Discover Mayberry & BBQ Festival 27

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Join us for a fun-filled get-away featuring a relaxing drive to scenic Wytheville, Virginia, nestled in the majestic Southwestern Appalachian Mountains. This exciting "New Tour" offers the perfect blend of comfort, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences. Along the way, we will stop at Buc-ee's, one of the South's most popular and entertaining travel destinations, where you will have time for a quick-service lunch on your own. Buc-ee's is famous for its enormous selection of snacks, freshly prepared foods, beverages, unique merchandise, souvenirs, and it is renowned for its exceptionally clean and spacious restrooms. Our first sightseeing stop is Natural Bridge State Park, one of Virginia's most treasured landmarks. Once owned by Thomas Jefferson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Natural Bridge is a spectacular 215-foot-high natural arch spanning 90 feet. Over thousands of years, Cedar Creek, a tributary of the James River, carved this remarkable formation from the surrounding limestone. Begin your visit at the Visitor Center, where informative exhibits and a gift shop await. Then, enjoy a scenic stroll along the Cedar Creek Trail, which leads beneath the magnificent Natural Bridge and past a Civil War-era saltpeter mine, a hidden stream, and the picturesque 40-foot Lace Falls. Note: Access to Natural Bridge requires descending and ascending approximately 137 steps. For guests who are unable to manage the stairs, shuttle service is available to and from the bridge area. This evening, check into the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Wytheville, Virginia. Dinner is on your own, with a variety of nearby dining options within easy walking distance of the hotel, ranging from casual fare to full-service restaurants. After dinner, return to the hotel and relax in your comfortable accommodations before settling in for a restful night's sleep.

Day 2

After breakfast we depart for Mount Airy, North Carolina - Andy Griffith's hometown and the inspiration for the beloved town of "Mayberry." Our guided tour includes stops at Floyd's City Barber Shop, Andy Griffith's boyhood home, historic granite buildings, and the world's largest open-faced granite quarry. We will also visit replicas of Wally's Service Station and the Mayberry Jail and Courthouse, along with the iconic Andy and Opie statue. The tour concludes at the Andy Griffith Museum, featuring an extensive collection of memorabilia from "The Andy Griffith Show." Lunch is included at Snappy Lunch, a local favorite where a young Andy Griffith often walked from school to enjoy his midday meal. After returning to our hotel, you will have time to relax and freshen up before we head out for an evening of entertainment at the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre. The night begins with a delicious dinner, followed by an exciting first-rate Broadway caliber musical.

Day 3

After breakfast we depart for the streets of downtown Galax, Virginia where the town comes alive as crowds gather amid fragrant clouds of hickory smoke. The tangy bite of vinegar and mustard blends with the sweetness of tomato sauces and the irresistible sizzle of slow-cooked pork. Smoke on the Mountain BBQ Festival delivers all this and more, featuring live music, artisans and crafters, food vendors, children's activities, and a variety of attractions spread across several blocks of historic downtown Galax. After the festival, we will return to the hotel for a restful night's sleep, ready for even more fun and entertainment ahead!

Day 4

After breakfast we depart for Fort Chiswell Animal Park, known as "The Biggest Little Zoo in Southwest Virginia," for a truly unique and unforgettable safari adventure. At Fort Chiswell Animal Park, you will come face-to-face with some of the friendliest and most entertaining animals you have ever encountered. We will board specially designed safari cruisers that will take us across 45 acres of scenic, rolling countryside. Along the way, you will get up close and personal with exotic animals from six continents. Knowledgeable tour guides will join us, sharing fascinating facts about each species and their native habitats. During the ride, you will have the chance to feed a herd of deer, kiss a friendly camel, and even dance with a few energetic monkeys - all in a single day! Following our wildlife adventure, we continue to The Pink Cadillac Diner for a delicious lunch. This classic 1950s-style diner is famous for its nostalgic atmosphere featuring neon lights, jukeboxes, vintage signage, Elvis memorabilia, and its iconic bubblegum-pink exterior. Enjoy a delicious meal while stepping back in time and be sure to snap a photo beside the famous pink Cadillac before we begin our journey home. As we travel, relax and enjoy a screening of the comedy film "Zookeeper" while reminiscing about our unforgettable adventure in the Appalachian Mountains.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner