This family-owned ice cream shop operates from a converted one-room schoolhouse built in the 1950s, serving Stocks pound cake and creative flavors like salted caramel truffle in Perkasie.
This family-owned ice cream shop operates from a converted one-room schoolhouse built in the 1950s, serving Stocks pound cake and creative flavors like salted caramel truffle in Perkasie.
Hickory Stick Ice Cream operates from the former Gehman School, a one-room schoolhouse that served students until the 1950s. According to the restaurant, this repurposed setting creates a nostalgic atmosphere that transforms a simple ice cream stop into an encounter with local heritage. The brick exterior features wooden carved figures including an ice cream cone and a pig wearing overalls, visible alongside a front porch with picnic tables and a wooden bench. This combination of whimsy and history appeals to families looking for more than a standard dessert shop. The venue operates as take-out only but provides outdoor seating where guests can enjoy their orders on-site, and the pet-friendly policy allows visitors to bring dogs to the porch area. One reviewer specifically noted the "small town feel" of the location, while another called it their "favorite local stop" for visits with their twins, illustrating how the setting contributes to the shop's appeal as a regular family destination in Perkasie.
Featured on the menu and praised by website testimonials as one of the best ice creams ever tasted, with daughter of one reviewer highly recommending this flavor
Reviewers specifically highlight the generous pecan content, noting you don't strain your eyes finding the nuts unlike typical versions with sparse mix-ins
Called unbeatable by a regular customer who describes it as the perfect treat, with fresh homemade taste earning it repeat customer loyalty
The salted caramel truffle ice cream draws consistent praise, with menu highlights and website testimonials calling it "one of the best ice creams I've ever had." Butter pecan stands out for its generous pecan content—one reviewer emphasized "loads of pecans (you don't strain your eyes finding them)"—making it a reliable choice for guests seeking substantial mix-ins rather than token nut pieces. Peppermint stick ice cream contains real peppermint pieces, and the pistachio flavor uses actual pistachios instead of almonds, a distinction one reviewer specifically appreciated. Mint chocolate chip earns regular mentions, with a postal worker calling it "unbeatable" and "the perfect treat after a long week." The shop also serves Pineapple Dole whip, which one guest said "brings back memories of amusement parks." Beyond ice cream, the shop stocks Stocks pound cake year-round, mentioned by three separate reviewers as a draw in itself. The iced caramel latte appears on the menu alongside ice cream offerings. For takeout, ice cream pies in Oreo and Reeses varieties come in foil tins with clear plastic containers, ready for home serving.
Among 20 collected reviews, 18 awarded five stars and emphasized friendly staff and quality flavors. Seven reviewers used variations of "favorite" or "fav place" to describe Hickory Stick, indicating strong loyalty. Multiple guests praised staff friendliness, with one noting "the owner was very friendly" and another calling the team "always smiling." The shop remains open year-round, attracting dedicated customers even in winter—one reviewer reported visiting on a 12-degree day specifically for ice cream, writing "ice cream flavors are out of this world… so much so I got some on 12 degree day." The venue draws repeat family visits, with one parent calling it "a favorite local stop for me and my twins." However, two one-star reviews highlight specific concerns: one guest criticized the milkshakes for using "milkshake mix" instead of real milk, calling them "the worst…ever" and suggesting chain restaurants offered better quality at lower prices. Another reviewer booked the ice cream truck for a wedding a year in advance but received a cancellation two weeks before the event due to staffing shortages, expressing disappointment at losing "the full ice cream truck experience" for guests.
Hickory Stick operates year-round with varying hours: Monday 4:00-9:00 PM, Tuesday 2:00-9:00 PM, and Wednesday through Sunday starting at noon, closing at 9:00 PM most nights and extending to 9:30 PM on Friday and Saturday. The earlier weekend and midweek openings accommodate families seeking afternoon treats, while the Friday and Saturday extended hours serve post-dinner dessert crowds. Pricing averages $15-30 per person, placing it in the moderate range for ice cream shops. The take-out-only model with outdoor seating means guests order at a window and enjoy their desserts on the front porch picnic tables or wooden bench, or take items home. Photos show styrofoam cups and simple white containers for portions, with generous toppings like chocolate sprinkles and strawberry sauce. The shop sells Stocks pound cake, ice cream sandwiches, biscotti, and hot chocolate for guests wanting to bring items home, and one reviewer noted these offerings are available even on cold days. The venue also operates as a mobile caterer with an on-site branded ice cream truck, though potential event clients should confirm staffing availability well in advance based on the wedding cancellation experience.
Hickory Stick appeals most to families seeking a local, independently-owned alternative to chain ice cream shops, with the historic schoolhouse setting adding educational interest for children. The pet-friendly outdoor seating accommodates dog owners, and multiple reviewers mentioned bringing family members of all ages. The straightforward ordering process and quick service model suit guests wanting a fast treat without table service or lengthy waits. Flavor enthusiasts who prioritize quality over ambiance will appreciate the pistachio made with real nuts, the peppermint stick with actual peppermint pieces, and the butter pecan packed with pecans—details that suggest careful sourcing rather than cost-cutting with cheaper substitutes. The year-round operation and Stocks pound cake availability serve locals looking for a consistent neighborhood spot rather than seasonal-only tourists. The venue works less well for guests expecting elaborate presentations or indoor seating, and the milkshake criticism suggests those seeking thick, premium shakes may want to ask about preparation methods before ordering. Overall, the 4.6-star rating from 420 reviews and the repeat-visitor language throughout feedback indicate Hickory Stick has built a loyal local following in Perkasie who value the combination of historic character, family ownership, and quality ice cream flavors.
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Yes, Hickory Stick Ice Cream offers free lot parking and free street parking.
Hickory Stick Ice Cream does not accept reservations. Walk-ins are welcome.
Hickory Stick Ice Cream is open: Monday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM; Tuesday: 2:00 – 9:00 PM; Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM; Thursday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM; Friday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM; Saturday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM; Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM.
Yes, Hickory Stick Ice Cream is a great choice for large groups and parties.
Yes, Hickory Stick Ice Cream is family-friendly.
Yes, Hickory Stick Ice Cream offers takeout and curbside pickup.
Yes, Hickory Stick Ice Cream has accessible parking.
Hickory Stick Ice Cream accepts major credit cards and contactless payments.
Hickory Stick Ice Cream is known for operating from the historic Gehman School, a one-room schoolhouse active until the 1950s, and for serving creative ice cream flavors with quality ingredients. The salted caramel truffle ice cream draws particular praise, with guests calling it one of the best they've tasted. The shop also distinguishes itself by carrying Stocks pound cake year-round and making flavors like pistachio with real pistachios instead of almonds and butter pecan loaded with generous pecan pieces. The combination of nostalgic historic setting and attention to flavor quality has earned it a 4.6-star rating from 420 Google reviews.
Based on review patterns, the salted caramel truffle ranks among the top choices, with website testimonials calling it one of the best ice creams ever. The butter pecan earns consistent praise for its generous pecan content—one reviewer noted you don't strain your eyes finding the nuts, unlike typical versions with sparse mix-ins. Mint chocolate chip draws regular mentions from repeat customers who call it unbeatable. Peppermint stick with real peppermint pieces and pistachio made with actual pistachios rather than almonds also receive specific appreciation. The Pineapple Dole whip brings back amusement park memories according to one guest.
Yes, Hickory Stick Ice Cream provides outdoor seating on a front porch with picnic tables and a wooden bench, though the venue operates as take-out only without indoor dining. Photos show the brick exterior with the seating area where guests can enjoy their orders on-site. The outdoor setup is pet-friendly, with at least one reviewer noting they brought their dog. This arrangement works well for fair weather visits and allows families to gather outside the historic schoolhouse building while enjoying their ice cream.
Yes, Hickory Stick Ice Cream remains open year-round, including during cold months. One reviewer specifically reported visiting on a 12-degree day to get ice cream, writing that the flavors are so good they warranted a winter trip. During colder months, the shop also sells hot chocolate alongside ice cream, and continues to stock Stocks pound cake, ice cream sandwiches, and biscotti for guests wanting to take items home. Hours vary by day of the week, with the shop opening as early as noon Wednesday through Sunday.
Stocks pound cake is a local bakery product available year-round at Hickory Stick Ice Cream in Perkasie. Three separate reviewers specifically mentioned going to the shop to purchase Stocks pound cake, with one noting they "went there for the stocks pound cake" and another mentioning it's a great place to "nab some Stocks pound cake (when available)". The availability of this specialty item alongside ice cream makes Hickory Stick a source for both fresh desserts and take-home baked goods from local producers.
Hickory Stick Ice Cream operates as a mobile caterer with a branded ice cream truck visible in photos of the location. However, potential clients should confirm staffing availability well in advance, as one reviewer reported booking the truck a year ahead for a wedding only to receive a cancellation two weeks before the event due to staff shortages. The owner stated she could not afford to close the brick-and-mortar shop to provide the truck service. For guaranteed availability, early booking and ongoing confirmation are advisable for event catering.
Have more questions about Hickory Stick Ice Cream? Feel free to contact them directly.
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