The Old Pioneer Store & Emporium

I called months before my daughters 4^th birthday and and asked, «if I needed to pre order cake batter ice cream so, I could have it for her birthday party. I was told no, it’s always in stock». Four days before the party I called and they said «cake batter won’t be in till after Sunday». So, my kid won’t have her favorite ice cream on her birthday, this is a big deal for a four year old. I called the river town mall location and was told if I want cake batter I need to go to holland, I am very let down by this.

Such a cute place. We always eat at one of the yummy places across the street and then head over for fudge or ice cream. The staff are always super friendly and patient as we take forever to pick out something new we want. My daughter always asks to go when we come up to visit the cabin and head into «town». Oh… lots of sugar free stuff for grandpa too.

We have a Kilwin’s near my hometown, so I’ve been to Kilwin’s before. I just had to write a review as the store is very cute. Larger than you expect with candles & décor items in the back for purchase. The staff is what blew me away. The two girls working were extremely friendly, but not in that fake «this is my job, so I’ll pretend to like you» type of way. Would definitely go back for one of the giant cookies they had for sale by «The Muffin Mom». Yum!

What a neat little place — although, it’s actually quite big on the inside. I would have loved to try the ice cream had it not been snowing outside. Very friendly staff. Would love to come visit in the summer time!

If you are a stranger to Big Rapids Michigan and don’t want to be… visit the Old Pioneer and Emporium… the owners Carleen and Brian Rose never meet a stranger… and are quite willing to give you history… inform you on sites to see… other businesses to visit and share their knowledge of living in this university town… home of Ferris State… all of their lives.
My grand daughter and I stopped in for a quick ice cream and spent more than an hour «chatting»…my sweet little princess was treated by Carleen to her favorite chocolate ice cream… while I had to have a waffle cone filled with Pecan Praline and Butter Pecan… so good!
Wandering through the store… the smells of fragrant candles and Christmas year round… brings you back to a time of nostalgia that not so long ago you would be expecting a wood or coal stove burning in the back… crystal glistened… greeting cards… more than I can relay… My princess walked out with an old fashioned lollipop…
They are a Kilwin’s Chocolate store also… and the smell when Brian is making a fresh batch of fudge in the front window is delightful… I can’t wait to visit again… mean time… I can order on line: