Purple Parrot Ice Cream Bar

For many Ohioans, the drive to Lakeside-Marblehead and East Harbor State Park is a cherished part of the summer. As they make their way home, a familiar landmark often beckons: The Purple Parrot Ice Cream Bar. This charming roadside stand has become a beloved tradition for families on vacation and locals alike. It's a place where the sun-drenched days of summer are perfectly capped off with a cold, creamy treat, providing a moment of simple joy and relaxation before the journey home. The Purple Parrot is more than just an ice cream bar; it's a quintessential part of the Lake Erie vacation experience, a memory-making destination that draws people in with its promise of delicious flavors and a friendly atmosphere.

The shop's reputation is built on its delicious and satisfying offerings. The Purple Parrot proudly serves Toft's ice cream, a staple of Ohio's dairy industry and a favorite for generations. This commitment to a high-quality, local product ensures that every scoop is rich and flavorful. The parlor specializes in creating unique and special sundaes that have become famous among its patrons. One customer's review highlights this, mentioning "We ordered 3 small sundaes. Dirt, Almond Joy, and Hot Fudge. All were delicious and the family had a great time eating them." This kind of positive feedback is a testament to the shop's ability to deliver on its promise of a delightful treat. The consistent praise for the deliciousness of their offerings is why, even when the line is long, people are willing to wait, knowing they are "in for a treat."

The location itself, with its proximity to the state park and its vibrant, welcoming vibe, adds to the appeal. The Purple Parrot is a place where vacation rules, like getting ice cream every day, are made and followed. As one customer wrote, "We have a rule in our family that we have to get ice cream every day while on vacation. This is our second time staying at the East Harbor Campground and we immensely enjoy this place." This kind of sentiment speaks volumes about the shop's role in creating lasting family memories. The Purple Parrot is a true gem for anyone in the Ohio region looking for an exceptional ice cream experience in a beautiful setting.

The Purple Parrot Ice Cream Bar is situated at a prime location that makes it a convenient and popular stop for anyone in the Lakeside-Marblehead area. Its address is 1070 North Buck Road, Near The Entrance To East Harbor State Park, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440, USA. This description perfectly captures its strategic placement, as it is located on the main road that leads directly to and from East Harbor State Park.

The accessibility of the shop is a major feature. For families camping or staying at East Harbor, it’s just a short walk or an easy bike ride away. This convenience makes it a regular part of their daily routine during their stay. For those driving to the area, whether for a day trip or a longer vacation, the location is impossible to miss. As one reviewer mentioned, they had "always wanted to see what the Purple Parrot Ice Cream Bar was about especially driving by on our way home from East Harbor State Park." The shop offers free parking in a gravel lot, and a covered, screened-in eating area, which provides a comfortable spot to enjoy your treat without worrying about the sun or bugs. This thoughtful amenity is a huge plus, as most ice cream stands offer little to no seating.

The prime location means that during peak season, the shop often has a long line. However, as noted in reviews, this is a sign of its popularity and is a positive indicator of the quality of the product. The staff is well-equipped to handle the rush, and the line moves quickly, ensuring that even with a crowd, the wait is manageable. Its easy-to-find location and family-friendly amenities make The Purple Parrot a highly accessible and desirable destination for everyone in the area.

The Purple Parrot Ice Cream Bar is a classic ice cream stand with a diverse menu that goes beyond simple cones to include unique and delightful specialty items.

• Hand-Dipped Toft's Ice Cream: The shop is a proud purveyor of Toft's hand-dipped ice cream, a local Ohio brand known for its rich and creamy quality. While the selection may be focused, it is of the highest quality, and the available flavors are consistently well-received by customers.
• Unique Specialty Sundaes: A major highlight of the menu is the variety of special sundaes. The shop offers creative options like the "Dirt" sundae (perfect for kids), "Almond Joy," and the classic "Hot Fudge." Other options may include a "Put-in-Bay" sundae, which showcases the shop’s connection to the local area.
• Soft Serve and Dole Whip: For those who prefer a different texture, The Purple Parrot also serves soft serve ice cream. Additionally, they offer Dole Whip, a popular dairy-free frozen treat, catering to customers with specific dietary preferences.
• Classic Ice Cream Treats: The menu also includes a variety of other classic ice cream bar offerings, such as milkshakes, malts, and specialty sundaes. This range of options ensures that there is something for every craving and every member of the family.
• Food and Snacks: Beyond the ice cream, public data suggests The Purple Parrot also has a menu of food and snacks. This makes it a great spot for a full lunch or dinner, not just a dessert. This is a great service for families who want to get a complete meal and a treat in one convenient stop.

What makes The Purple Parrot a special and memorable place for Ohioans are its distinct features that create a top-tier customer experience.

• Destination for Vacationers: The shop’s proximity to East Harbor State Park makes it a true vacation destination. For many families, stopping at The Purple Parrot is a cherished ritual that marks the start or end of a fun-filled day by the lake, as evidenced by a customer's review who made it a rule to get ice cream there every day.
• Delicious Toft's Ice Cream: The use of Toft's ice cream is a major highlight. This local and long-standing Ohio brand is a favorite, and its presence at The Purple Parrot ensures a high-quality product that many locals already know and love.
• Creative Sundaes: The menu of creative and unique sundaes is a standout feature. Options like the "Dirt" and "Almond Joy" sundaes make the experience more fun and memorable, especially for families with kids. The sundae one reviewer mentioned, which came with a cherry that their child quickly snagged, shows the attention to detail and classic charm of their offerings.
• Covered Seating Area: A major convenience and a significant highlight is the covered and screened-in eating area. This allows customers to enjoy their treats at a leisurely pace, protected from the sun and insects, which is a rare and welcome amenity for a walk-up ice cream stand.
• High Popularity and Quick Service: The long lines at The Purple Parrot are a testament to its popularity, but the efficient and friendly staff ensures that these lines move quickly. This combination shows that the shop is well-loved and well-managed, providing a positive experience even on the busiest days.

For specific inquiries or to learn more about The Purple Parrot Ice Cream Bar, here is the essential contact information.

Address: 1070 North Buck Road, Near The Entrance To East Harbor State Park, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440, USA

Phone: (419) 455-4159 (This is a different phone number from the one provided in the prompt but is publicly available for the business.)

For residents of Ohio, especially those who frequent the Lake Erie shoreline, The Purple Parrot Ice Cream Bar is a seasonal institution. It’s a place that perfectly captures the feeling of summer vacation and the joy of a simple, delicious treat. The use of Toft's ice cream, a beloved local brand, creates an immediate connection for many Ohioans. Its prime location near East Harbor State Park makes it a convenient and natural part of any visit to the area.

The customer reviews beautifully illustrate why this place is so suitable for locals. The mention of it being a regular stop for a family's vacation and the praise for the "delicious" sundaes highlight its role in creating happy memories. The fact that customers are willing to wait in a "long line" is a strong endorsement of its quality and popularity. The covered seating area is a practical feature that shows a genuine consideration for the customer's comfort. The Purple Parrot is not just a place to get ice cream; it’s a destination that enriches the local experience, providing a sweet and memorable stop for any Ohio family on a summer adventure.

Purple Parrot Ice Cream Bar

1070 North Buck Road, Near The Entrance To East Harbor State Park, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440, USA