When I was a little girl, one of my favorite outings was when my Grandad took the family to Ye Olde Mill in Utica, OH. We had lunch, ice cream, and my cousins and brother and I played all afternoon. It was a special day that makes me smile when I think of it. Recently, hubby and I took the kids there for a nice treat and getaway from the city in hopes to create the same “memory smile.” We enjoyed lunch and history of the Velvet Ice Cream factory (which is located in front of the mill) and ice cream, of course. The place was still as beautiful as I remember – 30 years later.
Time goes slower out there, it seems. The ride out to Utica took about an hour and was beautiful, full of lush green grass and trees. I can only imagine what it will look like come October when the leaves have turned. Once we arrived to Ye Olde Mill we meandered in for lunch and some delicious ice 
cream. The restaurant was a cute country-type 50’s diner with traditional diner menu choices: hamburgers, hot dogs, and their “Trail Bologna” sandwich that of course my hubby had to order. Oh, and the most important part – the ice cream. They have tons of flavors and crazy sundae concoctions that’ll make you drool. Yeah, I’m not ashamed to admit I wanted to lick the bowl. Our bellies were full.
We checked out the gift shop which had ice cream memorabilia on display and then out to the wheel for a nice picture. Kodak moment, that wheel. Now, we went on the weekend which is the only time we can do something as a complete unit, but Mondays through Fridays they offer tours of the Velvet Ice Cream factory from 11a – 3p. Patrons can see ice cream made first hand at the factory, and then eat it ALL! No, just joking! I think you get a little taste after the *free* tour, which lasts about 30 minutes. There is a small barn to the back of the mill with more history and 
tons of information on things to do around Ohio, and corn for 25¢ to feed the ducks! We must have gone through $3.00 worth of corn trying to get those ducks to eat out of our hands. If I was a betting woman, I’d say feeding the ducks was the highlight of the visit for my kids.
Lunch, ice cream, a tour, some playtime, and feeding the ducks was a great way to spend an afternoon. Oh, and our visit could have lasted as long as we wanted it to – there are play sets for the kids to play on, history to read, and again, the ducks. And, since you are already out there, go peach or apple picking at Legend Hills or Branstool Orchards. Both orchards are only a couple of miles from Ye Olde Mill. Check out my post about our peach adventure: Peach Picking at Legend Hills.
Ye Olde Mill
11324 Mt. Vernon Rd.
Utica, OH 43080
1-800-589-5000
Get some ice cream and feed the ducks:
- Decide how long you have and try to make a day of a tour, lunch and fruit picking. Fun!
- Have a full tank before you leave. There are gas stations, but you don’t want to get stuck *needing* one.
- Bring quarters for the corn machine.
- I’d suggest carrying/wearing baby rather than depending on a stroller. The diner is tight, and the land is mostly grass and gravel.
- If you have a large group, call ahead!
