Living in New England: Seasonal Ice Cream Stands

There are many aspects of life here that are so unique from other parts of the country, and I want to share those things with my family, and perhaps with you- if you have never been here. I do a collection of posts called : "Living in New England" that highlight quintessential New England sights, events, situations, and experiences.

I know of many people who have lived here in New England their entire lives and perhaps don't realize that some of the events and sights that I will describe don't happen elsewhere in the country. Or, maybe you are originally from New England, but have moved away... I hope these posts will bring back some fond memories for you. 

In any event, I wish to share New England with you through the eyes of this Southerner!

I hail from the land of DQ... 
Dairy Queen! 

I grew up with the iconic ice cream shop that is Dairy Queen.  (Texas is home to the largest number of DQ's in the U.S.)  It was open almost every day of the year- always there at your beck and call for a soft serve cone, a Dilly Bar or a beloved Blizard (chocolate covered cherry is our favorite! :)  When I was a child my father would make a DQ run once a month and stock the freezer we had in the garage with Dilly Bars.  He always said he was buying them for me, but I think I was just his cover!!
I wasn't expecting to find any Dairy Queens in New Hampshire, and I have not.  We did; however, find some in Maine!  I remember my little "taste of home" excitement at the sight of the first one we spied... right up until I read the sign..

"Closed for the season."

 Whaaaat?  (I can hear the collective *gasp* coming from all you southerners!  Ohhh the horror of a closed DQ!! ;)  The Dairy Queen below is in Kennebunk and serves only ice cream- no food. They also give out puppy-cookies to one very happy, little black dog!  We have since found one DQ in southern Maine that appears to be open year-round, which is a good thing, cuz when you want an Oreo-Blizzard in January, you want it now, not five months from now! :)

What New England doesn't have in Dairy Queens they make up for in walk-up, seasonal ice cream stands!  

These stands are an honored tradition here in New England!  Opening day is much anticipated and people flock to the shops throughout their "open" season!  The "season" is spring to fall, and larger shops make their own ice cream.  Seeing the crowds standing in line to order, you would almost think you couldn't find ice cream for sale at the local grocery stores!  The first time we encountered this New England tradition we were just a couple months new to the area and were driving in the middle of nowhere when we spotted a crowd of about 20 people in front of a little shack and said, "They must be having an estate sale!"  Only to realize- no- they were selling ice cream!  

And, what a tradition it is!  Traditions are big in New England- that is one of the many things we love about living here!

This is serious business people!




Stands can be large and famous in an area, or little out of the way stops, like this one!

This little "walk-up only" stand is an exception and is open year round!  You have to really want an ice cream cone to walk through 3 feet of snow to get to the window!

I snapped this photo at opening time, usually the parking lot is full!

If this photo had been taken on a "peak" day there would be at least 100 more people standing in line to get ice cream.... I kid you not!  

Guess what they sell?!

This charming little Dairy Bar is in Vermont.

It's a charming (and tasty) New England tradition!
 Do you have any memories/stories from seasonal ice cream stands or Dairy Queen?!  Would love to hear them :)

To read other "Living in New England" posts visit HERE!)

I'd like to introduce you to: Evon Cassier

Please meet my friend... Evon Cassier !

all photos Dave White

Besides being beautiful, kind-hearted and a gentle-soul,  Evon is a talented artist who has a passion for rescuing high-quality clothing items and re-purposing them into custom-made meaningful and clever handbags and totes!   Clothing items from thrift shops, antique shops, the back of some one's closet, a fireman's jacket, a late father's coat, etc...  all become works of art in the hands of this biochemist turned handbag-maker!  Yes, she has a degree in Biochemistry from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo!  Did I mention she is smart too?!

Evon is competing for a $10,000 grand prize and a chance to be featured on marthastewart.com as a nominee in the Martha Stewart American Made Awards. 

A WIN would mean more new products and possibly even a new working studio for this single-mother of two!

 The voting runs through September 22 and you can place 6 votes per day in a 24-hours period.  Just sign-in to her nomination page,  VOTE 6 times, and your efforts could mean a HUGE WIN for Evon!

Please go to http://www.marthastewart.com/americanmade/nominee/80626 to cast your votes and to read more about her story. 

I wanted you to meet Evon and see her creative bags and totes in hopes that you, too, will vote for her to WIN !

In her own words...

It is intriguing to take textiles that have outlived their usefulness and transform them into bags that can provide service once again. On the surface they are beautifully crafted bags, but dig a little deeper and you see a meaningful story. Maybe the coat was originally worn by a grandfather or maybe it traveled all over the world? I thrive on the stories and memories that each bag tells and that's what inspired me to create a business. Many of the garments I work with were originally made in America at a time when Americans were known for their manufacturing quality and workmanship. I see it in the garments I deconstruct and I am inspired to honor those values that made us great. As my business evolves and grows, I stay committed to American made, sustainable growth, quality workmanship and respect for those who work for me.

The most unique things about my business are the materials I use. Taking quality garments from some one's closet or the thrift store and turning them into useful products is contrary to this world of disposable,"fast fashion" where things are made cheaply offshore of low quality. But bigger, faster, and cheaper aren't always a good thing and I offer an alternative that may one day become the norm. My bags are as unique as the materials I use and are a celebration of individuality, just like the people who own them.

   While Evon stocks bags and totes like these on her website...

she also custom makes bags from retired fireman's jackets and pants, suit jackets that clients send her that once belonged to their father/grandfather, sentimental pieces of clothing that would otherwise just sit in the back of a closet, etc... .  [I'm thinking of having her make a tote out of one of Dan's fighter-pilot flight suits (he flew F-4's and F-15's)- wouldn't that be cool?!]

 Evon is kindly offering all my readers a 15% discount on all her in-stock (only) items HERE.
Simply enter ELLA15 in the coupon code at checkout!

Thank you so much for voting for Evon!
(Remember you can vote 6-times each day through September 22 ;)

I really appreciate you supporting my friend!  

Please visit her website to see the in-stock collections and to contact Evon about having a custom item made.

To watch a video of  Evon discussing her creative process click HERE

UPDATE:

(Martha extended the voting time until September 22, so please keep those votes coming!)