Located right next to the main intersection in the center of Sparta, this fabulous mural of Art…read moreWooten helps travelers to understand the impact of North Carolina music on the art. It shows Wooten with fiddle in hand, looking into the eyes of the viewer. The mural itself is clear and in excellent condition, painted two stories tall on a brick wall. Art Wooten comes across as one of those North Carolina musicians whose legacy feels bigger than the footprint he left behind, a fiddler whose work with early string bands helped shape the region's sound even if his name isn't always the first one people remember. He played with groups like the Sons of the Carolinas and the early iterations of what would become the Blue Sky Boys, bringing a clean, confident fiddle tone that fit perfectly into the state's old‑time and early country traditions. What stands out most is how his playing bridged the gap between dance‑floor energy and radio‑era polish, giving his recordings a warmth that still feels unmistakably Appalachian. Even in a crowded field of mid‑century musicians, Wooten's contributions hold up as a reminder of how much of North Carolina's musical identity was built by players who simply showed up, played well, and left a mark that lasted. The mural is by artist S. Nurkin and is part of the North Carolina Musician Murals. You'll find it behind the candle shop. [Review 882 of 2026 - 4773 in North Carolina - 26063 overall]

The Art Wooten Mural is located in downtown Sparta. I had a little trouble finding this one,…read morethough. All I knew was that it was on the side of the Sparta Candle Building, but from the street, there was no side. It is on the "side" of the building, but in the back, and I could not see it from the corner. This is the 16th mural painted on the North Carolina Musicians Trail. Scott Nurkin knocked it out of the park again with another spitting image of the musician. If you don't know, the North Carolina Musicians Trail started as a way to recognize the musicians born in North Carolina. Scott Nurkin has been painting these artists in their hometowns, and I've traveled all over the state to see his work and learn about the musicians. Art Wooten never really got the name recognition he deserved, but he was a talented instrumentalist. He was the first fiddler hired by Bill Monroe for the Blue Grass Boys. The group played the Grand Ole Opry. Wooten played the fiddle for the group's well-known song, "Orange Blossom Special." He then went on to play the fiddle for the Stanley Brothers. He was known in Sparta as a one-man band and could play the guitar, organ, and percussion instruments at the same time by creating a special contraption. He was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame posthumously to mark his status as a musical pioneer. Much like the Del Reeves artwork nearby, this mural stands as a proud, beautiful reminder of the deep roots country and bluegrass music have in Alleghany County. Finding these hidden artistic gems tucked away in downtown Sparta makes the whole road trip worthwhile. If you are ever exploring the Blue Ridge, make sure to seek this one out--just remember to look all the way around the back!

Forever Mayberry is a downtown mount airy North Carolina mural that sits outside of famed hometown…read morehero Andy Griffith museum. Paying homage to his famed fictional town of Mayberry from His self titled hit tv show. The mural is smaller and features a mountain and colorful sky backdrop. Pretty simple yet effective mural. Overall mount airy is a fun little Town with a surprisingly high amount of cool public art murals.

Donna Fargo mural located in historic downtown mount airy North Carolina aka Mayberry. If Andy…read moreGriffith is mount airy favorite son then Donna Fargo who had a string of top 10 country hits in the 70s is mount airy favorite daughter. My buddy and I was exploring the historic Main Street area checking out all the Mayberry sites when we came across this piece of public art. Overall Mayberry has a surprisingly vast public art scene and it added to the fun in exploring this historic little town.

Bones and brew cheering mural is a tiny and dated looking comic strip like mural…read moreLocated on the side of a bar in downtown mount airy North Carolina aka Mayberry. My buddy and I was exploring the historic Main Street area checking out all the Mayberry sites when we came across this piece of public art. Overall Mayberry has a surprisingly vast public art scene and it added to the fun in exploring this historic little town.

The five faces of Andy Griffith is a downtown mount airy North Carolina aka Mayberry mural of the…read morecities most famous native. The mural shows Andy at 5 different stages of his life including two of his most recognizable forms from the hit shows where he played sheriff Andy Griffith and Matlock. Overall an extremely well done and cool Mural. Mount airy has a surprisingly large public are scene and this is one the cooler ones if not the coolest. A great homage to the hometown hero.

The five faces of Andy Griffith is a downtown Mayberry mural of the cities most famous man. The…read moremural shows Andy at 5 different stages of his life. It is a great public art display to check out and enjoy. Top notch performance

This was pretty neat. I've spotted a few of these "Greetings from (place)" signs around so it was…read morefunny to have one say "Hey" and here we are in Mount Airy that everyone calls Mayberry. It's at the same spot at the Andy Griffith Museum. Stop in for your picture! [Review 2065 of 2024 - 3753 in North Carolina - 23084 overall]

Hey From Mayberry is a downtown mount airy North Carolina mural that sits outside of famed hometown…read morehero Andy Griffith museum. Paying homage to his famed fictional town of Mayberry from His self titled hit tv show. Fun little mural with a nature backdrop and a fun little nod to the historic tv show. "Goober says hey" is a phrase that was uttered more than once on our fun little trip through mount airy. Overall a cool site and a must view for big time fans of the Andy Griffith show.

When in the area, it's worth stopping by to enjoy Madeline Matanick's mural. Beautiful! Check it…read moreOut!

Historic downtown mount airy is public art mural featuring lovely flowers in historic downtown…read moremount airy aka Mayberry. My buddy and I was exploring the historic Main Street area checking out all the Mayberry sites when we came across this piece of public art. Overall Mayberry has a surprisingly vast public art scene and it added to the fun in exploring this historic little town.

Driving up from Charlotte, where we have the NASCAR *HALL* of Fame, it was interesting to visit the…read moreStock Car *WALL* of Fame. This one is dedicated to the early pioneers of stock car racing and people who contributed to the sport of racing. They played a big part in helping racing become what it is today. The Wall includes photographs and lists of names from those people. It's interesting and it's free in downtown Mount Airy aka Mayberry. [Review 1754 of 2024 - 3674 in North Carolina - 22777 overall]

Stock car wall of fame is a cool little homage to stock car drivers and the sport itself located In…read morea little alley off Main Street in mount airy, North Carolina aka Mayberry My buddy and I was exploring the historic Main Street area checking out all the Mayberry sites when we came across this piece of public art. Overall Mayberry has a surprisingly vast public art scene and it added to the fun in exploring this historic little town.