Few things say summer fun in Ohio quite like a big, colorful banana split enjoyed beside a historic mill.
Velvet Ice Cream’s Ye Olde Mill sits on Mount Vernon Road just outside the village of Utica in Licking County.
The family-owned company has been making ice cream in Ohio since 1914, and the mill has become a favorite stop for fans of every age.
Inside, an ice cream museum shares fun stories about the history of this beloved frozen treat.
The shop scoops up dozens of flavors, and the banana split is a showstopper worth sharing, or not.
Bring your sweet tooth, grab a few napkins, and get ready for one of the most delicious stops in central Ohio.
Start at the Old Mill
A big water wheel makes a much better first impression than an ordinary ice cream counter. At Velvet Ice Cream – Home of Ye Olde Mill, 11324 Mt Vernon Rd, Utica, OH 43080, the building gives dessert a memorable setting.
Take a moment outside before heading in, especially if someone in your group enjoys photos or old buildings. The mill’s rustic look helps explain why families come here for an outing rather than a quick scoop alone.
Inside, exposed beams and stone details add to the feeling that you have stepped into another time. Children may be eager to reach the counter, but a slow walk around makes the treat feel more special.
Look for a clear spot to view the water wheel, and keep younger visitors close near paths and water. Comfortable shoes are useful if you plan to explore the grounds after ordering your ice cream.
For a relaxed visit, arrive with enough time for both the mill and dessert instead of rushing through either. The building is part of the experience, so let it set the pace for a pleasant afternoon. Even a few quiet minutes outside can turn a simple banana split stop into a shared memory worth keeping.
Make Time for the Ice Cream Museum
Old ice cream tools can make a familiar dessert seem surprisingly new. The small museum beside the parlor shares the story of Velvet Ice Cream and the family behind it.
Velvet began in 1914, giving visitors more than a century of history to think about while they browse. A museum stop works well before ordering because it builds excitement for the treat waiting nearby.
Read the displays at your own speed, and let younger visitors point out anything that catches their eye. You do not need to be a history expert to enjoy seeing how a local business grew over time.
Try asking your group which ice cream flavors they think people enjoyed many years ago. That simple question can turn a short walk through the museum into a lively family conversation.
If your schedule is tight, leave a few minutes for the exhibits instead of skipping them entirely. The museum adds a reason to linger, even for people who usually head straight to the counter. Afterward, a banana split feels less like an everyday order and more like part of a long tradition. Check current visitor information before traveling, since museum access and seasonal schedules can change.
Put a Banana Split on the Plan
Some desserts arrive looking like a small celebration, and a banana split is one of them. A long dish, sliced banana, ice cream, and toppings make it fun to share or enjoy slowly.
At the mill’s parlor, it fits the mood of a visit built around ice cream history. Check the current menu at the counter for the available split, its toppings, and its price before ordering.
If you have food allergies, ask staff about ingredients and how treats are prepared. That quick conversation matters more than guessing from a picture or assuming every split is made alike.
Sharing can be a smart choice when you also want to try another flavor or eat lunch. Ask for extra spoons when you order so nobody has to leave the table once dessert arrives.
Take a photo right away if you want one, since ice cream rarely waits for the camera. Then settle in and enjoy the mix of cold scoops, soft banana, and whatever toppings you selected. A banana split is not required for a good visit, but it gives everyone a cheerful centerpiece. For smaller appetites, consider dividing one and letting the museum and grounds complete the outing.
Enjoy the Soda Fountain Feel
A dessert counter can feel almost like a time machine when the room has old-fashioned charm. Ye Olde Mill pairs its ice cream service with a nostalgic soda fountain atmosphere inside a rustic building.
Look around while waiting to order, rather than treating the line as wasted time. The wood and stone details help make this a different experience from grabbing a carton at the store.
If your group cannot agree on flavors, let each person name a first and second choice. That small plan can keep the order moving when the parlor gets busy on warm afternoons.
Ask staff about current flavors and serving options, since selections may change during the season. Children can practice ordering politely here, then carry their treats carefully to a seat with adult help.
On a crowded day, patience is useful; a popular dessert stop may take longer than expected. If you prefer a slower visit, consider coming earlier in the day and checking current hours first. The room invites you to pause, talk, and enjoy each bite instead of hurrying back outside. A banana split may be the star, but the setting gives that dessert its own story.
Take Your Time Outdoors
After a sweet treat, fresh air can be just what everyone needs. The mill’s outdoor grounds offer room to slow down, with scenic views, seating areas, and a pond.
Take a short stroll and see how the building looks from different parts of the property. A quiet seat outside also gives adults a chance to relax while children enjoy a change of scene.
Visitors have described picnic tables and a playground, though outdoor amenities can change with upkeep or weather. Check what is open when you arrive, and follow any posted rules around the grounds.
Keep a close watch on children near the pond, even if your group is only stopping for pictures. If you hope to fish, confirm the current rules and bring only gear that is allowed.
Sunny days call for water, sunscreen, and shoes that feel good on outdoor paths. On rainy days, plan to spend more time inside rather than counting on a long walk. The grounds turn dessert into a fuller outing without requiring a packed schedule or a long hike. Leave room for an unplanned pause; sometimes watching the water is the best part.
Let Everyone Pick Their Own Treat
One person wants chocolate, another wants something fruity, and someone else is set on a sundae. A group ice cream stop is easier when everyone has time to consider the choices.
Velvet is known for a range of flavors, but the current selection is best confirmed at the counter. Look over the menu together before joining a busy line, especially if younger visitors need help deciding.
A banana split makes a fun shared order, while individual scoops give each person control over dessert. If samples are available during your visit, ask politely before choosing an unfamiliar flavor.
Anyone with dietary needs should speak with staff directly about ingredients, serving tools, and possible contact between foods. Do not rely on a flavor name alone to tell you what is safe to eat.
Set a spending limit before ordering if several people want extra toppings or larger treats. That simple step lets the group focus on enjoying dessert instead of sorting out surprises later. For a playful comparison, ask everyone to rate their pick after the first few bites. The winner might change on your next visit, which is a good reason to remember your favorites.
Save Room After Lunch
Hunger can make it hard to enjoy a museum visit, no matter how good the ice cream looks. Ye Olde Mill also has an eatery, so a meal can come before the banana split.
Check the current food menu before making lunch the center of your plans. Offerings, prices, and service details can change, especially at a seasonal destination or during a special event.
For a comfortable afternoon, decide whether your group wants a full meal or just dessert. Ordering lunch first may help anyone who would rather not tackle a large treat on an empty stomach.
If several people are sharing a split, leave enough time for everyone to finish eating before dessert arrives. A crowded dining area can slow service, so build a little flexibility into your schedule.
Families may find it helpful to choose a table before juggling food, drinks, and excited children. Keep napkins handy too, since cold desserts can get messy faster than expected. There is no need to turn the visit into a strict meal plan; a simple snack may suit you better. The useful rule is to arrive ready for both the food you want and the experience around it.
Check the Calendar Before You Go
Nothing spoils an ice cream plan faster than arriving when the doors are closed. Ye Olde Mill operates on a limited, seasonal schedule, so check its official website before setting out.
The supplied business hours list Thursday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and show other weekdays closed. Those hours may change, so confirm them directly rather than treating an old listing as a promise.
If the ice cream museum is your main reason for visiting, ask whether it will be open that day. Do the same for any activity you especially want, including outdoor features or a special event.
A little planning also helps you choose between a lively festival day and a quieter afternoon. Check the weather, bring comfortable shoes, and allow time to enjoy dessert without watching the clock.
Keep the phone number handy in case you need to ask about access or current services. Before leaving, make sure everyone agrees on the plan: museum first, mill walk, then banana split. A flexible schedule is best, though, because an interesting display or peaceful view may invite you to stay longer. With the practical details settled, the sweet part can simply be fun.
