Fries has transitioned from mill town to quiet outdoor destination
The town of Fries was incorporated into Grayson County in 1902, a few years after the Washington Mill along the New River. The textile mill’s success drew families to the area and led to a railroad being built to ship products made there. The success slowed, and the mill closed in 1988, so the town pivoted from being a busy mill town into a quiet country area primed for outdoor exploration. Outdoor enthusiasts settle here to be surrounded by the New River, the New River Trail and direct paths to Galax and mountain destinations. “Fries is closer to Galax and the interstate,” says Ginger Circle, broker and owner of River Mountain Realty. Circle and her son, Jack Circle, run the boutique real estate office to help residents move to areas like Fries. “It’s a little more congested downtown. There are lots of rowhouses because it used to be a mill town. A lot of places have been sold to people who came through and renovated them for second homes or to be rented out.”
Hiking the New River Trail or exploring Grayson Highlands State Park
The downtown scene is small, but residents can hang out at Fries River Park, which includes a playground, a Little Free Library (playfully called "Little Fries Library") and access to the New River Trail State Park. The trail is 57 miles long, extending north alongside the New River up to Pulaski, dipping under two tunnels and over three major bridges. Grayson Highlands State Park is west of Fries. It has stunning views of Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, two of the highest mountains in Virginia. Fries residents can drive about an hour west to the national forest to hike, bike, picnic and camp. The park also hosts the Grayson Highlands Fall Festival, which draws a crowd wanting to see how Appalachian residents lived in Virginia’s early days, like drinking apple cider and playing the night away on a fiddle.
Cottages downtown and more land out west
Less than 10 homes sold in 2024, not including the sale of open lots. The average home value is about $180,000. Most homes have cottage or ranch-style designs and large yards, usually hitting the market for $125,000 to $300,000. Houses and even farms with larger lots and forests surrounding the properties have been listed for $450,000 to $970,000. Most homes are concentrated around downtown, but neighbors get more breathing room between properties farther away from downtown.
Some people buy a home here to live permanently, but some turn properties into Airbnbs to rent out to visitors who want a place to rest after exploring the surrounding nature. Properties around downtown have access to public water and sewer lines, but homes in the western half of the area are more likely to need septic tanks and well water systems. Many homes in downtown Fries feature raised foundations due to the risk of flooding.
Quick drives to Galax
Galax is roughly 20 minutes east, depending on where residents live within Fries. Drivers might take state Route 94 to U.S. Route 58 for the 12-mile trip to downtown Galax, but Fries Road also runs over the river to the city center. Galax’s Twin County Regional is the nearest hospital. The Fries area has places of worship throughout, including the Fries Baptist Church, established in 1903. The nearest airport is the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, which offers flights through American Airlines, Delta and United to airports in destinations like Charlotte and Chicago.
Learning career skills at Grayson County High
Fries School covers prekindergarten through seventh grade and receives a B from Niche. Kids might attend the B-rated Independence Middle School for eighth grade before transferring next door to Grayson County High School, rated B-minus. The high school campus also features the Grayson County Career and Technology Center, where students can sign up for classes in subjects like agriculture, cosmetology or culinary arts.
A few restaurants in Fries, more options in Galax
While downtown Fries is more residential than commercial, residents can dine at local staples. Fries Dam Steakhouse opens for dinner Thursday through Sunday, serving classic American dishes. Some tables in the back are near windows that overlook the New River. Windy River Cafe neighbors Fries Park and is better known as a relaxed, locally owned lunch and dinner spot. There’s a Dollar General on East Main Street, but the nearest full grocery stores are in Galax. Circle says Galax has the most restaurants and stores near Fries. “Creek Bottom Brewing & Distillery is pretty good,” Circle says. “It’s in downtown Galax, and they have a microbrewery and craft beers. It's a neat little restaurant. They have great burgers and pizza. Mule Hell Trading Co. is owned by a woman named Crystal, and everything is homemade. She has Chapstick, soap and lotions.”
Celebrating bluegrass music with annual and weekly events
Bluegrass music has been the soundtrack to daily life in Fries since it was founded and the Fries Fiddler’s Convention celebrates that history every August at the Fries Ballpark. Residents don’t have to wait for the annual convention to come around each year because the Historic Fries Theatre fills with banjo strums, dancing and sweet treats baked by locals during the Fries Thursday Night Jam Sessions.
Flood risk near the New River
In 2024, Hurricane Helene broke records and weather predictions by causing damage across Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina and Virginia. Fries saw damaging floods when the New River rose 15 feet higher than usual and flooded sections of the New River Trail and Route 21. Reconstruction of some camping areas and the New River Trail may still be underway. A few properties directly along the New River may fall in a flood zone and require flood insurance.
