These 7 Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlors In Illinois Will Make You Feel Nostalgic
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published July 22, 2018
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
Illinoisans just can’t let go of the past. Because so many people enjoy experiencing the “good ol’ days,” there are still several old-fashioned ice cream parlors around the state that will make your summer great. These seven vintage shops will charm you right into the 1950s with retro decor and delicious frozen dairy treats.
When you’re in the mood for a classic dessert that will make you feel like a kid again, stop into one of these nostalgic places. Check them out:
This wonderful ice cream shop has only been in business since 1987 but the decor will make you think of much simpler times. Specializing in hand-dipped ice cream, this kid-friendly paradise of frozen dairy treats has special cones dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with candy and cereal. Find it all at 25 S Ashland Ave., La Grange, IL 60525.
Though it has only been a soda fountain since 2002, the building this amazing ice cream shop is located in is from 1850. In addition to hand-dipped ice cream, there is also a guestroom that visitors may rent to stay overnight and be fully immersed in a vintage experience. Find this place at 230 W St Louis St., Lebanon, IL 62254.
This river town shop is one of the most charming old-fashioned ice cream parlors in the state, and it is located at 321 E Main St., Grafton, IL 62037. Enjoy hand-dipped classics in a variety of flavors as well as a plethora of homemade fudge that is seriously to die for.
This hot spot for lunch and dinner has been in business since the 1800s when it was just a pharmacy. The soda fountain was added in the 1950s and is still popular today. Located just off Route 66, this place and all its novelty treats can be found at 133 S 2nd St., Girard, IL 62640.
In business since 2011, this vintage-style ice cream parlor does everything from shakes to cotton candy. The shop serves Plush Horse Ice Cream, and it is also a French-style coffee house where you can get things like tea and, of course, muffins. Find it at 400 E Illinois St., Lemont, IL 60439.
Situated in Illinois' premier resort town, this incredible vintage ice cream shop is located at 102 N Main St., Galena, IL 61036 in the beautiful, historical downtown neighborhood. Guests enjoy many different flavors of hand-dipped ice cream that are all creamy and delicious.
Specializing in homemade chocolates that are hand-dipped, this unique shop also sells milkshakes, banana splits, malts, floats, and sundaes. The building was built in 1871 and became a confectionery in 1901. Check it out at 101 W Sale St., Tuscola, IL 61953.
