A cherry Coke with extra Maraschino cherries, please.
Dot (left) and Cookie (right) standing in front of her newly founded restaurant in 1990. | Photo via Dot’s Back Inn
Rosie the Riveter meets Lana Del Rey meets diner-Americana at Dot’s Back Inn, a nostalgic restaurant in the Bellevue neighborhood. Dot’s is more than just a burger and beer-slinging joint, though.
It’s familial, and it’s rooted in a feisty, go-getter history shaped by generations of Richmond women with a knack for hard work — and a little earned sass.
Dot’s eccentric interior is like a scavenger hunt for quirks and memories. | Photo via RICtoday
Dot’s starter pack:
An open-air patio and inside seating
A row of old-school barstools, likely occupied by several regulars
String lights, pin-up art, cherry decor, etc.
A few Guy Fieri cameos (We’ll get to that later.)
A newspaper page headlined “My Life as Rosie the Riveter” framed in the bathroom
A montage of black and white photos above wooden booths (See any familiar faces?)
A sign reading: “If you’re drinking to forget, please pay in advance.”
A mosaic of coloring pages made by kids and other patrons
Record Night | 6-9 p.m. | Reservoir Distillery | Free | Bring a record to spin and enjoy $2 off your drink at this weekly night for vinyl lovers.
Thursday, March 27
Knead-to-Know: Sourdough | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Springfield School House | Free | Learn how to create a sourdough starter from scratch at this introductory baking and bread-making class with Henrico Recreation and Parks.
Sundance Cowboy, Madly Backwards, and Beya | 7-11 p.m. | Gallery 5 | $10+ | Join an exciting evening as three Richmond bands take the stage with a mix of rock, folk, and rhythmic tunes.
Friday, March 28
Embracing Asymmetry | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | $75+ | Embrace a little imbalance with this floral arrangement course on asymmetric design.
Saturday, March 29
University of Richmond Men’s Lacrosse vs St. Bonaventure | 2-4 p.m. | Robins Stadium | $7 | Cheer on the University of Richmond Men’s Lacrosse team as they go head-to-head with the St. Bonaventure Bonnies at Robins Stadium. Pro tip: Gates open at 1 p.m.*
Richmond Kickers: Pups at the Pitch | 6 p.m. | City Stadium | $15 | Bring your sporty fur-friend + “up the roos” from the stands of City Stadium as they face Forward Madison FC.
Meet your spring defrosting destination. | Photos courtesy Serif and Script Co. by Cara Livermore
Looking to avoid beach crowds on your next vacation? Escape to the peaceful beauty of upstate New York’s Finger Lakes region at The Lake House on Canandaigua.
From relaxing and romantic weekends to fun-filled outdoor adventure, The Lake House has accommodations + activities for all.
Grab a post-lake day cocktail and fries at the Sand Bar
Dine lakeside around Rose Tavern’s wood-fired hearth
Where the heck is Canandaigua? Southeast of Rochester, surrounded by scenic beauty, wineries, breweries, local shops, historic districts + endless outdoor activities.
Bonus: Score up to 25% off your trip with code BLOOM when you book the In Bloom at The Lake special this spring.
“Float On,” RVA. The Flaming Lips + Modest Mouse are hitting the stage at Brown’s Island for the Live Loud concert series. Both bands will perform on Sunday, Aug. 3, and you can reserve your tickets this Friday, March 28. First up: Remi Wolf will kick off the series next month.
Civic
Expectations surrounding the development of Roseshire Gaming Parlor may be changing. A proposal offering county voters the opportunity to weigh in on the establishment of the casino-like facility now seems in doubt. Construction of the parlor is currently underway in Staples Mill Shopping Center. (Richmond BizSense)
Cause
Richmond Animal League (RAL) is calling on the community to help foster. It’s the start of the nonprofit’s “kitten season” — warmer months in which cats breed more and shelters experience a spike in rescue + adoption needs. RAL will host a class about fostering on Saturday, April 5, which you can register for now. (CBS 6)
Richmonder
A student from Deep Run High School rose to action after prom was scheduled for Saturday, April 12 — during Passover. The student met with school officials + started an online petition that reached nearly 200 supporters. The prom has since been rescheduled to May, and the school has issued an apology. (Richmond Magazine)
Community
March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and the Virginia Lottery is highlighting the importance of education and support. If you or someone you know needs help, consider these resources. Reminder: You must be 18 or older to play.*
Learn
Get inspired at RPAA’s Women Take the Stage event on Tuesday, April 8 at Dominion Energy Center. Local librarian + TikTok star Hayey DeRoche will share tips on “Harnessing Your Creativity for Good.” Enjoy complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and more with your ticket purchase.*
Trending
Eyeing some Hoka shoes for spring hiking, running, and walking adventures? Brad’s Deals rounded up which stores are offering the best prices.*
The Buy
The Buy
A really good Wi-Fi extender, because you deserve reliable internet access (yes, even in that corner of the house). Bonus: It’s 52% off until midnight thanks to Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.
I fell in love with Dot’s Back Inn the first time I visited, and it was such an honor to spotlight the women who founded and inspired it. The cherry Coke with extra cherries was absolutely a personal rec from me.
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