Ice cream parlors and small towns go hand in hand. Every small Ohio town has their favorite, and in my humble opinion Ohio has some of the best ice cream in the country.
Small Town Ohio
The small lake side town of Millersport is no exception. Weldon’s Ice Cream Factory has graced the shores of Buckeye Lake there since 1930.
Millersport is a small, rural community bordering on Buckeye Lake which is about 30 miles southeast of Columbus. Historically the lake has been surrounded by cottages, some of which have been replaced in recent years with large, extravagant homes.
Once home to amusement parks and dance halls, Buckeye Lake is a 3300 plus acre lake with unlimited horsepower. The village of Millersport is perhaps most famous for the annual Sweet Corn Festival, which takes place the first week of September. The festival was cancelled this year, due to COVID-19 concerns.
A Trip Back in Time
A large white building houses Weldon’s ice cream factory. It’s just across the street and a stone’s throw from the lake. It’s long wooden porch is outfitted with ample seating and adorned with US flags. It has a decided hometown feel that beckons you to sit a while and chat.
The interior is appointed with the same wooden booths and juke box you might have found forty years ago. The wooden floor and bar stools at the ice cream counter provide a certain nostalgia to the entire experience.
We visited on a recent summer evening. The employees were friendly and the location was lovely. I ignored most of the specialties on the menu in favor of a simple chocolate cone. Delicious.
We spent the next half hour or so on the wide front porch, staring out across the lake. A few locals shuffled in and out with their cones and we made small talk with an older couple that settled near us on the porch.
If you’re looking for some amazing ice cream and an evening well spent, I highly recommend Weldon’s. It’s the type of small town establishment that promotes community. It’s the sponsor of little league ball teams and the employer of local teenagers. And it’s the kind of place that invites you to linger a bit and enjoy a cone with friends, old and new.
Where to Find Weldon’s Ice Cream
If you’re looking for the whole Weldon’s experience, they are located at 2887 Canal Drive in Millersport. If you don’t have an entire evening to devote to the trip, there ice cream is sold elsewhere according to their website. Check out the locations, by clicking through to Weldon’s Here and There.
Looking for more Ohio food adventures? Check out more of our restaurant reviews around the state. And check back, we’re adding new reviews all the time.
