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Side trips
Old-time music jam at Shaylyn's New River Trail Cafe
Where: 439 E. Main St., Fries
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays
What: More than a dozen pickers throw down at this popular jam session that's heavy on old-time fiddle tunes. Picking starts near the end of the dinner hour. The cafe is located near the end of the 57-mile New River Trail, a perfect place to go after a vigorous bike ride. Bring money for dinner. The music is free.
Contact: (276) 744-3446
Grayson Highlands State Park Fall Festival
Where: Grayson Highlands State Park
When: Sept. 24-25
What: No more beautiful place in the state plays host to a fall festival than the majestic mountains of Grayson County. Music, crafts demonstrations and a pony sale are popular attractions, but the best reason to go is to enjoy the splendor of the highlands. Admission is free.
Contact: (276) 579-7092
Mountain Molasses Festival
Where: Mount Rogers Fire Hall, Whitetop
When: Oct. 9
What: Whitetop boasts several great cultural heritage festivals, including the Maple and Ramp festivals every spring and this terrific fall shindig. Sorghum molasses-making, apple-butter-making and mountain music-making fill the bill. The fire hall is located just off U.S. 58 in western Grayson County. Admission is charged.
Contact: (276) 773-2471
On the dial ...
WBRF (98.1, FM)
WBRF is the kingpin in these parts. Its 100,000-watt signal saturates the region with classic country, bluegrass and old-time music. Jay Allen's 'Blue Ridge Backroads' features many regional artists from 6 to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday (unless Wake Forest is playing basketball, which they won't be this week).
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