Get nostalgic at Michigan’s 5 old-fashioned soda fountains

For a meal or a sweet treat with a side of nostalgia, you can’t beat Michigan’s five old-fashioned soda fountains.

Wait, wait, wait … soda fountains? In Michigan? That can’t be right, can it? But it is!

For Michiganders, the word “soda” is not normally a part of the Wolverine State’s vocabulary—certainly not when describing a refreshing glass of pop. But there’s one exception to the rule, and that’s in the case of old-school soda fountains.

For the unfamiliar, a “soda fountain” isn’t an exciting twist on a water fountain–it’s an old-fashioned cross between a diner and an ice cream parlor. For decades, all across the Mitten, soda fountains have been fun spots for Michiganders of all ages to enjoy ice cream, hot dogs, and, of course, ice-cold pops, possibly as ice cream floats.

The “golden age” of soda fountains was the 1950s, and some say that independent soda fountains actually inspired McDonald’s. However, there are still soda fountains around Michigan to this day, serving up a side of nostalgia with your sundae. Take a look at some Wolverine State soda fountains you can try today:

1. Caruso’s Candy and Soda Fountain

130 South Front Street, Dowagiac

Want to satisfy a century-old sweet tooth? Since 1922, Caruso’s Candy and Soda Fountain has been serving up treats in Dowagiac for customers of all ages. Guests can enjoy ice cream, old-fashioned sodas, and freshly made sandwiches in this cozy spot. And be sure to grab a bag of their homemade candy on your way out—most of it is made right there in the shop!

2. Lipka’s Old Fashion Soda Fountain and Restaurant

8718 Ferry Street, Montague

It doesn’t get much more classic than Lipka’s, Montague’s “Old Fashion” (yes, really!) soda fountain, which also serves piping-hot comfort food. From the striped awning and old-style counter seating to the infamous cherry phosphate sodas, everything about Lipka’s screams is old-fashioned in the best way. Come on by for soup-and-sandwich combos with a cold specialty pop, or skip straight to the extra-thick milkshakes.

3. Miracle Soda Shoppe

18427 Van Dyke Street, Detroit

It’s a miracle on Van Dyke Street! A Detroit landmark since its opening in the early 2000s, the Miracle Soda Shoppe is colorful and quirky, with an old-fashioned candy counter and walls covered in kitsch art and articles highlighting Black American history. In addition to their wide array of sweet snacks, guests can enjoy hot dogs, soft pretzels, and homemade Arkansas-style sweet potato pie.

4. Saugatuck Drug Store Soda Fountain

201 Butler Street, Saugatuck

Some of the original soda fountains were actually located inside drugstores, so you could grab a root beer float and restock on shampoo at the same time. Today, the Saugatuck Drug Store and Soda Fountain proudly carries on that tradition. Visitors can pick up anything from a bag of chips to a new hairdryer, then pull up a swivel stool at the old-fashioned counter for a flavored soda, ice cream float, or decadent sundae!

5. The Packrat/Sugar Boys Soda Fountain

117 South Lane Street, Blissfield

Soda fountains are all about nostalgia, and so are antique markets. At The Packrat and Sugar Boys Soda Fountain, they had the brilliant idea that they could combine the two! While The Packrat sells antique and vintage items like out-of-design Barbie dolls and old home decor, the adjoined Sugar Boys Soda Shop is a vintage delight of an ice cream parlor, with milkshakes, sundaes, and even their own sock hop event!

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.