AUSTIN, Texas — A simple combination of cream, sugar, and a touch of nostalgia has given rise to one of the most iconic indulgences of all time — ice cream. For many, it evokes fond memories from childhood, and for some, it remains a timeless pleasure well into adulthood.
In Austin, the Museum of Ice Cream invites visitors to indulge in a playful celebration of the beloved dessert, offering a variety of cool, creamy delights that cater to every ice cream lover. Nestled in the vibrant Domain shopping district, just over an hour away from downtown Austin, the museum became the backdrop for a birthday celebration for my dear friend Shantae Braswell.
The museum’s bubblegum pink exterior stands out in its bustling surroundings, drawing visitors into a world of sugary delights and reminding them of simpler times when a scoop of ice cream could brighten even the dullest day.
The museum pays homage to the evolution of ice cream, a treat that dates back to ancient civilizations, when frozen snow mixed with honey, fruit juice, and milk was all the rage. Since then, ice cream has come a long way, and the museum’s exhibits celebrate that progression with a sense of playfulness and, of course, a focus on deliciousness.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed with an introduction about the museum’s origins before stepping through the iconic pink doors and into a room adorned with oversized maraschino cherries hanging from the ceiling. Here, we were asked to adopt ice cream-themed names for name tags. I went with “Caramel,” though I toyed with something more creative.
Our first stop was the 1950s-inspired Cocktails and Creams soda fountain room, where visitors can enjoy complimentary soft serve. I chose a nondairy cherry flavor, which pleasantly captured the taste of fresh cherries without the need for sprinkles.
After savoring our ice cream, we ventured into the banana room, where vibrant pink and yellow bananas lined the walls and ceilings. The playful space evoked the whimsy of a carnival, and we couldn’t resist snapping a few photos at the old-fashioned carnival display, featuring oversized animal crackers.
The fun continued as we posed in front of a fun house mirror, which gave our reflections a quirky twist. Next, we discovered a charming swing, the perfect spot for a memorable group photo, before walking through a disco ball-themed circular corridor and striking another shot under a sherbet-colored archway.
One of the more exciting moments came when we explored a room featuring unique ice cream flavors such as brown butter bourbon truffle and Superman Cookie Two Step. However, our enthusiasm was tempered when we reached the famous sprinkle pool. While we had hoped to capture playful moments splashing in the multicolored sprinkles, the crowd of energetic children made it a less-than-ideal spot for photos.
The final stop in our ice cream adventure led us to another diner-inspired area, offering a selection of ice cream scoops, milkshakes, and sundaes, as well as an array of museum merchandise. Although we were tempted by the menu’s boozy treats, mocktails, and milkshakes, we had already indulged in enough ice cream to satisfy our cravings.
While the experience was undeniably fun, with its vibrant displays and a focus on nostalgia, it fell short in terms of educational value. As much as we appreciated the quirky, Instagram-worthy spaces, we left the Museum of Ice Cream wishing we had learned more about the history and production of this beloved treat. Nevertheless, for anyone seeking an afternoon of fun, ice cream, and whimsy, the museum delivers on all fronts.
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