Mount Airy, North Carolina, is a quaint little town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's the home of past television star, Andy Griffith of The Andy Griffith Show. The town thrives on its Main Street, which is filled with restaurants and stores featuring the television show, the Andy Griffith Playhouse, and many other places surrounding the idea of the fictional town of Mayberry. Because of Andy, the town has been a tourist attraction since the 1960s, and many of the town folk have been able to make a profit and a living on the revenue brought in by the old show.
This is the town that I grew up in. I was born and raised right there in Mount Airy. I've volunteered at the library, the regional history museum, and numerous other places in town. The one that I learned the most from definitely had to be the museum.
I never realized how many people actually cared about the show-- and the town-- until I volunteered there. I would see people from all over the country and sometimes from other nations as well! It really opened my eyes-- that was when I started to see the town for what it really was-- a tourist attraction.
So, here is a list of things that I have compiled. These are things that I have learned from living in the tourist town. They're things I've learned about people, myself, and life lessons that I may have never learned anywhere else.
1. Respect your elders.
These are the people who made the town what it is.
2. Things haven't always been the way that they are.
It could be a lot worse.
3. Don't hate where you're from.
Yes, you may be living in a small town that has seemingly nothing to do, but you'll come to appreciate that someday soon.
4. Don't make fun of the people walking down Main Street, snapping photos of every sign and dressed head-to-toe in the town's merchandise.
It may look funny, but they're what allows you to enjoy your town so much.
5. Live a little.
Don't be ashamed to get out and tour the attractions that your town has to offer. Just last week, I visited the Andy and Opie TV Land Statue for the first time in my life. I wish I had sooner.
6. Always tip your wait staff.
These men and women work very hard and they deserve it-- especially when they've been dealing with angry customers.
7. Enjoy the travelers.
Help them out. Draw them a map if they need it. Tell them how to get places. You'll want people to do the same for you someday.
8. Be involved in your community.
There is no better feeling than that of sitting back and watching the smiles on people's faces as they enjoy your hard work.
9. Thank the people who serve you.
This applies to everyone from wait staff to police officers to city councilmen. They just want to help you out. They always deserve to be appreciated.
10. Appreciate the little things.
You may hate the town at the moment, but they'll always welcome you back with open arms-- no matter how long you've been gone.
