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Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Fries – Grayson County’s Hidden Gem on the New River, with Kevin Combs and Ricky Barton (Ep 81, Part 2)
Manage episode 514893946 series 2965505
When you think of Grayson County, you probably picture some of the most iconic outdoor destinations in Virginia, such as the sweeping vistas of Grayson Highlands or the summits of Mount Rogers or Whitetop. But just down the New River lies a place that’s every bit as rich in beauty and history - the small, riverside town of Fries.
Once a bustling textile mill town, Fries is now a quiet haven for paddlers, cyclists, and hikers seeking a slower pace. You can launch your kayak right into the New River, pedal New River Trail State Park, or join a ranger-led history tour that brings the town’s past to life. In the evenings, the air fills with the sound of banjos and fiddles during weekly music jams that celebrate Fries’ deep roots in Appalachian culture.
I’m joined by Kevin Combs, a Fries native, photographer, musician, and tourism manager who shares how the town is embracing its outdoor and cultural identity. We’ll also hear from Ricky Barton, who created the New River Float Calculator, an interactive tool that helps paddlers plan their trips. Ricky shares his expert tips for exploring the New River, from leisurely Class I floats with the family to adrenaline-packed Class III rapids.
Along the way, we’ll discover hidden gems throughout Grayson County, plus local dining and unique lodging.
Get ready to experience a place where music, history, and adventure meet on the banks of the New River. This is Fries - one of Virginia’s Adventure Towns. Let’s Go!
This is part 2 of a two-part episode.
Follow VAOA Podcast:
Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee
Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!
VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Association for Parks
Mentioned in this Episode:
The Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail
Thursday Night Music Jams - Fries
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message
Chapters
1. Welcome To Virginia’s Adventure Towns (00:00:00)
2. Fries And The New River Spotlight (00:00:27)
3. Part Two Preview And Trip Recap (00:01:59)
4. Morning On-The-Water Magic (00:02:44)
5. River Sections And Topography Changes (00:04:24)
6. Rapids, Drops, And Fishing Hotspots (00:05:13)
7. Inside The New River Float Calculator (00:06:07)
8. Starlink Towers And Safety Access (00:07:11)
9. Hurricane Helene’s Impact And Rebuild (00:09:08)
10. Making Paddling Less Scary For Newcomers (00:11:39)
11. Rentals, Shuttles, And Snorkeling (00:13:21)
12. Pro Tips For Solo And Safe Floats (00:15:05)
13. Where To Eat: Fries And Beyond (00:16:22)
14. Lodging: Mill Houses To Unique Stays (00:19:11)
15. Seasons To Visit And River Timing (00:22:02)
16. Takeaways: Music Roots And Wild Beauty (00:23:33)
17. Connect With The Guests (00:25:31)
18. Host Updates And Listener CTAs (00:27:28)
105 episodes
Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Fries – Grayson County’s Hidden Gem on the New River, with Kevin Combs and Ricky Barton (Ep 81, Part 2)
Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!
Manage episode 514893946 series 2965505
When you think of Grayson County, you probably picture some of the most iconic outdoor destinations in Virginia, such as the sweeping vistas of Grayson Highlands or the summits of Mount Rogers or Whitetop. But just down the New River lies a place that’s every bit as rich in beauty and history - the small, riverside town of Fries.
Once a bustling textile mill town, Fries is now a quiet haven for paddlers, cyclists, and hikers seeking a slower pace. You can launch your kayak right into the New River, pedal New River Trail State Park, or join a ranger-led history tour that brings the town’s past to life. In the evenings, the air fills with the sound of banjos and fiddles during weekly music jams that celebrate Fries’ deep roots in Appalachian culture.
I’m joined by Kevin Combs, a Fries native, photographer, musician, and tourism manager who shares how the town is embracing its outdoor and cultural identity. We’ll also hear from Ricky Barton, who created the New River Float Calculator, an interactive tool that helps paddlers plan their trips. Ricky shares his expert tips for exploring the New River, from leisurely Class I floats with the family to adrenaline-packed Class III rapids.
Along the way, we’ll discover hidden gems throughout Grayson County, plus local dining and unique lodging.
Get ready to experience a place where music, history, and adventure meet on the banks of the New River. This is Fries - one of Virginia’s Adventure Towns. Let’s Go!
This is part 2 of a two-part episode.
Follow VAOA Podcast:
Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee
Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!
VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Association for Parks
Mentioned in this Episode:
The Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail
Thursday Night Music Jams - Fries
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message
Chapters
1. Welcome To Virginia’s Adventure Towns (00:00:00)
2. Fries And The New River Spotlight (00:00:27)
3. Part Two Preview And Trip Recap (00:01:59)
4. Morning On-The-Water Magic (00:02:44)
5. River Sections And Topography Changes (00:04:24)
6. Rapids, Drops, And Fishing Hotspots (00:05:13)
7. Inside The New River Float Calculator (00:06:07)
8. Starlink Towers And Safety Access (00:07:11)
9. Hurricane Helene’s Impact And Rebuild (00:09:08)
10. Making Paddling Less Scary For Newcomers (00:11:39)
11. Rentals, Shuttles, And Snorkeling (00:13:21)
12. Pro Tips For Solo And Safe Floats (00:15:05)
13. Where To Eat: Fries And Beyond (00:16:22)
14. Lodging: Mill Houses To Unique Stays (00:19:11)
15. Seasons To Visit And River Timing (00:22:02)
16. Takeaways: Music Roots And Wild Beauty (00:23:33)
17. Connect With The Guests (00:25:31)
18. Host Updates And Listener CTAs (00:27:28)
105 episodes
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