Mountains, Music & Mayberry

DAY 1

Following meal and rest stops along the way, you arrive in Mt. Airy, North Carolina where admission is included for a self-guided visit of the Andy Griffith Museum. Housed in the museum is the world's largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia. The museum also contains mementos from Don Knotts, who played Deputy Barney Fife, actress Betty Lynn, who played Thelma Lou and George Lindsey who played Goober. The museum is located next to Andy Griffith Playhouse and ½ mile from Andy's boyhood home. Next, you board the motorcoach and depart for a wine tasting and dinner at Old North State Winery. Housed in a former hardware store built in 1890, the winery has a fun, hip, up-beat atmosphere with a cool ambiance. Founder Ben Webb was a student of Viticulture and Enology in college and transferred that knowledge into opening a successful winery. Enjoy a tasting of select wines and take the opportunity to purchase some of your favorites to take home. Dinner tonight is included at the winery which is not far from where the Old Time Music and Bluegrass Jam Session is held in downtown Mount Airy (weather permitting). Musicians and visitors come from near and far to play, sing, dance and listen to the music. The Jam Session is not a formal show, just musicians showcasing their talent. After a long day of touring, you check in at the Hampton Inn Mount Airy (336-789-5999) for a two-night stay. The hotel features an indoor pool and fitness center, as well as a business center with complimentary Wi-Fi. Guest rooms feature a mini refrigerator, coffeemaker, hair dryer and HDTV.

DAY 2

A hot breakfast is included at the hotel this morning before you board the motorcoach for a narrated tour of Mayberry sights from the Andy Griffith Show like Floyd's Barber Shop, Mayberry Courthouse, Andy Griffith Playhouse, Snappy Lunch and more. Actor Andy Griffith grew up here and it is no coincidence that strolling or driving down Main Street reminds people of the 60's hit TV series. Following the tour, you have free time for lunch on your own at one of the downtown restaurants, perhaps at Snappy Lunch, one of the oldest diners here and a place where Andy ate growing up. Additionally, you can stroll the quaint downtown and take time to visit the little shops as time permits. Early afternoon, you depart for Galax, Virginia for a self-guided tour of the Blue Ridge Music Center located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Center celebrates the music and musicians of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The center's museum features The Roots of American Music Exhibit, an interactive exhibition highlighting the historical significance of the region's music. It explores how the blending of the sounds of the banjo and fiddle on the Appalachian frontier led to virtually all forms of American Music. Live music is presented on the covered breezeway that features local musicians who play, sing and tell stories about the songs, people and traditions of the area. The Visitor Center houses a gift shop and information about the Blue Ridge Parkway. Following your entertaining experience, you have dinner included at a local restaurant and then return to the hotel for the remainder of the night.

DAY 3

Breakfast is once again included at the hotel before you check out and depart for Lexington, Virginia where admission is included for a delightful and informative carriage ride through the historic downtown. Listen to the history and enjoy the small-town charm of the brick sidewalks and the 19th-century buildings flanking Maine Street. Your carriage driver will enlighten you with stories and local lore as well as highlight points of interest which may include Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute, the Stonewall Jackson House and his tomb, Lee Chapel, the Lee House and more as time permits. You will have time to browse the area and grab a bite to eat on your own before departing for home. A dinner stop at your expense will be made along the way.

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**TIMES AND ITINERARY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner