Did You Know?
Staffing levels at the Blue Ridge Parkway have decreased 30% since 2001 resulting in downed trees being cleared less frequently, vistas becoming overgrown, and a reduced quality of visitor experience.
Almost Heaven – Fries, VA Photo by Bobby E. Jones
Location
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Fries, Virginia
276.744.2231
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http://www.friesva.com
Near milepost 216
Fries is 14 miles west of the Blue Ridge Parkway on the north banks of the New River. Founded as a cotton mill town in the late 1800s, the history and soul that define Fries transcend the original homes and buildings from bygone eras that still exist today as the town remains a strong player in a regional network for leisure and competitive recreation and traditional music, arts, and crafts.
In addition to being a trailhead for the 57-mile New River Trail State Park, the Town holds many opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, biking, fly fishing, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, walking, or simply tubing the gentle rapids along the New River. Competitive sports, such as October’s New River Trail 50K run and baseball, football, and basketball events, are popular and are held year round.
Fries is perhaps best known for its rich musical heritage, which is celebrated throughout the year beginning with the Fries Spring Festival Honoring Henry Whitter. Henry Whitter, a Fries native, was the first to record a country song, The Wreck of the Southern Old 97, in 1923. The Fries Volunteer Fire Department hosts its Annual Fiddlers Convention the third weekend in August, and the Fries Recreation Center hosts the Festival by the River the third weekend in September. These festivals showcase local musicians, artisans, and crafters. Square dances are also held at the Recreation Center, and music jams are held every Thursday night on Main Street in downtown Fries. In many ways, the Town of Fries is like an extension of the Blue Ridge Parkway, celebrating many of the same natural and cultural resources in a family-friendly, scenic environment.
