This mid-September overnight trip offers an exploration of North Carolina's small Yadkin and Surry County towns and wineries set in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Day One is our winery touring day. The region is known for the clay-loam soil, cooler climate and an elevation that lends itself to world class wines. The trip includes tours and tastings at several wineries. Tasting experiences include French and Italian Vinifera, French-American Hybrids and even fortified wines. The wineries that have been selected will suit both the seasoned wine aficionado as well as those that want to learn the basics of wines. A special treat is the Murder Mystery Dinner at Shadow Springs Vineyard with characters such as Inspector Merlot and Madam Bordeaux leading the cast!
The second day of the trip offers a visit to Mt Airy also known as everybody's favorite small town Mayberry. Mt Airy may be small but it has a lot to do! This is Andy Griffith's hometown and the Museum named for him offers a fun and nostalgic collection from the Andy Griffith Show, Matlock and more. Additionally, you can learn about the lives of the famous Siamese twins, Chang and Eng Bunker, who were residents of Mt Airy during your visit to the Museum. A "Squad Car" tour is also an option. Where else can you have a private tour in Barney's car? This tour is for a party of 5 or less and is priced at $40 per carload. Led by a "local" the tour is 45 minutes of Mayberry highlights such as Floyd's Barber Shop, the Snappy Lunch and the world's largest open faced quarry.
Simply strolling Main Street past famous landmarks such as the Historic Earle Theater along with browsing unique shops and antique malls is another way to enjoy time in Mt. Airy. Care to try Sonker? Several restaurants and bakeries in the town are on the Sonker Trail. Sonker is a regional dish similar to cobbler. Finally, if you are interested in tasting more wine, stop in the Olde North State Winery before we head eastward toward Compass Pointe.
Are you and your friends interested in the optional Squad Car tour? Since this is sold by the carload, ($40 for a carload of 5 passengers), send Patty an email at tripsbypatty@gmail.com for registration.
Pay and register for the optional Andy Griffith Museum here on the website.
Are you and your friends interested in the optional Squad Car tour? Since this is sold by the carload, ($40 for a carload of 5 passengers), send Patty an email at tripsbypatty@gmail.com for registration.
Pay and register for the optional Andy Griffith Museum here on the website.
Day One
8am - Depart Compass Pointe
Approx. noon - Lunch, tour and tasting at Raylen Vineyard & Winery
1:30pm - Travel west to second winery, Shadow Springs Vineyard and Windsor Run Cellars - tour and tasting
4:30pm -Check-in at hotel in Elkin
7pm- Murder Mystery Dinner at Shadow Springs Vineyard
Day Two
9am - Depart hotel
9:45am - Arrive Mount Airy for a Meet & Greet from the Visitor Center
Spend the morning exploring on your own. There are shops to explore, regional food to experience, museums to visit and even an optional Squad Car tour! Lunch on own before boarding the bus for Compass Pointe. Patty will provide a list of lunch options.
2pm Travel back east to the flat lands!