Highlights

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Note: *Horn in the West is produced from Mid June to Mid August only. Should you request this trip during a different time, we will adjust the itinerary accordingly.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Boone, NC – Horn in the West

Depending on the direction you are traveling you should plan to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway from either Asheville NC or from Fancy Gap, VA. It is approx 85 miles from either direction and the scenery off the Parkway will will occupy your travelers for the entire afternoon.

On arrival you check into a local hotel for a two night stay. Your dinner will be at a nearby restaurant. Tonight your group will enjoy the “Horn in the West” outdoor drama, in one of the most beautiful outdoor theatres in the country. This adventure, from our nation’s heritage, has offered thrilling outdoor entertainment to generations of Americans since it premiered in 1952.

The show brings to life the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone and his hearty mountain settlers in their struggle to preserve their freedom during the turbulent years of the War for Independence. (Note: Show is produced from Mid June to Mid August only). (D)

Day 2 – Grandfather Mountain – Blowing Rock – Pioneer Meal

Today begins with a local guide on your bus. This morning’s first stop is the Emerald Village Gem Mines, a group of real mines in a very pretty mountain setting. You’ll have a chance to tour a deep mine, visit the mining museum, search for gems yourself or even pan for gold.

Then you travel to nearby Grandfather Mountain, at over 6,000 feet of elevation it’s awe inspiring. The adventurous in your group can walk the mile high swinging bridge. You can also visit wildlife habitats of black bears, river otters, cougars, bald eagles, golden eagles and white-tailed deer. A picnic lunch is included here.

Also featured this afternoon is the view from Blowing Rock an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level overhanging Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. This evening you have dinner at the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum. Enjoy a real Pioneer Meal, music and a tour of the museum. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Tweetsie Railroad –  Mount Airy/Mayberry Sightseeing – Andy Griffith Museum – Squad Car Tour of Mayberry

This morning, you enjoy a visit to the Tweetsie Railroad, a family fun Western Theme Park for more than 50 years. It’s a small Wild West town filled with shops, saloons and the like.  While here you have a chance to hop on board Tweetsie’s Wild West Adventure, on a train pulled by one of our historic coal-fired steam locomotives. It’s a trip back in time complete with Cowboys, train robbers and marauding renegades stirring up trouble.

Following lunch on own, your group drives to Mount Airy, NC, also known as “Mayberry.” Fans of The Andy Griffith Show can step back to a simpler time when they visit Mount Airy. Actor Andy Griffith grew up here, and it’s no coincidence that a stroll down Main Street in the “Friendly City” reminds people of the town of Mayberry on the endearing popular ‘60s hit TV series, The Andy Griffith Show. You’ll be sure to relish the generous spirit of The Andy Griffith Show that you encounter wherever you go.

Today’s visit to “Mayberry” includes a tour in a Squad Car.  Where else can you ride in Barney’s car except Mayberry? Cruise on over to Andy’s Homeplace then ride in Mayberry style down Main Street past Floyd’s Barber Shop and Snappy Lunch. You’ll cruise by other Mayberry attractions like The Andy Griffith Playhouse, The Old Jail and the Visitors Center – Home of the Andy Griffith Museum. While at Wally’s don’t miss the best photo opportunity of the day – your photo in front of the Squad Car, a photo that says Mayberry like nowhere else.

You also visit The Andy Griffith Museum, a place for both learning about and celebrating Andy Griffith, who was born in Mount Airy in 1926. Home of the single largest collection of artifacts and memorabilia related to Andy Griffith, the museum features hundreds of Andy’s life and career in the theater, film, and music. Highlights are items donated by Cindi and Andy Griffith, from cast and crew of the Andy Griffith Show and Matlock.

Following an afternoon reminiscing about the Andy Griffith Show, your group will either return to Boone for the night, or we will position you in a more convenient city for tomorrow’s travel home. (B)

Day 4 – Depart

After breakfast travel home. (B)

Tour Map