Music, Mountains and the New River: Visit Fries, Virginia

The sounds of fiddle, banjo, guitar and close harmony grew from communities shaped by mountains, farms, churches, mills, railroads and family gatherings. In and around Fries, that history remains closely connected to the river and the people who lived beside it.

A visit to the New River Trail can therefore be more than an outdoor trip. It can also be an introduction to one of America's most influential musical regions.

For visitors from Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point, Charlotte and other nearby cities, Fries offers a day that can move naturally from a morning walk or bike ride to an evening of old-time or bluegrass music.

Fries and the roots of recorded country music

Fries has an important connection to early country-music history through musician Henry Whitter.

Whitter worked in the Fries mill and became one of the early commercially recorded musicians from the region. The Crooked Road describes him as a significant figure in helping begin the recording boom among Virginia artists.

He later became known for performing with fiddler G.B. Grayson. Their recordings helped preserve and popularize songs that influenced later generations of country, bluegrass and folk performers.

For music fans, that history adds another layer to the town. The buildings, river and former industrial landscape are connected to the lives of people who helped carry Appalachian music beyond the mountains.

Part of a much larger musical region

Fries lies within Southwest Virginia's celebrated old-time and bluegrass country.

The Crooked Road—Virginia's Heritage Music Trail—winds through roughly 300 miles of Southwest Virginia, connecting communities, venues, festivals, jams and historic sites associated with traditional music.

The region includes more than 60 affiliated venues and festivals, giving visitors opportunities to hear traditional music throughout the year.

Nearby Galax is internationally known for its fiddling traditions, and Grayson County continues to host musicians, conventions and community gatherings that sustain old-time and bluegrass culture.

For a full guide to the venues, festivals, and history behind this musical heritage trail, visit our complete guide to The Crooked Road.

A different kind of music day trip

Many music trips begin and end inside a concert hall. A trip to Fries can be more relaxed and more immersive.

You might:

• Begin with coffee or breakfast on the drive
• Walk beside the New River
• Visit places connected to the town's mill history
• Bring a guitar, fiddle or banjo for an informal gathering
• Explore nearby Galax
• Attend a jam, festival or traditional-music performance
• Photograph the river near sunset
• Return home after an evening of music

The experience allows visitors to understand the setting that shaped the sound.

Hear music where it still belongs to the community

Old-time music is not simply a historical exhibit in Southwest Virginia. It remains a social tradition.

Musicians gather to exchange tunes, learn from one another and keep family and regional styles alive. Visitors may encounter formal concerts, outdoor performances, community jams and seasonal festivals.

Virginia tourism resources specifically identify Thursday-night jams in Fries as part of the region's traditional-music experience. Because schedules can change, visitors should confirm dates and locations before making the trip.

The most rewarding approach is to listen with curiosity. A community jam is not always a polished stage show. It may be informal, spontaneous and deeply local—which is precisely what makes it special.

Combine music with the New River Trail

The trail gives music visitors a fuller sense of place.

Before attending an evening event, spend a few hours walking or biking from Fries. Follow the former railroad route, watch the river and imagine the mill town during the years when musicians such as Henry Whitter lived and worked here.

The New River Trail runs for 57 miles through the region, connecting Fries with other communities and landscapes associated with Southwest Virginia history.

A short trail outing also makes the trip enjoyable for companions who may not be devoted music historians.

Suggested music-focused itineraries

Trail and jam day

Arrive in Fries during the afternoon, walk an easy section of the trail, eat an early meal and attend a scheduled evening jam or performance.

Music-history day

Explore Fries and learn about Henry Whitter, G.B. Grayson and the region's early recording history. Continue to Galax or another nearby Crooked Road community for additional music attractions. For a deeper look at the region's most influential musical family, see our guide to The Carter Family, read about the historic 1927 recordings in our guide to The Bristol Sessions, discover the story of Jimmie Rodgers, the Father of Country Music, learn about bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley, or read about flatpicking guitar pioneer Doc Watson.

Musician's getaway

Bring an acoustic instrument and spend the day with friends beside the river. Play respectfully in an appropriate public area without obstructing the trail or disturbing nearby residents.

Finish the day by listening to local musicians and learning a tune from the region.

Family culture day

Combine a short walk, a picnic, local history and an early music performance. This gives children several different experiences rather than requiring them to sit through an entire day of historical interpretation.

Planning from nearby cities

Fries is well suited to music lovers from Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point and Mount Airy because the drive is manageable for many scheduled afternoon or evening events.

Charlotte visitors should consider an early departure or overnight stay, particularly when attending a late performance. The longer trip becomes more worthwhile when combined with biking, hiking, fishing, photography or nearby Galax.

Always verify event information before leaving home. Traditional music schedules may change because of weather, venue needs or seasonal programming.

How to be a considerate visitor

Community music survives because local people continue to organize, play and welcome others.

Visitors can support that tradition by:

• Paying admission or making donations when requested
• Purchasing recordings or merchandise from musicians
• Supporting local businesses
• Asking before photographing or recording performers
• Listening while musicians are playing
• Avoiding disruptive conversations
• Thanking organizers and volunteers
• Sharing accurate event information afterward

You are not merely consuming entertainment. You are visiting a living tradition.

Let the landscape help you hear the music differently

After spending time beside the New River, the sound of an old fiddle tune may feel different.

You have seen the hills, followed the railroad corridor and walked through the community where working musicians once lived. The music becomes connected to a real place rather than a category on a streaming service.

That connection is one of the best reasons to visit Fries.