I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! This age-old adage certainly takes on new meaning during the summer months in Michiana. As temperatures begin to rise, children young and old find themselves longing for a taste of the sweet treat. But ice cream is no longer as simple as chocolate and vanilla. Three local ice cream shops are out to prove it, each with their own unique claim to frozen fame.
Oink’s Dutch Treat
A nickname given to him by a longtime friend was the inspiration behind Roger “Oink” Vink’s ice cream dreams. Thirty years and more than 3,500 pieces of pig memorabilia later, Oink’s Dutch Treat has become an iconic landmark in the New Buffalo area.
On any given summer night a staff of nearly 20 employees, who in many cases, had parents who also worked at the shop during their younger years, can be found serving more than 58 flavors of Sherman’s ice cream as well as banana splits, shakes, malts and sundaes.
“Being located only six miles from the beach makes Oink’s the place to be during the hot, summer months. It’s not uncommon to see a line out the door,” says Carey Vink, store manager and Roger’s daughter. “Customers are always amazed at the sheer number of pigs located throughout the shop. It really is a unique experience.”
This experience is one that Roger is committed to continue enhancing as he visits the Shipshewana flea market on a regular basis during the summer in search of more pigs.
The shop is also home to Oink’s Chocolate Pig — a candy and souvenir store that sells fudge, jelly beans and other nostalgic treats. We hope you enjoyed this digital “taste” of Michiana Life. Now take the next step! We want you to truly experience the magazine by holding it in your hands and enjoying the beautiful photography, layouts and advertisements in high-quality, glossy printing. To read the full articles you can subscribe to the magazine by clicking HERE or grab a free copy at more than 300 locations across northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. Don’t miss out on a single issue!
