We heard about the "Thumb's largest ice cream cones" when we visited that appropriately named region of Michigan last summer. We made a mental note to make an ice cream stop when we visited the Thumb again this summer.
Today, the city once billed as the "Grindstone Capital of the World" stakes its claim to fame for the colossal ice cream cones hand-dipped at the town's general store.
And here's some advice, make sure you're hungry when you go there.
We ordered "kiddie" cones, consisting of two "hefty" scoops of ice cream. You can you can see that my maple nut/chocolate peanut butter cone nearly dwarfed my hand, and I had to be quick about eating it on a hot summer day...but I didn't miss a lick!
The store's menu included the "kiddie" size cones as well as cone sizes described as Toddler (1 small scoop), Baby (1 hefty scoop), Single (3 hefty scoops), Double (4 hefty scoops) and what I would think would be the intimidating "Tripple" cone at 5 hefty scoops!
I emailed the store's owners to ask if anyone dared to go for the five-scoop challenge, and they assured me that it happens all of the time. They told me the most recent 5-scoop champs were four 5- to 6-year-old kids who came in with their families and each ordered, and finished, a five-scoop cone.
Kiddie-size, indeed!
The store's new owners, Brian and Frank, recognize the appeal of the place, built in the late 1880s, opened in 1890 and operating continuously since that time, for the families who continue to visit it generation after generation.
They kept the many of the store's familiar features like the warmly worn wooden floors and a vintage stove, while investing in new equipment and products, many of them made in Michigan.
The ice cream counter with its two dozen flavors is the star attraction here, but you can also pick up picnic supplies, pop, snacks and items created by local craftspeople.
Sitting out front at the picnic tables, enjoying an ice cream on a hot summer day and chatting with others who remember the place from their childhood or previous visits to the area was the perfect way to end a summer afternoon.
© Dominique King 2011 All rights reserved
Holy cow, that is an impressive ice cream cone! As much as I love ice cream, I wouldn't be able to eat more than that. Looks like a fun place, especially being so steeped in history.
Posted by: WorkMomTravels | July 02, 2012 at 06:32 PM
And that's the "Kiddie" size! I love ice cream, too...but I can't imagine being able to finish a 5-scoop cone!
Posted by: Dominique King | July 03, 2012 at 03:51 AM
Not only do the ice cream cones feature large portions, the ice cream itself is very good. I was surprised that the great quantity came with high quality. We recommend the place to anyone we know who's heading to that area.
Posted by: mmmom | February 28, 2014 at 09:01 AM
I tell everyone it's well worth the stop as well :)
Posted by: Dominique King | February 28, 2014 at 09:46 AM