For a Sugary Dose of Nostalgia, Swing by Serendipity for Some of the Best Ice Cream in Oregon

Who screams for ice cream? Everyone. That’s the point. Ice cream is easily one of the most consumed desserts across the world, with different kinds gaining ground (sorbet, gelato, etc.) and wild flavors becoming quite popular. Oregon’s Willamette Valley is no different, with ice cream consumed with nearly as much gusto as the region’s famous wines. But, with so many shops selling the frozen treat, are there any ice cream stores that really stand out?

Say hello to Serendipity Ice Cream, located on one of the most beautiful main streets in all of Oregon. This ice cream store is based in McMinnville, a city located snugly within the heart of wine country and founded in the 1800s. The main street of the town is called Third Street, and has not only been recognized as one of the best main streets in all of Oregon, but in all of the United States! It’s not hard to see why, with lush trees lining the road, festivals and other events being held frequently, and a dedication to preserving the past clear in the presence of multiple historic buildings. These buildings have been renovated and updated in order to keep up with modern times and demands, but still retain their classic charm.

Within these buildings are restaurants, wineries, breweries, shops, cafes, a theater, a bookstore, hotels, and yes, an ice cream parlor. Originally, the building that holds Serendipity Ice Cream was a hotel. In the 2000s, the lobby of the hotel was renovated and made into the ice cream parlor standing today. The renovation may have allowed for ice cream to be sold in the area, but it didn’t mean that the space lost any of its nostalgic 1880s charm. With dark wood panels, patterned wallpaper, hanging chandeliers, warm lighting, and a piano that plays jaunty tunes by itself, customers are endlessly delighted by this welcoming space. 

Then, naturally, there’s the ice cream to boast about. This ice cream is made locally and constantly rotates flavors. One employee mentioned that although Moose Tracks may be the most popular scoop of ice cream, their other forms of ice cream are more popular, with soda floats, milkshakes, and brownies a la mode at the top of that list. But this family-owned business doesn’t stop the fun with ice cream, offering handmade cookies and waffle cones alongside candy, espresso, and other coffee-related products. Then, for those enchanted customers who desire Serendipity’s ice cream at their events, there’s Serendipity 2! This refers to their catering company, offering mobile trailers in a variety of colors and designs, ready for any wedding, party, or event. 

You can get ice cream anywhere nowadays, from grocery stores to gas stations to restaurants and, obviously, big-name chain ice cream shops. But none of these places can invoke the same sense of childlike wonder that Serendipity can. And, with a place on the Oregon Ice Cream Trail map, clearly many people agree. With its historic charm, great flavors, and a location on one of the most beautiful main streets in the United States, Serendipity Ice Cream needs to be on your Oregon must-visit list!