Happy Friday.
Photo by Lore Pemberton
Well, winter came in with a bang this week! What was supposed to be a light dusting of snow turned into nearly six inches in just a few short hours. The roads were a mess, plow trucks scrambling to keep up, and we found ourselves laughing at how we’re never quite ready for that first real snowfall.
At the farm, the first snow always shifts the rhythm. The cows are tucked in for winter now, which means longer days cleaning the barn, feeding each cow in their tie-stall, and—of course—plenty of snow to plow and shovel. It’s that kind of work that makes you bone-tired but grateful. And still, we couldn’t help but pause for a moment to take it in… how quiet and beautiful the world feels under a fresh blanket of snow.
This morning, though, we woke up to the sound of melting. The temperatures are due to creep into the 50s, the snow slipping away almost as quickly as it came. And just like that, it feels like fall again—at least for a little while.
All that snowy inspiration must’ve done something to us, though, because the Scoop Shoppe is officially dressed for the holidays! We’ve been busy decking the halls, adding a few new goodies to the pantry shelves, and rearranging to make the space feel merry and bright.
And speaking of the holidays… we decided, why not let the snowstorm inspire something delicious too? So this weekend, we’re bringing back our fan-favorite Peppermint Bark Milk! It’s the perfect festive treat—rich, creamy, and just the right touch of peppermint to make you feel the magic of the season. Stop by the Scoop Shoppe this weekend to grab your first pint!
And it couldn’t come at a better time, because next Thursday, November 20, marks the start of A Christmas Gathering here in Brockway! It’s one of our favorite events of the year—two weekends of holiday shopping that bring our little town to life. Local makers, small businesses, and farms (like ours!) all open their doors to the community, offering the chance to shop small and support local this season.
We’ll be extending our hours during the event, too—open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting November 20. We can’t wait to see Main Street lit up with holiday spirit and friendly faces. There’s something special about this time of year—the way the air feels different, the way people slow down just enough to linger, talk, and enjoy the moment.
This week's gelato speaks winter warmth as well! We're bringing back one of our all-time favorite flavors: Oatmeal Raisin Cookie. Hear me out: this one is a cream cheese base with a hint of cinnamon and filled with scratch-made oatmeal raisin cookies and extra vanilla-soaked raisins. It's all the texture and flavor you could ask for and I'm telling you- it's a must try! We're also introducing a gingered pear gelato: pears and a hint of ginger to round out the fall. And chocolate hazelnut is back (think: Nutella!) along with peanut butter butterfinger and our classic vanilla bean. The scoop cabinet is a good one this weekend and the outdoor heaters are on! Swing by for a scoop of gelato!
Links + finds from the week:
- I've been using this baking vanilla lately and I really like it (for cookies, breads, etc). It's made with real vanilla but also other natural flavors so it's much less expensive and it tastes great!
- Hamburger helper, but homemade (and healthy)!
- I loved this story of thrifting!
- We met the sweet couple who own and operate Tuckaway Tree Farm last year and we're so excited to head down for photos with Santa this year!
- Save the date for A Christmas Gathering in Brockway: we're open extra hours and have stocked SO MANY GIFT IDEAS for anyone on your list!
We can’t wait to welcome you into the Scoop Shoppe, share a little warmth, and celebrate the start of the season together.
xx,
Lisa