We’re social creatures and while distancing is necessary, it’s, quite frankly, a bummer. We understand that there is just SO MUCH Netflix a person can watch without getting a little stir-crazy. Canceled plans and closed businesses, even just for the time being means that we have to think a bit outside of the box to stay busy (and sane).
BONUS: Most of these suggestions will still allow you to support our downtown businesses during these challenging times!
Unleash your Inner Artist
Supports: The Art Box
How: Online store - coming soon
Contact: 434-989-0032; artboxvirginia@gmail.com
When your soul is feeling a little cloudy, what better way to lift your spirits than with some happy little trees?We’re taking a page out of Bob Ross’ playbook - literally. There are hundreds of free episodes of Bob Ross’ Joy of Painting on Youtube. And if you don’t already happen to be stocked up on tubes of Titanium White and Prussian Blue, The Art Box is offering over-the-phone orders with curbside pickup.
Get Ready for a Bike Ride
Supports: Bikes Unlimited
How: Curbside Pick-Up
Contact: 434-385-4157
Isolation DOES NOT equal quarantine. Just because you have to stay alone, you don’t have to stay inside. Walking is great but can’t compete with the sensation of wind in your hair. And, if your tires haven’t hit the trail since last summer, you are still in luck. Both Bikes Unlimited and Scene 3 are offering special service options…and will even wipe off all of the cooties.
Take a Fitness Class
Supports: YMCA of Central Virginia
The YMCA of Central Virginia wants you to stay healthy in mind, body, and spirit. Honestly, it’s like their mission statement was written for times like these…”Though the world may be unpredictable, one thing remains certain - the Y is, and always will be, dedicated to building healthy, confident, secure and connected children, families and communities.” It doesn’t matter if you are more comfortable with Gentle Chair Yoga with Jan than with Crossfit with Kerry & Brandon, there’s a virtual class designed to get you moving!
Learn the Art of Fly Fishing
Supports: TaleTellers Fly Shop
How: Online Store
Contact: 434-818-2007
The TaleTellers website has impressed us for quite a while - it’s obvious that the owner Ethan Martin know’s a thing or two about fly fishing. But what’s really amazing is the amount of information there. We’d direct the novice to read the What do you really need to start fly fishing blog where the expert might be more interested in the Fishing Reports. If you are a visual creature, there are plenty of pretty pictures and videos to keep you busy! Next step: buy your rod (from their online store, obvi) and find a stream.
Sort your Jewelry (and play dress-up)
Supports: Bowen Jewelry Company
How: Discounted Shipping on Repairs & Custom Orders
Contact: 434-845-3495
It’s pretty much time for Spring Cleaning, right? Take the opportunity to open your windows, air out your closets, and sort through your drawers. You might finally decide to fix that clasp on your grandmother’s necklace or have the battery replaced in your watch. Either way, jewelry repair is a pretty solitary profession, so it’s safe to say that Bowen Jewelry Company is still here to bring new life to your treasures.
Get through your “Honey-Do” List
Supports: Bailey spencer hardware
How: Complimentary Local Delivery
Contact: 434-845-9024
Have you ever sat in a room for so long that you start picking apart all of the things that you want to change about it? Well, now’s the time! Paint that spare room, replace the door, upgrade the knobs, and get all of your supplies from Bailey Spencer Hardware. This family-owned business is ready to help you socially distance by offering free local delivery. They even carry cleaning supplies (rumor is, they may even still have some toilet paper). Now, if someone could just explain the lack of visitors to the shop cat…
Hey, cat-lovers - more feline photos on their Instagram.
Retail Therapy (with a little wine on the side)
Supports: Live Trendy or Die, Gilded, and Windblown Apothecary
How: Online Store with Local Pick-Up/Delivery Options
Go ahead, feel pretty. Buy a new romper. CHANGE OUT OF THOSE PAJAMAS, ALREADY! Sorry, someone had to say it. But really, imagine putting on a fashion show of new outfits you purchased online from Live Trendy or Die while drinking wine (and beer) from Gilded. That’s hours of fun, when you think about it. Just don’t splash the red wines, okay?
Spread a bit of Floral Cheer
Supports: The Hip Tulip
How: $10 Local Delivery to Lynchburg, Forest, and Madison Heights
Contact: 434-582-9423
Real talk: The staff at Downtown Lynchburg Association hopes that each and every one of you is healthy and happy. However, we know that some of our community members have to take stronger precautions than others for a variety of reasons, and that can be really tough on the soul. Consider showing your solidarity with a delivery of “just because” flowers from The Hip Tulip to brighten their day.
Create a Serene Spa Experience
Supports: Oshun Organics and Beeswax Candle Company
How: Online Stores with Local Pick-Up/Delivery Options
You are able to tune out the kids and the pets for a miraculous 30 minutes, we suggest transforming your tub into the peaceful escape you always knew it could be. Anything lavender scented in the Oshun Organics product line should do the trick, especially when you are surrounded by the glow of Beeswax Candle Company candles.
Share your Supplies
Supports: Lynchburg Free Pantry Program
How: Free-Standing, Publicly-Accessible Pantries
It warms our hearts to see community members and organizations stepping up to take care of each other in uncertain times. We applaud Lynchburg City Schools’ commitment to feeding students, but know that there are still more hungry individuals in Lynchburg. So, while you are stocking your own pantry with supplies, consider grabbing a can or two for the Lynchburg Free Pantries located all around town like this one in front of the Lynchburg Daily Bread.
These are just a few ideas to help keep you busy, but we know there are SO MANY more. So, next time you are interacting with a downtown business - online or curbside - and making the best of your isolation, please share it with us! Tag us on the socials - @DowntownLynchburg. Stay safe everyone.
