Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor Celebrates Murrieta Grand Opening

MURRIETA, CA — Any child of the 1970s fortunate enough to celebrate a birthday or other special occasion at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour likely treasures the memory.

Known for its ice cream sundaes, including the whopping "Zoo," and its early 1900s theme complete with a player piano, Farrell's was like a trip to Disneyland.

Fast forward 50 years and Murrieta's Aerostat Creamery is hoping to bring back some of the magic. The ice cream shop at 28210 Clinton Keith Road, #500, in The Vineyard shopping center, celebrated its grand opening on Jan. 26.

"We are a true old-fashioned ice cream parlor with a turn-of-the-century hot air balloon theme," according to Aerostat's website. "All of our ice cream is made in-house, with local dairy products, real fruit, and real ingredients whenever possible. We offer traditional milkshakes, banana splits, root beer floats and seasonal treats."

Aerostat Creamery owner and family man, Tyson Carter, said he is striving to meet three goals with his new endeavor: "Give people a quality product (the best I can!) at a fair price, and in a welcoming and cozy atmosphere."

Maybe there's a wistful bit of the 1940s and '50s going on at Aerostat, too. The ice cream parlor is, after all, located across the street from Vista Murrieta High School. Perhaps the spot could become an afterschool hangout for teens — inspired by tales from their grandparents (or great-grandparents) about sharing a chocolate malt with a steady at a drug store soda counter.

The shop also employs local youth — for most of the teens, it's their very first job, according to Carter.

Aerostat is truly looking to set itself apart from competitors, like chains Baskin-Robbins and Cold Stone Creamery.

"In the era of self-serve frozen yogurts and corporate ice cream shops, we aim to provide a traditional experience to our customers," according to the shop's website.

Then there is the product itself, though the goodness doesn't come cheap — expect to scoop out $6 to $9 for a cone, depending on size.

Online reviewers say the price is well worth it.

"This brand new old fashion ice cream parlor is a dream for our community," one person wrote. "The hot air balloon theme pays homage to Temecula culture. The owners are carefully handcrafting each flavor of ice cream. The ice cream itself is extra creamy and has a wonderful texture and flavor. Veteran owned. This is [our] new ice cream hot spot."

Another wrote, "Amazing ice cream. All homemade with lots of flavor options. Very welcoming. Overall it’s just a great local ice cream parlor. Super cute and clean place."

Aerostat Creamery is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.aerostaticecream.com.