Loudon, Tennessee ice cream parlor heralds the coming of spring
As hometown traditions go, this one is sweet! Located in historic downtown Loudon, Tennessee, the Tic Toc Ice Cream Parlor’s annual opening day is recognized far and wide as a harbinger of spring.
The business began in 1999 in a building which was originally home to Tic Toc Jewelers. Now the name that carried over seems completely appropriate, as people anticipate its return each March. This year was no exception and visitors as well as locals are already enjoying both the sweet treats at Tic Toc and Loudon County’s spring weather.
“It’s very nice,” Tic Toc owner Ray George said of the fanfare attached to his business opening. “It’s a big deal. We are a big part of downtown. We have regulars, people who come in once a week,” he continued. “Then we have people who come in once a year on an annual trip. We have people who’ll actually get off the highway just to come here.” Visitors traveling along Interstate 75 can access downtown Loudon from Exits 72 or 76.
Tic Toc has been named among the top ten ice cream parlors in Tennessee. All of the 30 flavors are homemade and George says regular customers are often adamant about their favorites. Its flavors, like its iconic home, have become part of the Tic Toc’s identity.
Downtown Loudon and nearby Lenoir City are filled with historic buildings and eclectic shopping and dining opportunities. Beyond the city streets, Loudon County is known as the Lakeway to the Smokies and is a popular destination for those who love fishing, boating, kayaking and watersports of all kinds.
Spring and summer also bring a full slate of special events which draw visitors from around the region. For more information about visiting Loudon County, visit www.visitloudoncounty.com.