Velvet Ice Cream Factory Ye Olde Mill Blues, Ice Cream, Doggie Days, and more

Velvet Ice Cream Factory is a perfect day trip in the spring, summer, and fall!

Originally built in 1817, Ye Olde Mill, a former grist mill, is home to Velvet Ice Cream’s corporate offices in Utica, as well as Ohio’s only ice cream museum, ice cream parlor and restaurant. You’ll also find tons of outdoor space to spread out across and explore.

Get food or ice cream from the turn of the century ice cream parlor restaurant. They’ve brought back some favorites this summer, including orange and rainbow sherbet. 

There’s plenty of outdoor patio seating, and plenty of space to spread out across the property. You can even bring your own chairs to sit in the shade. Take your ice cream over to the pond to enjoy the ducks.

Kids have a blast on the playground equipment, and there are several walking trails to explore. It’s definitely worth a day trip!

Events at Ye Olde Mill

Doggie Days at Ye Olde Mill

Every 3rd Thursday of each month from 11 am – 7 pm, bring out your furry friend for a paw-some outdoor adventure.

Purchase a pup cup for your pup, and get a free dog toy!

Feeding the Ducks 

Note: if you are going to feed ducks, bread, crackers and other junk food is not a recommended source of food for their health, and can contribute to water pollution.

Better options include corn (canned, frozen or fresh), duck pellets (sold online and at pet stores), lettuce, other greens (torn into small pieces), frozen or defrosted peas, oats (uncooked; rolled or quick), rice (plain white or brown, cooked or uncooked, whole or instant), birdseed (any type or mix), grapes (cut in half or quartered if very large), or vegetable trimmings or peels (chopped into small pieces).

The Mill is typically open from May-October.
Mon: CLOSED, Tues. – Sun.:  11am-5pm

Closed November – April

Velvet Ice Cream
11324 Mt Vernon Rd NE
Utica, OH 43080-7703
website | Facebook

Opening Day at Ye Olde Mill

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Join them to mark their 110th anniversary with a special treat: small cones for just $1.10, available all day long! There will be horse and carriage rides, and more. 

The 110th customer will be treated to a special surprise.

Mother’s Day at Ye Olde Mill

Sunday, May 12, 2024. Treat your mom to a delightful day out with delicious food, fantastic vendors, and sweet surprises! 

Indulge in mouthwatering treats from 5 different food trucks serving up a variety of tasty delights. Shop from a variety of vendors with goodies mom will love.

Prize Pack Giveaway: Enter to win a sweet prize pack for Mom, including 4 Free Retail Coupons, 1 Velvet Dippers, and 1 T-Shirt. Details. 

Utica Ice Cream festival at Velvet Ice Cream

May 25-27, 2024

A festival featuring Ice Cream? Sign me up!

Indulge your taste buds and celebrate the sweetest Memorial Day Weekend ever at Velvet Ice Cream’s 48th Utica Ice Cream Festival at Ye Olde Mill! Get ready for a delightful blend of over 50 craft vendors, 20 mouthwatering food vendors, and numerous ice cream stations to satisfy every craving

Over 90 artisans from Ohio and other states exhibit their handcrafted items. Pony rides, antique tractors, a car show, motorcycle show and a magic show are just some of the many things to do and see.

Try your hand (or mouth) at one of the contests, including ice cream eating, balloon toss, egg toss, (all weekend long) and kiddie tractor pulls on Sunday.

There will be plenty of food options, including the ham and bean tent, and bratwurst stand – plus the ice cream tent! Enjoy stage entertainment through the weekend, including the Columbus Zoo, arts and crafts, and more.

Don’t miss the parade in the village of Utica on May 25 at 11 am. Check out the full schedule here.

Tour bus and handicapped parking is available, and you can grab the shuttle service from the parking lot to the festival entrance. Admission is $5 per car.

Father’s Day at Ye Olde Mill

Sunday, June 16th, from 11am to 7pm

Dine from food trucks, including Pitabilities, Ugly Drum, Tortilla, Grilled Cheese Gangsters, Buck City Sammies, and Momma Lupe’s! Enjoy live music from 1pm to 4pm, setting the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable Father’s Day celebration!

Check out the stunning collection of vintage cars from 1930 to WWII. Vendors will be on sit with unique Father’s Day gifts, including cigars, caricatures, beef jerky, and brittle for those unique Father’s Day gifts.

Don’t miss the K9 demonstration by Utica Police Chief Cam Dailey and his partner, K9 Blaze. Details here. 

YMCA Y on the Fly program

Ye Olde Mill and the YMCA are teaming up for summer fun! Starting June 5th and continuing every Wednesday until August 7th, from 1pm to 2:30pm, the Y will be hosting outdoor games and activities at Ye Olde Mill.   

Each week, they have special themes to keep the fun going – and it’s all free! Check out the YMCA website for more details.

National Ice Cream Day 

National Ice Cream Day is July 21 from 11 am – 7 pm

Sweet treats and fun activities!

• $1.10 Single Dip (cake/sugar cone or bowl) all day long!
•  110th Customer Special: Wins a $20 Ye Olde Mill gift card and a shirt of their choice.
•  Live Music: Enjoy the tunes of Matt Shannon on the back patio from 1 PM to 4 PM.
•  Horse & Carriage Rides: Take a scenic ride around our beautiful grounds.

Details on Facebook. 

Ohio Nature Education’s Live Animal Display at Ye Olde Mill  

Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 12 PM – 2 PM

Enjoy an exciting afternoon with Ohio Nature Education! Experience and learn about wild animals that are taken care of by Ohio Nature Education.

This is a fantastic opportunity for families and nature enthusiasts to get up close and personal with some amazing wildlife. Details on Facebook. 

Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival

Saturday, September 14 | 11 AM – 6 PM

Get ready for a day full of mouthwatering BBQ, live blues music, and fun for the whole family, including; 

• Ugly Drum Smoked Meat Food Truck
• Live music: Anything Blue – A blues band created by Jon Garee and Jim Brehm. Enjoy soulful tunes all afternoon long.
• Beer Available – Choose from a selection of craft and domestic beers (21+).
• Craft Vendors On-Site – Shop from Bee Kind (honey, hanging baskets, herb gardens, mums, and more), Made From the Hart (homemade craft items), and Bloom Bar (fresh flower arrangements).
• Y on the Fly (YMCA) – Outdoor games and activities for the kids!

Details here.