While visiting for a weekend in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, it occurred to me that Kristin and I could stop into Jackson for some delicious ice cream. Back in the day I went to a place called Jackson Dairy. It was just far away from my home in Battle Creek that a quick trip could be made on select summer evenings with family or friends. After searching a bit online I saw that its name had changed to The Parlour. Same location, new name--but it looks like the place has been bought up and is now run by a mini-chain. With directions in hand, Kristin and I hit the road and headed east. It helped knowing that ice cream will be had halfway into the journey.
The Parlour is a big place. It doesn't look particularly inviting or appealing from the outside. Park your car and step inside and you feel like you're walking into an old diner. Lots of seating with a white and red colored decor. Take a few moments as you head to your seat or on your way out to look at the pictures on the wall. They help put time in perspective.It's great fun watching folks go through the cycle of the visit. First they rush to an open seat and then they gaze excitedly at the many options on the menu. All sorts of tasty options pairing ice cream with any number of sweet tasting companions. Then a little bit of waiting before the requested item is brought out and placed in front of the hungry patron. After scooping their way through their order, their pace slows and their hunger is forgotten. Completing the task becomes a challenge.
If it's your first time here, you're probably going to be shocked at the size of your order. They make the servings big. Take a look around before you place your order to make sure you know what you're in for. We found that it was totally sufficient to get the junior version of the menu options. I'm pictured here with a junior version of a banana split.
The Parlour is sort of like a big version of Ray's in Royal Oak. But, honestly, Ray's has them beat for the iced treats. The ice cream at The Parlour isn't not bad ice cream by any means, but the ice cream isn't the draw--it's not especially unique. Go to The Parlour for the experience and the atmosphere. It's a good time.
