Ravenna – We all need a little sugary pick-me-up sometimes and having a sweet treat can be the bright spot in everyone’s day. Vance’s Carriage House Creamery, the new hand-dipped hard ice cream shop, has just the flavor you will need to bring a smile to your face.
Happiness seems so tricky to come by and yet joy can easily be found all around us in the simplest of things. At the sound of Van Morrison’s Brown-Eyed girl on the radio, the warm feel of a family dog curled up on your lap or the sight of God’s rainbow after the storm has passed. It is these small treasures of goodness that can lead to a good day. So, follow the treasure trail to the brightly colored door of the new creamery and sample their many flavorful jewels that will brighten your day.
Bill and Vicki Vance along with daughter, Lexi and son, Ian, opened their shop on October 26, 2019 in what used to be a former eye doctor’s office. The teal blue door highlighted by yellow and pink looks as if marshmallows hopped out of a Lucky Charms box excited to liven up Main Street with their colors. “Lexi was a huge part of getting the shop up and open. She has always been an organizer and a planner so without her it would have taken us a lot longer to get it moving. She also came up with our color scheme and did most all of the painting,” said Vicki.
Bill Vance has always wanted to open an ice cream shop and when the building became available in 2018 the business became a family affair. It seems many family and friends have contributed to the wholesome atmosphere and down-home charm they have created in a very short span of time with their thriving creamery.
Vicki’s Mother, Dianne Beans, who is 72 years old has faithfully worked from 12 to 4pm every day of the week when the children are in school. Along with Ian, Missy Miller, Matthew Miller and Anna Carter who have a been invaluable throughout the whole process, said Vicki.
On top of opening a family business both Bill and Vicky continue to work their regular jobs as a manufacturing manager at a chemical plant and a registered nurse. The family that works together plays together and it seems anytime you walk into the Creamery you’ll see a grin on the face of whoever is serving you behind the counter because they are just happy to be there.
If you’ve ever been to Hershey, Pennsylvania then you know it is called the “Sweetest place on Earth.” It’s the slogan for the town and it is where Hershey ice cream originated. Thank goodness for the Vance family because they have brought some of that sweetness to Ravenna. “We would always like going to the Hershey’s ice cream shop in Hudson because we love Hershey’s ice cream. They have a great start up program for new shops.”
They have many popular flavors of ice cream for the young and the young at heart. Children tend to prefer the Superman or Blue Moon flavors and adults by far prefer Banana Pudding. While currently Praline Pecan seems to be all the rage. (I must say I’m biased toward the seasonal flavor of peppermint because of the pretty colors. But mint chocolate chip will do in a pinch.)
Vance’s offers 32 ice cream flavors, several homemade fudge flavors (special orders also) and Coca-Cola products. The fudge is a family recipe passed down from Bill’s father and he has been making it since he was a kid and everyone who buys it seems to love it, said Vicki. (I can report that chocolate-walnut it my favorite flavor.)
“This is not like a job for us. We both look forward to coming here every day after work! It is so fun, and we have met so many wonderful people who are now like family to us! We thank everyone so much for supporting us and making us feel welcomed!”
Vance’s offers call ahead 330-235-9192 and curbside service along with delivery through DoorDash. They are located at 252 West Main Street in Ravenna. Follow on Facebook or Instagram and check out their great Website https://vancescarriagehous.wixsite.com/creamery where you can enter your email for news and updates. You can ask questions at vancescarriagehousecreamery@gmail.com.
