Albuquerque NM's Rock N' Roll Ice Cream Shop

In today's world of shopping malls, food courts and pre-packaged items you bring home to eat, few of us remember a time when going to an ice cream parlor was a big event. On some random evening or weekend you might hear "let's get some ice cream", and oh boy! It was like hearing 'surprise' at your birthday party! Oftentimes this announcement was for no reason in particular, just an extra special treat that came to mind. For the adults, a simple and inexpensive way to get out of the house for a while, but underneath this practicality was really an opportunity to relive the youthful enjoyment of such places.

This is how I came upon I Scream Ice Cream in Albuquerque, NM. At a friend's suggestion we met here one day for a nostalgic afternoon treat, and what a stroll down memory lane it was. Unlike the more familiar and rather bland franchise establishments of this sort, I Scream Ice Cream is independently owned and operated. It's not about the brand of ice cream here. It's about nostalgia, atmosphere, wonder and amusement all wrapped into one, for kids of all ages. Even the name shouts out, "Ice cream you scream we all scream for ice cream!"

I Scream Ice Cream is located in a small newly built mini mall near the corner of Carlisle and Indian School Road. Walking up it looks like any ordinary establishment, except for the clever smiley-logo of I Scream Ice Cream above the entrance. But this is no ordinary ice cream parlor. Walk through the door and you'll enter a world of fun and pop culture. You can't help stopping in your tracks and just looking around. The walls are filled with decorations and memorabilia in every corner nook and cranny.

Most establishments have a central theme of some sort like sports, trains, hot rods etc. So what is ISIC's theme? Well it's kind of difficult to explain. Think Circus Circus mixed in with Hard Rock Café and pop culture museum. Besides having a great selection of ice cream and other treats, it's a fun place to be. In fact, the back section of the shop is devoted to fun where the Statue of Liberty proudly stands guard. After they finish their treats, kids can amuse themselves with a shelf full of toys, books and games while the grownups talk and look around.

The front section is a little quieter and is divided by the shelf, where it takes on a more pop culture theme. A really cool 50's gas station pump sits in the corner overlooking a small table with a checkers board. But no matter which wall it may be, they are all filled with a broad collection of fun things to look at. Lined on the top of each wall are old vinyl record covers from the 50's and 60's. Below are collections of cameras, transistor radios and all sorts of knick-knacks with numerous themes.

My good friend invited me to this establishment for another reason as well. Knowing I'm a musician and music buff he introduced me to the owner of I Scream Ice Cream, Bill Warren. While he doesn't do this very often, Bill sat down and generously granted a conversation with us. For music lovers, Bill was a rock and roll studio musician in the 1960's. He recorded Top 40 hits back east with the Buddah label, among others. While the name may not be familiar, he has performed alongside many of the 60's rock icons you know.

Buddah and Kama Sutra Records were owned by one company and in the mid-60s were known as 'bubblegum music' labels. Catchy pop rock tunes aimed at pre-teen audiences. They were very successful at this for a while. Some acts were signed as pre-existing bands, and other groups were 'created' with studio musicians. Bill recorded and played for both. While Bill is there to sell ice cream and not swap stories, in the short time he spent with us the conversation quickly turned to the music scene of this era. Soon business began picking up and Bill had to get back selling ice cream. It was a personal thrill to meet him and I enjoyed the time he spent with us very much. Thanks Alvin!

I Scream Ice Cream is a great and inexpensive place for a few quality moments with friends and family. It may take a half hour or longer depending on how curious you are. ISIC can accommodate small parties and occasions too! And it's not all about ice cream, sundaes, and dipped bananas either. They sell coffee too. So you can relax on tables and chairs out front with your java if your eye muscles get tired from looking at everything. Be sure to mark it as a travel destination and stop by. I had a great time, and you will too at I Scream Ice Cream.