Trowbridge’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shop – Florence, Alabama

Overview

Trowbridge’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shop has been serving up nostalgic scoops and savory counter classics since 1918. As the oldest business in Florence, Alabama, this family-run shop has kept its retro charm intact for over a century. Generations of locals and visitors flock here for its old-fashioned ice cream, legendary sandwiches, and welcoming soda-fountain vibe.

Why Go

• It’s Alabama’s oldest ice cream shop, open continuously for more than 100 years.
• Home of the famous orange-pineapple ice cream, a recipe dating back to the shop’s founder.
• Classic soda-fountain atmosphere with vintage stools, mint-green décor, and nostalgic family photos.

Menu & Format

• Classic sandwiches such as chicken salad, tuna salad, pimento cheese, and chili dogs.
• House-made ice cream, with the orange-pineapple flavor as the signature favorite.
• Sundaes, milkshakes, and floats round out the retro offerings.

What to Order

Don’t leave without trying a cone of the orange-pineapple ice cream—refreshing, fruity, and unique to Trowbridge’s. Pair it with a chicken salad sandwich or a classic chili dog for the perfect Southern diner-style meal.

Atmosphere & Vibe

The shop feels like stepping back into the 1950s, with pastel counters, retro signage, and friendly staff who know many regulars by name. It’s equal parts local hangout and living museum of American diner culture.

Price Range

Ice cream cones usually run around $2–$3, sundaes about $5–$6, and sandwiches between $3–$6. Everything is budget-friendly, making it ideal for families or groups.

Good to Know

• Hours: Generally open daily from morning to late afternoon; closed Sundays.
• Family-owned: Still operated by the Trowbridge family, now in its fourth generation.
• Walk-in only: No reservations needed—just grab a seat at the counter.

Best For

• Families with kids