Surry Business

VisitMayberry.com has a new look, new content and new features.

The Mount Airy Tourism Development Authority’s board of directors commissioned a redesign of the popular World Wide Web site — it drew 110,000 unique visitors in August and September — to emphasize the area’s historical, musical and recreational attractions in addition to Mayberry-themed sites and events. The original web site put more emphasis on Mount Airy’s connection to “The Andy Griffith Show” (actor Andy Griffith grew up in the city).

The site uses Flash to cycle through various photos of Mount Airy attractions. Another page contains a quick guide to the “Top 10” sites and destinations. One link lets people book hotel and motel rooms online and another provides a Trip Planner. Another feature lets visitors send personalized e-mail postcards to friends. The site’s calendar lists upcoming throughout Surry County. A directory of businesses includes places for dining.

The Tourism Development Authority spent $5,200 for the site redesign by Galax, Va.-based Professional Networks Inc. The authority receives its funding from a local hotel-motel occupancy tax. Jessica Icenhour is the director of tourism. Rich Kunkel is the TDA’s chairman.

To place events on the VisitMayberry.com web site, call or write Icenhour at the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Mount Airy, 202 N. Main, Mount Airy, NC 27030, (336) 786-6116 or 1 (800) 948-0949. Or e-mail tourism@visitmayberry.com.