In
today's world of shopping malls, food courts and pre-packaged items you bring
home to eat, few of us remember a time when going to an ice cream parlor was a
big event. On some random evening or weekend you might hear "let's get
some ice cream", and oh boy! It was like hearing 'surprise' at your
birthday party! Oftentimes this announcement was for no reason in particular,
just an extra special treat that came to mind. For the adults, a simple and
inexpensive way to get out of the house for a while, but underneath this
practicality was really an opportunity to relive the youthful enjoyment of such
places. 
This is how I came upon I Scream Ice Cream in Albuquerque,
NM. At a friend's suggestion we met here one day for a nostalgic afternoon
treat, and what a stroll down memory lane it was. Unlike the more familiar and
rather bland franchise establishments of this sort, I Scream Ice Cream is
independently owned and operated. It's not about the brand of ice cream here.
It's about nostalgia, atmosphere, wonder and amusement all wrapped into one,
for kids of all ages. Even the name shouts out, "Ice cream you scream we
all scream for ice cream!"
I Scream Ice Cream is located in a small
newly built mini mall near the corner of Carlisle and Indian School Road.
Walking up it looks like any ordinary establishment, except for the clever
smiley-logo of I Scream Ice Cream above the entrance. But this is no ordinary
ice cream parlor. Walk through the door and you'll enter a world of fun and pop
culture. You can't help stopping in your tracks and just looking around. The
walls are filled with decorations and memorabilia in every corner nook and
cranny.
Most establishments have a central theme of some sort like
sports, trains, hot rods etc. So what is ISIC's theme? Well it's kind of
difficult to explain. Think Circus Circus mixed in with Hard Rock Café
and pop culture museum.
Besides having a great selection of ice cream and other treats, it's
a fun place to be. In fact, the back section of the shop is devoted to fun
where the Statue of Liberty proudly stands guard. After they finish their
treats, kids can amuse themselves with a shelf full of toys, books and games
while the grownups talk and look around.
The front
section is a little quieter and is divided by the shelf, where it takes on a
more pop culture theme. A really cool 50's gas station pump sits in the corner
overlooking a small table with a checkers board. But no matter which wall it
may be, they are all filled with a broad collection of fun things to look at.
Lined on the top of each wall are old vinyl record covers from the 50's and
60's. Below are collections of cameras, transistor radios and all sorts of
knick-knacks with numerous themes.
My good friend invited me to this establishment for another
reason as well. Knowing I'm a musician and music buff he introduced me to the
owner of I Scream Ice Cream, Bill Warren.
While he doesn't do this very often, Bill sat down and generously
granted a conversation with us. For music lovers, Bill was a rock and roll
studio musician in the 1960's. He recorded Top 40 hits back east with the
Buddah label, among others. While the name may not be familiar, he has
performed alongside many of the 60's rock icons you know.
Buddah and Kama Sutra Records were owned by
one company and in the mid-60s were known as 'bubblegum music' labels. Catchy
pop rock tunes aimed at pre-teen audiences. They were very successful at this
for a while. Some acts were signed as pre-existing bands, and other groups were
'created' with studio musicians. Bill recorded and played for both. While Bill
is there to sell ice cream and not swap stories, in the short time he spent
with us the conversation quickly turned to the music scene of this era. Soon
business began picking up and Bill had to get back selling ice cream. It was a
personal thrill to meet him and I enjoyed the time he spent with us very much.
Thanks Alvin!
I Scream Ice Cream is a great and inexpensive place for a
few quality moments with friends and family. It may take a half hour or longer
depending on how curious you are. ISIC can accommodate small parties and
occasions too! And it's not all about ice cream, sundaes, and dipped bananas
either. They sell coffee too. So you can relax on tables and chairs out front
with your java if your eye muscles get tired from looking at everything. Be
sure to mark it as a travel destination and stop by. I had a great time, and
you will too at I Scream Ice Cream. |
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