I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Locals will no longer have to scream for the fabulous frozen dessert now that the Kingstree Ice Cream Parlor is open. Owner Jimmy Bradley recently celebrated the grand opening of the shop with a ribbon cutting.
Photo by Michaele Duke

If you’ve been craving a hand-dipped scope of sweet creamy ice cream, you need look no further. Kingstree native Jimmy Bradley recently celebrated the opening of the Kingstree Ice Cream Parlor on Hampton Street with a ribbon cutting. On hand for the festivities were family, friends, Williamsburg HomeTown Chamber Director Leslee Spivey, and Kingstree Mayor Ricky Burrows. “We certainly appreciate you opening up an ice cream parlor here in Kingstree,” said Burrows. “This is a great addition to Kingstree and we wish him the very best of luck.”

Since 1966, Bradley has been a resident of Connecticut, however his allegiance has remained in Kingstree. Every three months he travels home to visit and hunt with lifelong friends. “I always come back home because I like to shoot and hunt,” said Bradley. “Back in the old days I used to go coon hunting with Mr. Melvin Brown, Jim Burgess and Ralph Gray.” Therefore, his choosing to locate the shop in Kingstree was as natural as enjoying a scoop of chocolate ice cream on a hot summer day.

Bradley’s experience with the frozen dessert was borne out of necessity. Faced with the prospect of putting a daughter through college he brought it up to his boss. “He said, “Let her go. Get her an ice cream truck,” said Bradley. “I bought a new one and brought it home and handed the key to my daughter.” The investment paid off by providing his daughter the funds for college but it also paved the way to his successful career of 30 years in the business. “I still have it,” said Bradley of the vehicle that plays the traditional music. “Since 1974 until now, and International Ice Cream I’m using here, same I use on my truck.” Locals may be in for another treat down the road as Bradley is considering moving his prized possession to Kingstree. “My truck is old but if I can get it fixed up I might bring it back next summer.”

Kingstree Ice Cream Parlor currently dishes up 20 varieties of hand-dipped ice cream, including “diet,” served in sugar or waffle cone or cups. Sprinkles and other toppings are available. The menu also includes milkshakes, sundaes, and banana splits - pretty much anything the sweet-tooth desires. Mary Cooper will manage the parlor. Store hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.