Located Northwest of Winston-Salem and near the Virginia line, Mt. Airy is a town that people visit for several reasons. Whether it be for the hometown feel of Mayberry or a pit stop along Interstate 77, one spot not to miss is The World's Largest Open-Faced Granite Quarry. Locals say you can see the quarry from space, but the verdict on that fact is still unknown. The quarry has been called North Carolina's official state rock.
Parking at the World's Largest Open-Faced Granite Quarry:
The easiest way to get to the quarry is by using your personal vehicle, as no other transportation goes that way. There is some parking available at the quarry entrance and additional parking at the observation deck.
Best and worst times to go to the quarry:
The best time to go is during warm, spring days when you can stay for longer periods of time and enjoy explosions from a safe distance from the observation deck. Everything involved with the quarry is outdoors, so do not go during wet weather, cold weather or other uncomfortable conditions.
Admission to the quarry:
Visiting the quarry is free. The observation deck is available for all to see as long as the nearby N.C. Granite Corporation is open for business.
Must see/do at the quarry:
The highlight at the quarry is visiting the observation deck and watching the various activities take place during the workday, including explosions. Aside from watching the blast, the scenery of a sea of white rock with nearby mountains off in the distance are enough to get your mind off anything and relax.
Other places to visit near the quarry:
Within miles of the quarry is the Andy Griffith Playhouse, Museum and Statue which allows visitors to relive this days of Mayberry. Also nearby is the gravesite of Chang and Eng Bunker, Siamese (conjoined) twins who relocated to Mt. Airy after touring the world with a variety of circus troupes. The twins are buried in a cemetery at White Plains Baptist Church.
Insider Tip:
Before driving out to see the quarry, call the company to make sure the observation deck is going to be open. Because of mining laws, there are no tours of the quarry.
Author's bio: Wil Petty is a resident of Winston-Salem where he works as a journalist at a regional paper. Wil enjoys spontaneous road trips, and trying the cuisines and craft beers those destinations offer. Follow him on Twitter @WilPetty.