Rakestraw's Ice Cream

## A Timeless Treat: Rakestraw's Ice Cream, A Mechanicsburg Institution

For over 120 years, Rakestraw's Ice Cream has been a beloved cornerstone of the Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania community. Originally founded in 1903 by Roy E. Rakestraw, this historic parlor has delighted generations with its delectable frozen treats, becoming a cherished summer tradition for many in Cumberland County. It's more than just an ice cream shop; it's a place where memories are made, families gather, and the simple pleasure of a perfectly scooped cone is savored.

Under new ownership since 2023, Rakestraw's continues its legacy of providing exceptional ice cream while embracing modern demands. Despite its incredible popularity, which can sometimes lead to a bustling atmosphere with lines stretching out the door, the quality of the ice cream and the wide array of choices consistently earn rave reviews. From classic flavors to unique local specialties, and even options catering to specific dietary needs, Rakestraw's ensures that every visitor finds something to love, making it a proud and essential stop on the Cumberland Valley Ice Cream Trail.

## Location and Accessibility: In the Heart of Mechanicsburg

Rakestraw's Ice Cream is perfectly situated at 313 S Market St, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, USA. This prime location in the heart of downtown Mechanicsburg makes it incredibly accessible for local residents and a convenient and appealing destination for visitors exploring the Cumberland Valley. Being on Market Street, a central thoroughfare, ensures high visibility and straightforward navigation.

The shop benefits from its pedestrian-friendly environment, attracting "walking traffic, families with strollers, people out with their dogs." This signifies a welcoming and integrated part of the community, where a stroll through town can easily culminate in a sweet treat. While direct parking details are often not explicitly provided for businesses in town centers, the shop's central location in Mechanicsburg typically means accessible street parking in the vicinity or nearby public parking options. This ease of access, combined with the vibrant downtown setting, makes Rakestraw's a convenient and enjoyable stop for anyone in the Pennsylvania region seeking a taste of local tradition.

## Services Offered: A Century of Sweet Innovation

Rakestraw's Ice Cream offers an extensive and inviting menu that pays homage to its long history while also embracing contemporary preferences. Their focus on quality and variety ensures a satisfying experience for every customer. Here's a detailed look at their comprehensive offerings:

• Hand-Dipped Ice Cream:
  • Extensive Flavor Selection: They typically offer 32 delicious hand-dipped flavors, with a rotating lineup of 40-50 flavors throughout the season. This includes beloved classics like chocolate, vanilla, and cookies and cream, as well as unique Central Pennsylvania favorites such as black raspberry and teaberry (a pink wintergreen flavor unique to the area).
  • Quality Sourcing: Their ice cream is sourced from trusted Pennsylvania dairies, including Galliker's in Jonestown and Hershey, highlighting a commitment to supporting local businesses and maintaining high quality.
• Soft Serve Ice Cream: For those who prefer a creamy, classic soft serve, Rakestraw's provides this popular option, ensuring both preferences are satisfied.
• Customizable Creations:
  • Homemade Waffle Cones: Enjoy your ice cream in freshly made waffle cones, adding an extra layer of deliciousness and aroma to your treat.
  • Dishes: For those who prefer a simpler serving style.
  • Sundaes: Build your own perfect sundae with various ice cream flavors and toppings.
  • Milkshakes: Thick and creamy milkshakes blended to perfection with your favorite ice cream flavors.
• Novelty Freezer Items:
  • Italian Ice Cups: A refreshing, dairy-free alternative.
  • Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches: Classic and comforting, made in-house.
  • Ice Cream Cakes: Perfect for celebrations and special occasions.
  • Ice Cream Pies: Another fantastic option for sharing or individual indulgence.
• Dietary Considerations: They offer options for specific dietary needs, including "NSA (No Sugar Added) and dairy-free" ice cream, ensuring that a wider range of customers can enjoy their treats.
• Treats for Furry Friends: Don't forget your "four-legged friends" – Rakestraw's offers "pup cups" for dogs, making it a truly family-friendly destination.
• Food Truck Fridays: From 4 PM to 8 PM (excluding July 4th), they feature a "rotating selection of one local food truck each week," adding a savory dimension to the sweet offerings and supporting other local businesses.

## Features / Highlights: The Enduring Appeal of Rakestraw's

Rakestraw's Ice Cream's enduring popularity for over a century is a testament to its many compelling features and highlights:

• Historic Legacy and Community Roots: Founded in 1903, Rakestraw's is one of Mechanicsburg's oldest operating businesses. This deep-rooted history creates a powerful sense of nostalgia and tradition, with generations of families sharing memories at the parlor.
• Vast and Varied Flavor Selection: With 32 hand-dipped flavors regularly available and a seasonal rotation of 40-50, customers have an incredible array of choices. The inclusion of unique local flavors like teaberry adds a distinct regional charm.
• Commitment to Quality and Local Sourcing: The practice of sourcing ice cream from trusted Pennsylvania dairies like Galliker's and Hershey underscores a dedication to high-quality ingredients and supporting local, family-owned businesses.
• Homemade Specialties: Offerings like "homemade waffle cones" and "homemade ice cream sandwiches" highlight the extra effort and attention to detail that elevate the customer experience.
• Inclusive Options for All: The provision of NSA and dairy-free ice cream, along with pup cups for dogs, demonstrates a welcoming approach that ensures nearly everyone can enjoy a treat.
• Exceptional Taste and Customer Satisfaction: Despite being "crazy busy" at times, the "ice cream was great" and "delicious," drawing customers from far distances, some driving "an hour and a half." The "sweet" and welcoming service from the staff further enhances the positive experience.
• Community Involvement: Rakestraw's actively participates in the Mechanicsburg community, supporting local events and being a key part of the Cumberland Valley Ice Cream Trail, which helps connect with both locals and visitors.
• Loyalty Program: The mention of a "punch card" suggests a loyalty program that rewards returning customers, encouraging repeat visits.

## Contact Information

Ready to experience a taste of Mechanicsburg history and a delicious treat? Here's how to connect with Rakestraw's Ice Cream:

Address: 313 S Market St, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, USA

Phone: (717) 691-5353

Operating Hours: While specific daily hours can vary seasonally, a general indication is that they are open until 9 PM, particularly during peak seasons. It is always recommended to check their official social media or website for the most current operating hours.

## Conclusion: Why Rakestraw's Ice Cream is a Cherished Local Gem in Mechanicsburg, PA

For the residents of Mechanicsburg and those throughout Pennsylvania, Rakestraw's Ice Cream is undeniably a local landmark and a true culinary treasure. Its rich history spanning over 120 years speaks volumes about its enduring quality and the special place it holds in the hearts of the community. This is a place where tradition meets deliciousness, offering a wide array of hand-dipped and soft serve ice cream flavors, including unique local favorites and options for various dietary needs.

Locals choose Rakestraw's not only for the consistently "great" and "delicious" ice cream but also for the overall experience: the homemade waffle cones, the extensive menu that includes novelty items and even savory food truck options, and the generally sweet and welcoming service from the staff. Despite occasional busy periods, the value and quality make it "very much worth it" for customers, even those traveling a significant distance. For Pennsylvanians seeking an authentic, high-quality ice cream experience that embodies local charm and a rich legacy, Rakestraw's Ice Cream in Mechanicsburg is an essential visit, promising smiles for generations to come.

Rakestraw's Ice Cream

313 S Market St, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, USA