Welcome to the Corner Ice Cream Parlor!

Inspired by the celebrations and simple joys of childhood, this fanciful building draws its inspiration from multiple ice cream confectionaries and parlors of my youth. From birthdays and good grades to family reunions and little league championships, these ice cream parlors were the gathering places for celebrating the many milestones of my young life.

Somehow, children inherently understand that, to be a truly exceptional ice cream palace, the building must be painted a fantastical color with architectural decorations straight out of the Victorian era. After all, with such a flamboyant exterior, what phantasmagorical confections must lay instore for those fortunate few to celebrate within its walls? Thoughts of cones and sundaes and milkshakes and sodas swirled in our heads as the great, white, wooden canopies escorted us from our everyday world into their extravagant interiors.

Inside, they glistened with gold and brass ornaments, from metal railings to the tasseled sconces. The dark wood booths with deep red upholstery stood out against the brightly striped wall paper and checkered floor tile. With its riot of pinks and reds and coral and crimson, it was like living in a giant jewel box where the treasures were made of sugar and cream and chocolate.

But even the most humble of parlors feature strongly in my memories, with recollections of spending long summer days with friends trekking to the next town over, enthusiastically arguing the whole way which of the more than 30 flavors we would choose this time. Arriving out of breath and brimming with excitement, we stood with our noses pressed to the sneeze guard, in awe of the magic the shop attendant wielded in creating their glorious confections.

And looking back on those joyous times, I realize now that the taste of the long-gone treats is not what has stayed with me for all these years. It is the marvelous flavor of time with friends and family, celebrating the moments of life - both big and small - that I remember and cherish the most.

These are the moments and memories that inspired the Corner Ice Cream Parlor and I hope it inspires in you a sweet recollection of your own.

Thank you.