Roadside americana is alive and well at this vintage new york ice cream shop

Roadside Americana is Alive and Well at this Vintage New York Ice Cream Shop

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1 min read
September 14, 2024

If you ever find yourself driving down Southwestern Boulevard in Orchard Park, New York, and spot a retro gas station with a Studebaker tow truck out front, you’ve just stumbled upon Route 20 Ice Cream—a place where vintage charm meets modern indulgence. Masquerading as a 1950s gas station, Route 20 offers a nostalgic escape that’s equal parts roadside attraction and ice cream haven.

This spot doesn’t just serve your typical cones and shakes, although they certainly do that with flair. Their menu is packed with endless options, from classic sundaes to health-conscious protein shakes and fruity smoothies. Even your furry friend isn’t left out, with the “Doggie Dish” featuring vanilla ice cream and doggie treats. It’s like they thought of everyone who might come by, whether you’re a sugar addict or just looking for a dairy-free delight. Vegans are covered with soy-based ice cream options like salty caramel and tiramisu, all under the brand “Temptation,” made with non-GMO ingredients.

The exterior might scream “fill ‘er up!” with its gas station facade, but it’s really a sweet tooth fueling stop. If the iconic red and white 1947 Studebaker tow truck doesn’t lure you in, maybe the restored 1903 caboose will. Sitting on faux tracks, the air-conditioned caboose is a cozy little nook where you can escape the summer heat and dive into a cone while perusing a stack of vintage Courier-Express magazines.

For the ultimate nostalgia overload, head out back to their “museum.” In what was once a garage, you’ll find a treasure trove of retro photos, vintage signs, and other Americana artifacts. It’s a quirky addition to your ice cream experience and a perfect backdrop for daydreams of yesteryear while munching on a scoop of house-made gelato. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick cone or taking time to explore the caboose and museum, Route 20 Ice Cream offers more than just frozen treats—it serves up a slice of vintage Americana that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

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