ABOUT US
THE GREAT ESCAPE
Homemade Ice Cream Parlor
Nestled in the heart of Watkins Glen, New York, our unique ice cream parlor is a must-see when visiting. A family owned and operated business for over 40 years, we’re proud to serve homemade ice creams, novelties, cakes, and Italian gelato, as well as a variety of popular vegan and non dairy options.
Hard to miss, we are fondly known as the “Big Yellow Ice Cream Shop” and located on the main street in town, just one block from the famous Watkins Glen State Park entrance. We first opened our doors in 1982, originally serving 2 soft serve flavors and 8 flavors of hard ice cream from our small walk-up window. Since then, we have grown to making our very own variety of vegan, sorbet, gelato, and hard ice cream flavors and now offer soft serve in over 28 flavors! In addition to our ice cream, you can also find homemade cookies, brownies, cakes, pies, and our fresh baked waffle cones that create an irresistible aroma.
But our ice cream and treats are not the only reasons our customers love stopping by. Our parlor offers a fun and wholesome atmosphere with displays of vintage ice cream scoops dating back to the late 1800s, a milk bottle collection that line the walls, and a ceiling completely tiled with old 45 records. We also have vintage 1950’s pinball machines that are fun for the whole family to try.
The Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor is a delightful glimpse of bygone days but with modern twists of flavor, and, of course, great customer service. The Honsberger family is happy to welcome new and returning friends to the best ice cream spot in town. Leave a flavor suggestion on your way out and we look forward to seeing you this 2024 season!
Our Store service is open and ready for us to serve you! We hope you will enjoy our indoor and outdoor seating.
In November we OPENED THE SWEET ESCAPE ICECREAM in Horseheads at the Arnot Mall. Come see us all winter at this year-round location.