The Emlenton Creamery: 1st Step in the Emlenton Mill's Revival

The day was beautiful. The sun was warm and bright, a subtle breeze gently brushed over the skin and the clouds formed shapes of enormous animals in the sky! The conditions were perfect for ice cold relief. As my husband and I parked our car on Main Street in Emlenton in front of the Old Emlenton Mill, I could sense that we were in for a real treat.

I for one, simply adore old buildings and am overjoyed when I learn they are loved by others as well. It must be a real honor among buildings for someone to appreciate their timeless character, durability resulting from sound construction, and most of all their current potential. It is the fortune of the 134 year old Emlenton Mill to be recognized as such a structure, and now, with the opening of the Emlenton Creamery within a section of the building, it is being utilized in part as a delightful ice cream shop.

The owners of the Mill, Paul and Nancy Newbury, have been working hard for four years to revive this sizable space into an operable masterpiece, and they have begun with the addition of the creamery. The creamery is part of a non-profit organization founded by the Newburys, called The Old Emlenton Mill Foundation. Through our discussions with Nancy, we came to learn how dedicated and dignified their approach is toward not only retaining the integrity of the building throughout renovations, but in making it a hub for activities. Their overall intention with this venture is to create a meeting place for various groups and area youth, workshop space for teaching artists, as well as to cater to travelers of the Rails To Trails bicycle path. Everyone is welcome. Why just last year, upon request, they began accommodating a small congregation on Sundays, all while achieving their goals for further improvement!

The Newburys plan to incorporate revolving art displays and host live entertainment on a regular basis. They feature a tasty selection of Perry’s ice cream you may enjoy in a cone or a sundae. Not to mention, they serve root beer floats! We tried the Fruit Parfait on our visit and let me tell ya, the strawberries were Y-U-M-M-Y! With the creamery’s endearing interior space, expansive outdoor deck overlooking the river, and chilly treats, it’s sure to provide the summered weary visitors with a cool and an inviting environment!

So, be sure to stop by and check out the new Emlenton Creamery! Maybe you’ll luck in to the grand tour like we did, but if not, just sit back, lap up the inspiration and the ice cream!
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