Velvet Ice Cream’s Ye Olde Mill adds new experience-based design

UTICA, Ohio - April 25, 2013 - PRLog -- UTICA, OH – Ye Olde Mill has been scooping its famous Velvet Ice Cream for almost 100 years, and this year the Mill underwent significant renovations designed to enhance its visitor experience. The updates continue to accent the Mill’s vintage vibe, but give a nod to the beloved ice cream brand’s new packaging and brand image. Ye Olde Mill serves as a tourism destination where Velvet Ice Cream is made, with opening day kicking off to the public at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 1.

With a special offering of 99-cent opening-day ice cream cones to mark Velvet Ice Cream’s 99th birthday, Ye Olde Mill kicks off its 2013 travel season when it welcomes individual travelers, school field trips, motor coach and other groups with popular experiences that draw more than 150,000 people to Velvet headquarters every year. In addition to enjoying a scoop of famous Velvet Ice Cream at 1970s-era pricing of just 99 cents, guests can also enjoy the following:
•   Free Velvet Ice Cream factory tours
•   Watching ice cream being made in the viewing gallery
•   The Ye Olde Mill playground
•   Three shelter houses for picnics and family gatherings
•   A Historic 1817 grist mill with water wheel
•   A vintage ice cream parlor
•   Interactive Ice Cream and Milling Museums
•   Fishing and feeding the family of ducks at two catch-and-release fish ponds
•   Gift shop
•   Nature Trail
•   Complimentary Wi-Fi

The first major renovations since 1986, the latest improvements include installing new cabinetry and quartz countertops; new energy-efficient windows and lighting; a new waffle cone making area with fun, interactive elements; chalkboard signs that showcase the location of where the gift shop items are produced.  In addition, new ice cream flavors, sundaes, soups, sandwiches and other items have been added to the restaurant’s menu.

The Ye Olde Mill is Velvet Ice Cream’s icon that depicts old fashioned goodness and quality. “Here at Velvet Ice Cream, we take great pride in our community, our customers and our company history,” said Velvet Ice Cream Vice President of Guest Relations Andre’ Dager.  “We think carefully before making any changes at the Mill, which is so much a part of the community.  The new renovations will not only look fantastic, but they will also help preserve the Mill so we can continue to welcome guests for years to come.”
 
Velvet Ice Cream is located in Utica, Ohio, situated on the perfect combination of wooded countryside and rolling, pastoral farmland. A family-owned and operated business for nearly 100 years, Joseph Dager founded Velvet Ice Cream 1914 and four generations of Dagers have since run the company. Velvet produces more than five million gallons of ice cream every year from its headquarters on the 25-acre grounds of Ye Olde Mill.

Named by Frommer's as one of America’s 10 Best Ice Cream Factory Tours, Velvet's Ye Olde Mill welcomes 150,000 visitors each year for tours, tastings and events. The annual Ice Cream Festival (May 25-27, 2013), group tour experiences and school learning field trips are among the many draws to Ye Olde Mill, which is open to the public May 1-October 31.

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