Things to do
It's Time to Start Your Adventures
Fries is packed with things to do. See below to start your adventures.
New River Trail State Park
The 57-mile long New River Trail State Park, a linear park for walking, bicycling, and horseback riding, begins in downtown Fries and runs 45 miles along the New River to Pulaski, Virginia, with a 12-mile spur along Chestnut Creek to the City of Galax.
Fries Common Market at the Depot
An addition to downtown Fries is this spacious new covered market building. We completed seasons in 2022 in 2023 and look forward to an exciting 2024!
Thursday Night Music Jams
Folks from all over the world find their way to the historic Fries Theatre for the weekly Thursday night jams. All visitors are welcome to mingle with the local residents who gather for a relaxing evening of old-time music and fellowship. The Fries jams are an affiliated venue on the famous Crooked Road Musical Heritage Trail.
Water Sports
Head to Fries for leisurely tubing, kayaking, and canoeing. The New River in downtown Fries is usually so gentle that people plunk their lawn chairs right in the river to cool off!
Fishing
The New River near Fries is renowned for its great fishing: smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass, walleye, mud catfish and channel catfish, and even the ferocious muskellunge.
Bird Watching
The New River acts as a magnet for countless bird species, so prepare to be amazed! From burly bald eagles to tiny hummingbirds – migrators or year-round residents – they all find the habitat they need.
Wildflowers
The peak of the spring wildflower season lasts from late March through May, with a constantly changing array of blooms sparkling on the forest floor.
Riverside Park
Located at 336 Firehouse Drive on the banks of the New River, the spacious park is open daily from dawn to dark. The park has a children’s playground, a covered stage with electricity, and beautiful views of the New River. Bring a blanket for snoozing in the shade, or lawn games to enjoy with family and friends. There’s ample flat space to set up cookout grills.
Community Swimming Pool
The public swimming pool is located at the back of Fries Community Center building, 316 W. Main Street. Hours to be announced in season. Admission is $4 for adults, ($3 on Sunday), free for children ages 5 and younger.
Fries Public Library
The Fries Public Library is part of the Wythe-Grayson Regional Library system, so all titles in the system are available to order and have delivered to Fries for convenient pickup if they are not on the shelves.
Grayson Gravel Traverse
The Grayson Gravel Traverse is a bike route of existing roads that connects The Virginia Creeper Trail to the New River Trail. Challenging climbs with beautiful countryside.