Scoops ice cream shop opens in Crabapple.

by Jonathan Copsey / Appen Newspapers

MILTON - Children and adults, be merry - the closest thing to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory has just opened in downtown Crabapple. The only thing missing is the Candyman himself.

What looks like a quaint country home at the end of the Crabapple Merchantile Exchange building is actually full of bright colors and candy sweetness; all part of the new ice cream shop called "Scoops." Conveniently located next to a dentist, the place can't help but give off a happy vibe.

"This is a feel good place," said co-owner Pam Dichting. According to her, the Business was conceived less than three months before it opened by Dichting and her partner, Karen Faber. It is part of a larger franchise located throughout the state. Crabapple's franchise is the sixth store to open. The women wanted to open a business but were not sure what it would sell. That's when they thought of the Scoops franchise. And they picked the best time to open - a good, hot, Georgia summer.

Located just around the corner from Milton High School and Crabapple Middle School, the business has plenty of potential. More than 30 flavors of ice cream, candy apples, cakes, coffee, even "nostalgic" vintage candies, such as Jelly Bellys and sweets many residents may remember eating as children.

"We're just so excited," said Dichting. And who couldn't be excited by walls of candy and vats of ice cream?