MTM: Historic Ice Cream Parlor

I suspect there are hidden gems in every city. I keep finding them here in my new hometown.

Doyle’s Ice Cream Parlor

H-J and I were running errands on Saturday afternoon, things he needed to take care of before heading off to college later this week. When we finished our run-about, I took him out for a treat.

Customized banana split for H-J

My single scoop of homemade huckleberry ice cream was the perfect size and oh-so delightful.

This is authentic old fashioned ice cream, made on-site. Quite a few young families came in for ice cream while we were savoring our own, looking around at everything on display and formulating questions.  The woman behind the counter was kept busy with specialized orders so we waited patiently until it was once again just the three of us.

Doyle’s Ice Cream Parlor opened in 1939. It was perfectly situated near a trolley stop in the West Central neighborhood not far from Natatorium Park.  (Go ahead and click on that link — the story of the Nat is fascinating!) The trolleys eventually went away and so did Nat Park, but Doyle’s has been a neighborhood fixture for 75 years.

Complete with extra seating in the side yard along Boone Avenue

Tammy Gill gives service with a smile and happily tells customers about the history of the store her brother owns.

Tammy Gill grew up just a few doors away from Mr. and Mrs. Doyle and has lived in this neighborhood for most of her life. Her brother, Jerry Gill, purchased the business in 1991 and has slowly added his own special touches including his collection of antique toys.

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The old-fashioned door bell

From the cash-only payment policy to the decor to the bell that rings when the door opens and closes, this place is full of nostalgia.

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Doyle’s Ice Cream Parlor is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. There are just 2 weeks left before the season ends, so hurry or you will have to wait until May to enjoy the atmosphere and the authentic old-fashioned ice cream.

You can find them on facebook and at 2229 W. Boone in the West Central neighborhood of Spokane. The last day of the 2014 season is Tuesday September 30th.

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Thank you, Hilary, for your kind honor!