Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor Introduce
In the picturesque town of Watkins Glen, New York, a place where stunning natural beauty meets a vibrant local community, lies a true sweet haven: Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor. This local gem is celebrated not only for its delicious treats but also for its commitment to inclusivity and exceptional service. It's the kind of place that embodies the best of a small, local business, with a focus on quality and a genuine desire to make every customer's day a little brighter. The ice cream itself is a major draw, praised in a review as "absolutely delicious – rich, creamy, and clearly homemade with love." This dedication to crafting high-quality products is what sets Great Escape apart. Beyond the classic offerings, the parlor has made a name for itself by being "very accommodating to food allergies," offering a wide range of options that include vegan, non-dairy, and sugar-free choices. This thoughtful approach ensures that everyone can enjoy a treat, regardless of their dietary needs. The positive experience is further enhanced by the staff, with one customer describing a worker as "so sweet and helpful, patiently guiding us through the different flavors and making great recommendations." This combination of outstanding products, a commitment to inclusivity, and a friendly, knowledgeable team has solidified Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor as a beloved fixture in the Watkins Glen community, a place where a tasty treat and a warm welcome are always on the menu.
---Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor is conveniently located at 221 S Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891. This central location in the village of Watkins Glen makes it a highly accessible spot for both residents and visitors exploring the area. Situated on Franklin Street, it's easy to find and is a natural stopping point after a day spent at the Watkins Glen State Park, the famous racetrack, or simply enjoying the local shops and sights. For those driving, the location is straightforward, and parking is typically available nearby, which makes for a hassle-free visit. The parlor's position within the heart of the village means it is a natural gathering place for the community, a spot where friends and families can easily meet up for a treat. Its accessibility is a major factor in its popularity, as it provides a convenient and delightful destination for anyone in the region. The presence of both "indoor and outdoor seating" further enhances the experience, allowing customers to choose their preferred environment. Whether you want to escape the heat indoors or enjoy the fresh air outside, the parlor's location and setup are perfectly suited to the needs of its patrons, making it a comfortable and welcoming spot for everyone.
---Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor stands out for its extensive and inclusive range of services and products. The menu is crafted to delight a wide variety of customers, with a strong focus on quality and dietary accommodations. A customer review praised the "Delicious Homemade Ice Cream, Milkshakes & Vegan Options!"
- Homemade Hard Ice Cream: A core offering, celebrated for its "rich, creamy" texture and "yummy" flavors, as noted by a satisfied customer.
- Milkshakes & Smoothies: The milkshakes are described as "super tasty," "thick, flavorful, and refreshing," making them a popular choice for a classic treat.
- Vegan & Non-Dairy Options: The parlor is highly praised for its "vegan choices," which are "just as delicious and thoughtfully made," ensuring those with dietary restrictions can still enjoy a high-quality dessert.
- Sugar-Free & Hershey's Brand Ice Cream: The wide array of options includes sugar-free choices and the popular Hershey's brand ice cream, catering to a diverse range of tastes and needs.
- Daily Specials: The offering of "Daily specials" provides an exciting reason for customers to return, always giving them something new and unique to try.
What truly makes Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor a local favorite are the special features and highlights that create a superior customer experience. These elements go beyond the menu and contribute to its strong reputation in the community.
- Accommodating to Food Allergies: A significant highlight is the parlor’s commitment to being "very accommodating to food allergies." This thoughtful approach provides peace of mind for many customers.
- Friendly and Helpful Staff: The staff’s kindness is a major feature, with a review highlighting a worker who was "so sweet and helpful, patiently guiding us through the different flavors and making great recommendations."
- Homemade Quality: The "homemade" nature of the hard ice cream is a huge draw, and it's clear that it is "made with love," which resonates with customers who appreciate authentic, high-quality products.
- Comfortable Seating: The availability of "Indoor and outdoor seating" is a great feature that allows for a relaxed and comfortable visit, whether you want to beat the heat or enjoy the fresh air.
- Cleanliness and Amenities: The mention of "Bathrooms available" and the overall sense of a well-maintained establishment, as implied by the positive reviews, adds to the comfort and convenience of the experience.
To plan your visit and enjoy the delicious treats and friendly service at Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor, here is the essential contact information:
Address: 221 S Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
Phone: (607) 535-7354
---Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor is perfectly suited for locals in the New York region, specifically in and around Watkins Glen, because it is a business that truly understands and serves its community. Its commitment to offering delicious homemade ice cream and tasty milkshakes is just the beginning. The parlor's dedication to providing a wide range of options, including "Vegan, non- dairy, sigar-free" choices, shows a deep empathy and a desire to be an inclusive space for everyone. This is a huge factor for families and individuals with dietary restrictions. The friendly and patient staff, who are noted for making "great recommendations," contribute to a welcoming and low-stress environment that locals appreciate. For New Yorkers in the area, a visit to Great Escape is not just about getting dessert; it’s about supporting a local business that cares about its customers and provides a consistently high-quality experience. The availability of both indoor and outdoor seating, along with clean facilities, makes it a comfortable and reliable spot for any occasion. The mention of "Daily specials" also gives locals a reason to keep coming back. Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor is a true local gem that combines a fantastic product with a community-first mindset, making it an essential and beloved part of the Watkins Glen landscape. It's a place where everyone can find a tasty treat, feel welcome, and enjoy a moment of sweet escape.
Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor Details
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- In-store pickup
- In-store shopping
- Takeout
- Delivery
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Assistive hearing loop
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Offerings
- Coffee
Dining options
- Seating
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Checks
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free parking lot
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor Photos










Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor Location
Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor
221 S Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor Reviews
flavorsveganshakewaffle conessorbetchoicescustarddairygluten freepie
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Delicious Homemade Ice Cream, Milkshakes & Vegan Options!The ice cream here is absolutely delicious – rich, creamy, and clearly homemade with love. Every flavor we tried was yummy, and the milkshakes were super tasty too – thick, flavorful, and refreshing. We were also really impressed with their vegan choices, which were just as delicious and thoughtfully made.The girl at the store was so sweet and helpful, patiently guiding us through the different flavors and making great recommendations. Her friendly attitude made the whole experience even better. Highly recommend for a tasty treat, great service, and options for everyone!
June 18 · ajay kvsGreat place to grab a treat. Vegan, non- dairy, sigar-free, Hershey brand ice cream, homemade hard ice cream, smoothies/ shakes. Very accommodating to food allergies. Friendly service. Indoor and outdoor seating. Bathrooms available. Daily specials.
June 08 · Michele FordThis ice cream shop is the only reason I ever agree to walk The Gorge Trail anymore. From the moment you step inside, you know it's going to be delicious. I can still smell the fresh waffle cones and ice cream!
July 13 · Neil DeBuyserA nice ice cre place with lots of u r cream options. Fast service and plenty of parking
May 26 · Pranav Bhounsule10/10 staff was friendly and helpful. Ice cream itself was excellent. Pictured homemade cookies and cream highly recommend.
May 25 · B Mulls
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