Dolly's Bookstore - Park City, UT

Dolly's Bookstore - Park City, UT

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I've often said that this independent bookstore journey I'm on could easily morph into a travel blog.  My visit to Park City, UT reinforced that feeling.  Park City is a wonderful little mountain resort town and tourist destination located near Salt Lake City.  It reminds me quite a bit of Aspen or Vail.  And located on Main St. among all the other local businesses of t-shirts, jewelry, artwork, and countless bars and eateries is a bookstore that is perfect for this town, ideally suited for tourists and locals alike.  Dolly's has been here since the 1970s, way before everyone else found out about Park City.  From everything I observed it has a legendary past and a bright future.

Dolly's is a medium-sized one level bookstore, offering all new books and a variety of very tasteful sidelines for adults and children.  In the words of Liza, one of the booksellers, Kathy P., the owner, does an excellent job of curating sidelines that appeal to the ethos of Park City locals and tourists.  Designer bags, jewelry, women's accessories, picture frames, and a great section of greeting cards are just a few of the sidelines here.  As with other indies, this is an important part of the store's business and when you visit here this makes sense.

The long-running success here though is rooted in a dedicated local community with a well-educated populace.  The store enjoys ties in the town with a strong counmmnunity book reading program involving all the local schools.  Kathy P. is only the 3rd owner since the 70s providing good continuity and she also owns the bookstore building which is a huge benefit since property is so expensive in Park City.  And as if you need any additional incentive to visit, the store is connected on the inside to an adjoining business of chocolate and ice cream.  Readers, this is a resounding YES!

But the best part of all was meeting and talking to Liza and Tina.  I didn't get to meet Kathy, but these two were the greatest.  Liza is one feisty and energetic bookseller and I mean that in the most complimentary of terms.  I could've stayed and talked to these two all day.

So, when someone asks you what Park City, UT is famous for, do not respond the 2002 Winter Olympics.  The correct answer is Dolly's Bookstore.  A perfect fit in a way cool mountain town.  Check this place out, you won't be disappointed.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Memoirs Of An Imaginary Friend, Matthew Dicks.  Probably the best book I've read all summer as well as the recent several months.  Narrated in the voice of an imaginary friend of an autistic grade-schooler.  Max is a special needs student with an imaginary friend who helps him with teachers and bullies.  I think everyone will enjoy this book but teachers and former teachers should be required to read this as a reminder of those students who have so much hidden inside.  This book is 5 stars and I can't recommend it highly enough.

CURRENTLY READING:  The Fall Of Princes, Robert Goolrick.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Once Upon A Time In Russia, Ben Mezrich.  Bonk, Mary Roach.

This sign is incorrect.  There isn't one cat, there are three!

View looking into the store from the Main St. entrance.  Intelligent readers may recognize the elusive celebrity in the foreground.  Yes, that's my mom.  

Just inside the Main St. entrance is this doorway to the right which will take you next door to chocolate and ice cream, among other things.  You're welcome.  

Check the board behind the check-out counter and see what Dolly's booksellers are reading.  That's Liza on the right.  

Some of the sidelines available including hats that you might not find in other regions of the country.  

A great place to sit and take a book for a test drive.  

An extensive section of greeting cards.  

I love the mural behind the check-out counter.  

A nice display of staff picks.  

Find some literary quotes throughout the store.  

One of the walls of books.  

There are several places in the store to sit down and try out a book.  

I had a hard time trying to get these cats to sit still for the photo shoot.  

A portion of the children's section.  

Lots of great sidelines for kids.  

View from the back of the store looking toward the front entrance.  

Look at this picture closely.  One of the animals is actually alive.  

This is the book chosen for the community book read programs.  By the way, I thought this book, Orphan Train, was fantastic.  

Be one of the cool people and buy one of these bags.  

You'll need that bag for your crazy socks and Skullcandy headphones.  

With Liza on the left.  Thanks for a great visit.