she was upset to see Don Knotts leave in mid-run for a movie career? The third area is an exhibit about Siamese Twins, which is a little out of place but a curiosity for some.
Finally, the Andy Griffith Museum Theater is on the grounds. Downstairs is a big mural of Andy in Mayberry. And you can stick your head through a cut-out poster and get a simulated kiss from Thelma Lou.
Mayberry is a timeless place, and that's why the show will run forever on re-runs.
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