Meola's Wayside Ice Cream

For over a century, Meola's Wayside Ice Cream has been a sweet fixture in West Boylston, Massachusetts, embodying a rich family history and a deep commitment to serving delightful frozen treats. What began as a dairy business in 1912 by Anthony A. Meola, Sr., has evolved into a beloved ice cream stand, known for its extensive selection and hometown charm. For generations of Massachusetts residents, Meola's has been more than just a place to grab a cone; it's a destination that evokes fond memories, marks special occasions, and offers a consistent taste of quality in every scoop. It's a testament to enduring local business, passed down through the family, continuing to bring smiles to faces across Central Massachusetts.

Meola's Wayside Ice Cream prides itself on its vast selection of flavors, catering to every palate imaginable. With over 65 varieties of high-quality ice cream and frozen yogurt, the choices are seemingly endless, inviting customers to explore new favorites or stick to time-honored classics. Beyond the impressive array of flavors, the establishment also offers a full complement of traditional ice cream parlor delights, including decadent sundaes and refreshing sherbets. While the overwhelming sentiment among customers praises the delicious ice cream and highlights instances of genuinely kind and welcoming service, it's worth noting that some online feedback has presented differing perspectives regarding customer interactions and policies. However, the core appeal remains the dedication to quality ingredients and a wide variety that beckons ice cream enthusiasts from all over the region. Meola's aims to provide that home-town touch that New Englanders know and love, maintaining its legacy as a cherished local spot.

Meola's Wayside Ice Cream is conveniently located at 165 W Boylston St, West Boylston, MA 01583, USA. This address places it directly on Route 12, a significant road that connects various communities throughout Central Massachusetts. Its "wayside" designation truly reflects its ease of access for those traveling through, making it a perfect stop on a sunny day or after a meal in the area. For residents of West Boylston, Holden, Sterling, Boylston, and even Worcester, the shop is a short and straightforward drive.

The location on a main road ensures good visibility and relatively easy parking, which is crucial for an establishment that often sees a high volume of visitors, especially during peak seasons. Meola's operates with a walk-up window, which streamlines the ordering process. The presence of pet-friendly outdoor tables makes it an inviting destination for families looking to enjoy a treat with their furry companions, further enhancing its accessibility and appeal to the local Massachusetts community. Being a well-established fixture in the area for over a century, Meola's has become deeply ingrained in the local landscape, making it a familiar and convenient stop for generations of ice cream lovers.

Meola's Wayside Ice Cream offers an extensive menu of frozen delights, designed to satisfy a wide range of tastes and preferences. Their primary offerings include:

• Hard Ice Cream: With a reported 65 flavors, including popular choices like Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Mint Chocolate Chip, Cookie Dough, Coffee, Maine Black Bear, Reese's Peanut Cup, and unique options like Blue Crunch-A-Saurus and Peanut Butter Iditarod. They also feature flavors such as Strawberry Cheesecake, Bear Claw, Caramel Caribou, Triple Chocolate Ecstasy, Butter Pecan, Butter Crunch, and Orange.
• Frozen Yogurts: Offering a 95% fat-free selection including Mint Patty Explosion, Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Almond, Oreo Cookie, Chocolate Chip, and Coffee Heath. They also have low-carb/no sugar added options like Vanilla Raspberry Swirl, Chocolate, and Black Raspberry.
• Sherbets: Refreshing options such as Orange, Watermelon, and Raspberry.
• Sorbets: Including Raspberry (Fat Free/Non-Dairy) for those seeking non-dairy alternatives.
• Sundaes: Classic sundaes with a variety of toppings like hot fudge, caramel, butterscotch, peanut butter, strawberry, and pineapple. They also offer specialty sundaes such as Banana Splits, Apple Crisp A La Mode, The Dusty Road, Whoopie Pie Sundae, Brownie Fantastic, and Monkey's Uncle.
• Ice Cream Sodas: A classic beverage perfect for a refreshing treat.
• Pup Cups: Available for canine companions, allowing pets to enjoy a small treat with their owners at the outdoor tables.

While the variety is a significant draw, customers should be aware of specific policies, such as potential limitations on substitutions, as noted in some online feedback.

Meola's Wayside Ice Cream stands out in the Central Massachusetts ice cream scene due to several notable features and highlights:

• Over 100 Years of Family History: As a business founded in 1912, Meola's carries a rich legacy, having been family-run for over a century. This long-standing tradition adds a unique character and sense of history to the establishment, resonating with locals who value community heritage.
• Vast Flavor Selection: With a remarkable 65+ flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurt, Meola's offers an unparalleled variety that caters to virtually every taste preference. This extensive choice is a significant draw, encouraging repeat visits to explore new options.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: The presence of pet-friendly outdoor tables and the availability of "Puppy Pops" or similar treats make Meola's a welcoming spot for dog owners, allowing the whole family to enjoy an outing.
• Hometown Touch: The establishment prides itself on maintaining a "home-town touch," providing a quintessential New England ice cream experience that many locals cherish. This contributes to a comfortable and familiar atmosphere.
• Classic Sundaes and Specialty Items: Beyond simple cones, Meola's offers a full range of traditional sundaes and unique creations like the "Pinecroft Banana Split" or the "Brownie Fantastic," showcasing their commitment to diverse dessert options.
• Seasonal Operation: Being a seasonal ice cream stand, it creates a sense of anticipation and a strong association with warmer weather, making a visit to Meola's a quintessential part of the Massachusetts spring and summer experience.

While some isolated negative feedback exists regarding customer service and specific policies, the overwhelming positive reviews often highlight the delicious products and the instances of friendly and welcoming staff, particularly noting specific employees who go above and beyond, such as "Ava" in a recent review.

For those in Massachusetts planning a visit or needing to reach out to Meola's Wayside Ice Cream, here is the direct contact information:

Address: 165 W Boylston St, West Boylston, MA 01583, USA

Phone: (508) 835-9747

Mobile Phone: +1 508-835-9747

Meola's Wayside Ice Cream operates seasonally. During its open season, typical hours of operation are generally 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, seven days a week. However, it is always recommended to confirm their current hours by calling ahead or checking their official website, especially as opening and closing dates for the season can vary, and hours might be adjusted due to weather conditions or holidays.

For residents across Central Massachusetts, Meola's Wayside Ice Cream in West Boylston is more than just an ice cream shop; it's a beloved local institution deeply woven into the fabric of the community. Its impressive 100-plus years of family-run history lend it an authentic hometown charm that resonates strongly with New Englanders who appreciate tradition and quality. The strategic location on West Boylston Street (Route 12) ensures easy accessibility for families and individuals traveling from various towns, making it a convenient stop for a delightful treat.

What truly makes Meola's suitable for locals is its unparalleled variety. With an astounding selection of over 65 ice cream and frozen yogurt flavors, alongside classic sundaes and refreshing sherbets, there's always something to satisfy every craving. This extensive choice, combined with the occasional moments of truly exceptional customer service, creates a memorable experience. The pet-friendly outdoor seating further enhances its appeal, allowing the whole family, including furry members, to enjoy a sweet outing. While isolated concerns about specific policies have been raised, the overwhelming majority of experiences point to a delicious product and a cherished local tradition. Meola's Wayside Ice Cream is a quintessential Massachusetts experience, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a taste of local heritage and a perfectly sweet escape.

Meola's Wayside Ice Cream

165 W Boylston St, West Boylston, MA 01583, USA