When Uhlman's Ice Cream Opens It's The Unofficial Start To Spring

WESTBOROUGH, MA—Around these parts, the unofficial start to spring is the opening of Uhlman's Ice Cream at 234 East Main St. in Westborough.

Once again, Uhlman's Ice Cream, which celebrated its 50th year in business last year, is opening on March 1 for the season.

"It's kinda like Memorial day being the unofficial start of summer," said Store Manager Kelley Donley told Patch in an interview last year. "Once we open, warm weather is on the way. About seven years ago we had unseasonably warm weather and we decided to open on March 1. Before that we had always opened by St. Patrick's Day. But once you open on the first, there is no going back."

For the first time, Uhlman's will stay open until Halloween, whereas it used to close on Columbus Day Weekend.

"We are closing with huge trunk or treat party and free ice cream," said Donley.

Donley explained that Uhlman's has been using the same deliciously-creamy recipe for its ice cream for more than 50 years. Her grandfather in the '40s founded Smithfield Ice Cream in Worcester, and branched into the Uhlman's stand, making it the last standing store from the Smithfield days.

"We use good, clean ingredients, a simple recipe, and small batches," said Donley.

Uhlman's last year also added an ice cream truck, which gets requested for graduation parties, corporate events and weddings.

"We have awesome customers," Donley told Patch. "Many of them have become lifelong friends of mine, and I have watched people's children grow up on the other side of the window. We are always trying new flavors and taking customer suggestions seriously and I think it shows with the turnout."

Photo Courtesy Uhlman's Ice Cream