Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Soda Fountain Fun

A one-stop shop, the soda fountain is sure to have something for everyone. From egg creams to root beer floats, not only can you satisfy your sweet tooth, but at most shops you can also have lunch, pick up your prescription and grab the latest issue of Better Homes and Gardens. Betty makes it a summer tradition and every Monday she and the kids indulge in burgers, fries and, of course, dessert. On warm autumn and spring afternoons she surprises them with a trip to the soda fountain for an after school snack.

While these versatile ice cream shops started to decline in popularity in the 1970’s, it doesn’t mean that they don’t still exist! Below is a list of a few of our favorites. And if you can’t find one near you, recreate a retro soda counter at home with Betty’s Etsy picks, some classic pop and ice cream.
Clockwise wise from top left: www.HelloVictory.etsy.com, www.amberfilkins.etsy.com, www.SweetAnneVintage.etsy.com, www.olderthanyouare.etsy.com, www.swoonshop.etsy.com, www.ehunt72.etsy.com, www.BehindTheScreenDoor.etsy.com, www.sportsmansguide.com, www.papertreats.etsy.com

Dr. Jazz Soda Fountain and Grille- Lebanon, IL
Brooklyn Pharmacy and Soda Fountain- Brooklyn, NY
Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain- Pasadena, CA
Hall’s General Store- East Otis, MA
Highland Park Pharmacy Fountain- Dallas, TX
Jimmy’s Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain- Duncannon, PA
Kaiser’s Grateful Bean Café and Soda Fountain- Oklahoma City, OK
Lagomarcino’s- Moline, IL
Mundt’s Candy Sales and Soda Fountain- Madison, IN
Skipper’s Soda Fountain and Ice Cream Parlour- Minden, LA
Sodie’s Fountain and Grill- Flipping, AZ
Village Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant- Lebanon, OH

Saturday, August 14, 2010

So Take A Ride With Me..


Before the kids, Betty and her husband would pack a picnic and take their bicycles for a spin. With her red cruiser she was ready for a beach trail or woodsy ride. These romantic weekends were among her favorites.

The summer may be almost over, but it's not too late to enjoy a weekend ride on a retro bike. You can easily find vintage cycles on craigslist or a wonderful reproduction. Betty recommends the two listed below. She loves the simple design of the Micargi Tahiti and the 21 speeds on the Giant Suede GX W.

www.beachbikeoutlet.com
www.giant-bicycles.com
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/1917721040.html