In a town full of local charm and deep roots, few places have been as consistently beloved as Rakestraw’s Ice Cream. Originally founded in 1903, this Mechanicsburg parlor has been serving dairy products for over a century. With 32 hand-dipped flavors and a long-standing legacy in Mechanicsburg, there is no question as to why it is one of the most popular locations along the Cumberland Valley Ice Cream Trail.
A Leap of Faith
The shop’s current owner, Justin Myers, entered the ice cream industry by first purchasing Twin Kiss in Shermans Dale in 2022. It was a leap of faith fueled by passion. “I completely fell in love with the industry,” Myers shared. So, when the opportunity came to purchase one of the most historic ice cream parlors in the region, the decision came easy.
Location
Rakestraw’s location is a large reason for their success. Situated in the heart of Mechanicsburg, the shop benefits from easy access by car, ample parking, and a neighborly connection. “We’re lucky,” Myers says. “We get walking traffic, families with strollers, people out with their dogs. It’s truly the best of both worlds.”
Legacy
Having a great product with incredible service is vital to the legacy Rakestraw created. In its early days, Rakestraw’s made its own dairy products and established a business shared from generation to generation. “People love to share their memories here,” Myers says. “We’re lucky to hear stories from folks who grew up coming here and are now bringing their own kids and grandkids.”
Locally Sourced
Today, their ice cream comes from trusted Pennsylvania dairies, including Galliker’s in Jonestown and Hershey. Supporting local, family-owned dairy farms is a key part of the shop’s mission. “There’s a strong need to keep business local,” Myers explains, “being a small, family-run business, we know to importance of sourcing our products from similar companies.”
Flavors That Reflect the Community
With a lineup of 40–50 flavors rotating throughout the season, Rakestraw’s keeps customers coming back to try something new. While the classic flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, cookies and cream are always available, Central Pennsylvania favorites like black raspberry and teaberry (a pink wintergreen flavor that’s unique to the area) offer a taste of local tradition. Both Rakestraw and Twin Kiss customers have different favorite flavors, reflecting the unique preferences of each community.
Community Involvement
At the core of Rakestraw’s success is its commitment to being an active member in the Mechanicsburg community. Whether it’s supporting local events or becoming a focal point downtown, the shop takes pride in giving back. That’s also why participating in the Cumberland Valley Ice Cream Trail is such a natural fit. “It’s a fun way to meet new people, both local and visitors, maintain the tradition in Mechanicsburg, and create new life-long customers along the way” Meyers says.
A New Endeavor
When it came time to open a second location in Arcona, the owners embraced the neighborhood’s railroad heritage. Named Rakestraw’s Express, the location features a railroad theme and a smaller, 16-flavor menu. The name and design pay tribute rail line that runs near the Arcona community.
Visit Rakestraw, Rakestraw’s Express, and more along the Cumberland Valley Ice Cream Trail!
