National Ice Cream Soda Day: Road Trip Worthy Soda Fountains and Retro Soda Shoppes across the United States!

Today is Ice Cream Soda Day! And we’re thinking about all the great old fashioned soda shoppes of yesteryear, and thought it would be fun to explore some of the great ice cream parlors that are still in operation today.  So let’s take a look at some of the spots that would make great stop-offs on your next cross country road trip!

Homer Soda Company in Homer, IL – 182 Miles from Classic Auto Group

This specialty soda company began as a small retail storefront and quickly grew into a nationally loved wholesale soda distributor of retro soda flavors.  Their specialty blends and classic flavors can add a little excitement to your traditional ice cream soda flavors. They also sponsor the Homer Soda Festival which brings together craft soda makers from all around the country to one central location where you can try cocktails, mocktails, ice cream floats, and more! Stop by and pick up your favourites to make your own ice cream floats and sodas at home.

Doc’s Just off 66 aka Doc’s Soda Fountain in Girard, IL – 261 Miles from Classic Auto Group

This Local Family Favourite haunt started as the family owned Deck’s Drug Store in 1884, and a soda fountain opened some years later in1929. Taking over the family business from their grandfather, the lat Bill and Bob Deck maintained the property until the early 2000s. Bob and Renae Ernst purchased the building and renamed it as Doc’s Soda Fountain until it changed hands once again, but rest assured the new ownership has still kept tradition going strong!  Recent updates have seen a few facelifts and renovations to the interior, but it’s maintained much of its classic charms as a roadside stop off on the old Route 66.  Offering classic diner fare and soda shoppe treats.

Crown Candy Kitchen in St. Louis, MO – 326 Miles from Classic Auto Group

This place is just about everything one could hope for in a retro soda-fountain stop!  Offering homemade chocolates and vintage style classic candies, classic American Diner fare for lunch and dinner, and a plethora of classic soda shoppe drinks and treats.  Plus, the front of the shop is perfect for snapping a family photo for the memory books!

Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum in Columbus, IN – 281 Miles from Classic Auto Group

In operation since 1900, and founded by the 3 Zaharakos brothers from Greece, this magical establishment has opened its doors to countless families for every day treats as well as special events.  It’s got a classic soda shoppe facade, and interior that marks you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.  In 2009, restorations included a Museum Room, Soda Fountain Library, Mechanical Music Library, Banquet Room, and the late-1800s Victorian-style Crystal Parlor.  So what’re you waiting for? Don your best vintage attire and come on over!

Elliston Place Soda Shop in Nashville, TN – 524 Miles from Classic Auto Group

If you’re planning a trip to Nashville after our last travel guide, you’ll want to make sure to add Elliston’s to your itinerary!  Part soda shop, part diner, and 100% classic Southern, this gorgeous restaurant is sure to give you a memorable meal. It’s got charming old-school flare with retro tiled walls and classic jukeboxes galore! It’s a cant-miss destination.

Other great American Soda Shoppes and Ice Cream Parlours to visit across the US:

• Brent’s Soda Fountain in Jackson, MS
• The Pickwick in Greenville, SC
• Goolrick’s Pharmacy in Fredericksburg, VA
• Toomer’s Drugs in Auburn, AL
• Leopold’s Ice Cream in Savannah, GA 
• Shady Glen in Manchester, CT
• Eddie’s Sweet Shop in Forest Hills, NY
• Little Drug Co in New Smyrna Beach, FL
• Highland Park Soda Fountain in Dallas, TX
• St. Francis Fountain in San Francisco, CA
• Cole Drug Co in Big Timber, MT
• The Franklin Fountain in Philadelphia, PA

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