Although only living about 20 minutes away, I had never visited this hit shore spot where you can enjoy a small show and an ice cream. Before the height of summer, I decided to make a reservation for THE MUSIC MAN ICE CREAM SHOP in Lavalette, NJ.
After navigating their clunky reservation system (you reserve online and then they call you to take your credit card to hold your spot-- you are charged if you don't show only. I'm sure they can find a software to streamline that process. I kept missing their calls!) I treated myself and a few family members to the sweet little show!
We arrived a bit earlier and waited outside until they were ready to seat our party. There were lots of great ice cream options and everyone found something that worked for them (even my lactose intolerant sister). Everyone except a baby in a carrier must order an ice cream or they otherwise must pay a show ticket "fee." I had no problem with that rule and happily ordered my baby a scoop of vanilla (which he hardly ate) as his contribution to this adorable small business.
As ice cream is being served, random people are singled out in the restaurant to sing. This is hilarious because they are usually taken off guard and giggle their way thru their song request. My Dad was chosen to sing a short phrase along with two other people. So if you attend this shop, be ready to sing a little ditty!
After everyone received their ice cream, a short show began. The singers were all high energy and sang popular songs that most kids would recognize. To my delight, my one year old LOVED it! He swayed and danced and smiled the entire time and cast loved directing parts of their performance to this little fan. The performance is short-- just a few songs long-- but it was such a fun departure from just the normal ice cream shoppe.
I would definitely recommend this experience for groups of all ages--- except maybe teens-- unless they are outgoing kids I bet they would be pretty embarrassed. I definitely plan to go again with my little man!
