We took a road trip this weekend down Route 29 in rural Virginia. When we take this trip, we always stop at the Colleen Drive-In for a soft-serve cone. Places like this were common in the 1950’s and 1960’s and only a few remain on the East Coast.
There are modern “nostalgia” shops that pretend to be like this, but this place is real. When you order, they make a little handwritten note describing your purchase — no matter how small. We have often wondered what they do with all those little pieces of paper.
The windows are filled with bobbleheads and handwritten signs indicating the daily specials and making it clear that if you want to use a credit card or the restroom, you have stopped at the wrong place. Our favorite sign reads:
PUBLIC NOTICE
HOT FUDGE WILL MELT YOUR ICE CREAM.
IF YOU DO NOT WANT MELTED ICE CREAM ORDER CHOCOLATE SYRUP.
STIRRING WILL INCREASE THE RATE OF MELTING.
PLEASE CONSIDER THIS WHEN ORDERING.
WE WILL NOT REFUND OR REMAKE A HOT FUDGE SUNDAE.
THANK YOU!!
(According to their Facebook page, they felt the need to post this notice last summer after several complaints.)
Someday, this place will melt into history like so many other places. Until then, we will get a cone whenever we pass.
iball round the world 