Amanda Sprouse stands proudly in front of her new bakery, Dolce Designs by Amanda, which is set to open on August 18th.

'Dolce Designs by Amanda' to be Sweetest New Shop in Covington By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer   Covington, VA (Aug. 6, 2026)— This afternoon, the Alleghany Journal had the distinct pleasure of meeting up with Amanda Sprouse, former choir director at Alleghany High School. Sprouse is currently on the brink of launching the sweetest new shop in Covington: a bakery named Dolce Designs by Amanda. From what we could see, it promises to delight the Covington community with a variety of sweet treats, including custom cakes, cupcakes, and more. Sprouse's love for baking began at the tender age of 10, when she assisted her stepmother in the kitchen. "My stepmother was a cake decorator, and so I was over their house one summer and she was doing a wedding cake that had yellow roses... And so, she started me out doing rosebuds." As Amanda fondly recalled the memory, it seemed evident that the experience ignited her passion for baking. Dolce Designs by Amanda will be offering a vast array of options including custom orders tailored to each person's preference, to-go cakes perfect for those who forgot to pre-order and don't mind waiting 10-15 minutes after choosing a design, individual grab-n-go items like standard cupcakes and cookie bars, and beverages that include sodas from the Boylan Bottling Company, La Colombe lattes, Harney & Sons Teas, and sparkling water. Dolce Designs by Amanda will also have a freezer case stocked with freshly made cakes and cupcakes. The cupcakes will be available in cupcake packs of 4, 6, or 12, priced at $12, $18, and $24 respectively. Additionally, the cakes will be party cakes available in 6", 8", or 1/4 sheet, priced at $35, $50, and $40, respectively. Sprouse also mentioned there will be seasonal items year-round for customers to enjoy. For a full layout of menu items, visit the Dolce Designs by Amanda website located here: https://www.dolcedesignsbyamanda.com/menu. The new bakery is located at 105 W. Edgemont Drive in Covington and will be open Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., by appointment only on Saturday, and closed on Sundays and Mondays. Amanda actually shares the building with her husband, John, who will be running an automotive shop which specializes in electronic repairs. For inquiries about Dolce Designs by Amanda or to place an order, Amanda can be reached at (540) 968-0963. The bakery is set to open on August 18th, pending final approval from the Department of Agriculture, though she is currently taking orders and preparing them in her home in the meantime. The Alleghany Journal will continue to follow the opening of Dolce Designs by Amanda, keeping readers updated on this exciting—and very sweet—new addition to the Alleghany Highlands. Dolce Designs by Amanda is located at 105 W. Edgemont Drive in Covington, Virginia. Sprouse was kind enough to give us a tour this afternoon, pausing to discuss the items which will soon be featured in the freezer case. It is in this refrigerated case where Sprouse will be storing her grab-n-go items, such as cupcakes, cookie bars, muffins, and baby cakes.

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