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Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!Author: Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia is a mecca for outdoor travel and adventure. Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast is your local guide to hiking, camping, kayaking, travel and so much more. Get the information and the inspiration to plan your own adventure, right here in Virginia. Lets Go! Language: en Genres: Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Sports, Wilderness Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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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 1)
Tuesday, 14 October, 2025
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! Follow VAOA Podcast:Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up Support the Show! Buy Me A CoffeeShop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:Virginia Association for ParksBreaks Interstate ParkVirginia State ParksHeart of Appalachia Mentioned in this Episode:Connect with KevinConnect with RickyVisit FriesVisit Grayson CountyThe Crooked Road Heritage Music TrailThursday Night Music Jams - FriesHistoric 1908 CourthouseNew River Trail State ParkGrayson Gravel TraverseMount Rogers National Recreation AreaRugby Creek Animal RescueNew River Float CalculatorNew River Outdoor AdventuresFan Mail - Send Jessica a Text MessageContact Show Host, Jessica Bowser: jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com
