For more than a decade, a roadside landmark stood empty while generations of former customers remembered its homemade treats and distinctive neon sign. Now a Pennsylvania couple has finally brought the historic property back to life after years of planning and renovation.
The building first welcomed customers in 1954, becoming a familiar stop for travelers and local families. After its closure, the property deteriorated until new owners purchased it in 2017 and began the long process of restoring its original character.
I love how this comeback took patience rather than a quick makeover. The couple preserved historic details wherever possible while rebuilding damaged sections and preparing the property for a completely new chapter.
When the doors reopened in July 2026, visitors found 24 flavors of Hershey’s ice cream and a familiar landmark ready to welcome families again.
A Lucky Little Bird Gave This Comeback Its Name
Few ice cream shops are named after a folk art bird, but Distelfink in Gettysburg, PA proudly is. The word comes from Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, where the distelfink is a stylized goldfinch painted on barns and household goods.
In that folk art, the bright little bird stands for good luck and happiness. Honestly, that’s a fitting mascot for a place that hands out cones for a living.
The name also carries plenty of local history. Distelfink was a well-known stop for years before it closed and the building sat empty for a long stretch.
David and Melissa Stremmel purchased the long-vacant property in 2017, preserved historic features where possible, and rebuilt sections that had deteriorated beyond repair before reopening in July 2026.
The reopening created real buzz around Adams County. Folks who grew up with the original place were eager to see the doors swing open again.
I can’t imagine a better symbol for a revival than a bird tied to good fortune. It feels like the building waited patiently for someone to believe in it again.
So when you pull in, remember you’re visiting more than a dessert counter. You’re seeing a piece of local Pennsylvania culture brought back to life, one scoop at a time.
Free Samples Turn Indecision Into A Tasty Game
Nobody should commit to a triple scoop of a flavor they’ve never tried. With 24 flavors available at reopening, visitors had plenty of choices, from traditional favorites to more playful varieties.
The owners have even said that giving out samples is half the fun. That attitude fits a family-owned business trying to make neighbors feel welcome.
Distelfink is run by a family, and the staff includes young employees working the counter. An owner has been known to help with orders and payment too.
That hands-on approach gives the shop a small-town feel. It’s a reminder that a real family took a big risk to reopen this place.
Paying is simple since the shop accepts both cash and credit cards. No need to dig through your car for loose bills.
Here’s a practical tip for groups with kids. Let everyone pick one sample each, so the line keeps moving and nobody feels rushed.
The owners have also shared that they’re working with employees to keep things friendly and welcoming. I believe that kind of openness matters for a business still in its first season back.
Samples, smiles, and a quick swipe of a card make the whole visit easy.
Glass Blocks And Folk Art Give The Inside Real Charm
Glass blocks line one side of the entrance, adding a retro touch the moment you step through the door. On the other side, an open dining room waits with plenty of seating.
The renovation left the interior bright and clean. It gives off a nostalgic summer diner mood without feeling dusty or tired.
Look around and you’ll spot nods to local folk art. Those Pennsylvania Dutch touches connect the decor straight back to the shop’s bird-inspired name.
One of the old signs from the original business hangs inside too. It’s a sweet little link between the shop’s first chapter and this new one.
Fair warning, the room can get a bit echoey. With no rugs or carpet, voices bounce around more than you might expect.
The owners have said they’re looking at ways to make the space more comfortable. That’s a nice sign they’re listening and still fine-tuning things.
If you prefer a calmer bite, grab your cone and head outside. If you like a lively room, the dining area works just fine.
Either way, take a minute to check out that vintage sign. It tells a story without saying a word.
Twenty-Four Hershey’s Flavors Make Choosing Delightfully Tough
Twenty-four flavors sit behind the counter, and every single one comes from Hershey’s ice cream. That’s a big lineup for anyone who struggles with decisions.
Hershey’s Creamery is a longtime Pennsylvania name, so the scoops keep things close to home. It’s a fun fit for a shop that celebrates local roots so openly.
Cookies and cream is on the list, along with a bright cookie monster flavor. Both are proof that the case covers classic picks and playful ones too.
You can order a single cone or go bigger with three scoops. A triple stack lets you test a few favorites without choosing just one.
The owners have been upfront that the ice cream is not made in-house. Instead, they focus on serving a trusted regional brand with a wide range of choices.
A smart move is to scan the whole case before you reach the register. With 24 options, the perfect flavor might be hiding at the far end.
Kids especially tend to enjoy pressing their noses close to see every color. Just be ready for a long pause while the family debates chocolate versus something wild.
Shady Outdoor Seating Makes Summer Evenings Even Sweeter
Melting ice cream is a race against the sun, and this spot gives you a head start. A large shaded area outside offers a cool place to sit and eat.
Outdoor seating is generous, so groups can spread out a bit. It’s handy for families, sports teams, or friends stopping by after a long day.
Shade matters more than people think during a Pennsylvania summer. A cone lasts much longer when it’s not baking under direct afternoon sunlight.
Parking is easy too, with a roomy gravel lot right on site. You won’t need to circle the block hunting for a spot.
Wear practical shoes if you’re bringing little ones, since gravel can be tricky for sandals. Strollers may also roll better on the smoother paths.
The outdoor setup is also great for anyone who wants to skip the echo inside. Fresh air and a sundae make a pretty unbeatable combination.
Napkins are your best friend out here, especially with kids. Grab a few extra before heading to your table, because drips happen fast.
Outdoor seating adds to the appeal during warmer weather, while visitors planning a fall or winter stop should check the latest operating schedule first.
The Historic Neon Sign Is Part Of The Restoration Story
Some signs just light up a road, and others light up a whole bunch of memories. The Distelfink neon sign falls firmly into that second group.
When the shop first reopened, the sign wasn’t up yet. It was being refurbished, which only made folks more excited to see it shine again.
The owners have encouraged everyone to keep an eye out for its return. Clearly, they know how much that glowing name means to the community.
Neon has a special kind of magic. It feels old-fashioned, cheerful, and a little bit like a postcard from another decade.
Restoring a vintage sign takes real effort and patience. That choice shows the new owners care about keeping the original spirit of the place alive.
For photo lovers, dusk is the time to plan a visit once the sign is back. The glow against an evening sky makes for a pretty memorable shot.
I like that the comeback includes details like this one. It would’ve been easier to slap up something new, but they chose history instead.
The restoration of the historic sign reflects the owners’ efforts to preserve the landmark’s original identity. Visitors should check for updates before expecting to see it illuminated.
Plan Your Cone Run Around These Afternoon Hours
When Distelfink reopened in July 2026, its published schedule listed service from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.
Because ice cream businesses may adjust their hours as temperatures drop, visitors should confirm the latest schedule directly with the shop before making a trip, especially during the fall and winter months.
You’ll find the shop at 2710 Old Harrisburg Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325. It sits just outside town, so the drive feels relaxed and roomy.
The location works nicely for folks traveling between Gettysburg and Biglerville. It’s an easy pit stop for anyone exploring the Adams County countryside.
Visitors traveling through the Gettysburg area can include an ice cream stop in their plans when the shop is open. A scoop after a long afternoon of sightseeing sounds about right.
Remember to check the shop’s social media before heading out, since seasonal schedules can change. A quick look saves you from staring at a locked door on a Monday.
Write those hours down, set a reminder, or just memorize three and eight. Your sweet tooth will thank you.
Bigger Plans Are Brewing For This Revived Favorite
Ice cream is only the opening chapter. The owners have shared plans to add food to the menu in the future.
That’s big news for anyone who remembers when Distelfink served more than dessert. Many folks are already counting down to the food side coming back.
At its July 2026 reopening, the shop focused on hand-dipped ice cream and milkshakes, while the owners discussed plans to introduce additional food options in the future.
The owners have also said they keep reviewing pricing and serving sizes. Hearing a business talk openly about improving is always encouraging.
Following the shop’s Facebook page is the easiest way to catch updates. That’s where announcements about the menu, the sign, and hours are likely to appear first.
I believe this revival is worth cheering on. Reopening a long-closed landmark takes guts, money, and a whole lot of elbow grease.
A family in Pennsylvania looked at an empty building and saw something worth saving. Now kids get to make memories in the same spot their parents once did.
So stop by, grab a cone, and be part of the story. Who knows what tasty surprises the next chapter will bring?
