NC trolley tour brings Mayberry to life for visitors

MOUNT AIRY, N.C. (WGHP) – Visitors from across the country flock to the Surry County town to see the sights that inspired the fictional town of Mayberry, which was made famous by hometown native Andy Griffith.  

Many of those visitors take guided tours on a trolley operated by Warner Dodson.

Dodson, a retired military veteran and former lineman, launched the trolley tours seven years ago after deciding to turn his love for the community into a new venture.

He rebuilt three trolleys from the ground up, refurbishing them with new motors, transmissions and paint, offering passengers an up-close look at the town’s history and landmarks.

As the trolley winds through town, passengers can see sites like Wally’s Service Station, Snappy Lunch, the world’s largest open-face granite quarry and statues honoring people who made a positive impact on the community.

“We welcome people coming to this area. We really do,” Dodson said. “It’s not just a statement. It’s heartfelt.”

The tours provide visitors with a glimpse of a simpler time and a small-town atmosphere captured in the television series.

“There’s something magical about this area,” Dodson said. “People keep coming back several times a year in search of that sweeter place.”

Trolley tours run Thursday through Saturday. Reservations can be made at MayberryTrolleyTours.com.