On Friday, September 25, Downtown Lynchburg is going pink, sparkly, and wholeheartedly Dolly.
Downtown Dolly Day is a full day of Dolly Parton-inspired fun spread across 15 downtown businesses: themed drinks and menus, a pink donut, crafts, deals on anything rosy, and karaoke to close out the night. And because it wouldn't be a Dolly celebration without books, the day also gives back to her Imagination Library, which sends free books to local kids.
Put on your pink, dust off the rhinestones, and make a day of it. Here's where to go.
Start the day sweet
Cafe Monte Bello · 828 Main Street, Suite 302 Begin the way Dolly would want you to: with a Cup of Ambition.
Hill City Donuts · 500 5th Street Pick up a strawberry-glazed Dolly Donut, pink from edge to edge.
Get crafty
Scrappy Elephant · 400 12th Street Make a Dolly craft and pay what you can. Proceeds benefit the Imagination Library, so this one does double duty.
Hot & Cold Draw Dolly on the chalkboard for a chance to win a $15 gift certificate. Big hair encouraged.
Wild Grove Florals Build your own pink bouquet to carry around downtown, or to take home to someone who deserves it.
Get the look
Threaded Collective · 1212 Main Street Shop Dolly-inspired looks, from subtle nods to full sparkle.
Shay's Unique Gifts Take 50% off clothing.
LaneyKickz · 1107 Main Street Get 10% off anything pink.
Cuts of Grace · 1101 Main Street Add a little shimmer with two pink and gold tinsel strands for $5.
Eat, drink, and sing along
The Maple Leaf Tea Room · 1215 Commerce Street Sit down to a Dolly Day menu: sandwiches made with Dolly's special pimento cheese recipe, potato soup, Watermelon Hibiscus Iced Tea, and maple banana mini muffins.
Waterstone Pizza · 1309 Jefferson Street Bring the kids for a Dolly coloring sheet while the grown-ups try the Dolly Cocktail.
Tiger Sun Restaurant & Lounge · 1008 Commerce Street, Unit A Stop in for themed drinks and food, with Dolly tributes playing on the big screen.
Hueso Loco Urban Cantina · 1214 Commerce Street Order the Backwoods Barbie, a specialty cocktail made for the occasion.
Uno Mas · 512 Fifth Street Toast Dolly with a pink rhinestone cocktail, mixed just for the day.
The Water Dog · 1016 Jefferson Street End the day with Dolly-themed karaoke hosted by The Kathleens from 7 to 10 PM. There are featured cocktails and no cover, so bring your best "Jolene."
The heart of it: books for local kids
Dolly Parton has spent decades putting books into the hands of children, and Downtown Dolly Day is a chance to help her do it right here at home. There are three easy ways to pitch in:
Donate books. The Lynchburg Public Library's Downtown Branch (216 12th Street) is holding a book drive. Gather up the books your family has outgrown and drop them off.
Make a craft. Every pay-what-you-can Dolly craft at Scrappy Elephant benefits the Imagination Library.
Give directly. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library mails free books to young children, and the Lynchburg chapter runs on local donations. Donate to the Lynchburg chapter of the Imagination Library.
Show us your sparkle
Wear pink, make the rounds, and tag Downtown Lynchburg, Virginia in your posts and stories so we can share your Dolly Day fun. We can't wait to see downtown shine.