3952 Kings Mill Road, North Branch, MI 48461
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This place feels like a doorway to another era, tucked into a small town where a red tower stands as a friendly beacon for travelers and locals alike. A quirky roadside market and general store, it sits at the edge of the Polly Ann Trail and doubles as a little ice cream stop, a treasure trove of antiques, and a place where you can pick up a few everyday essentials. Several visitors describe it as a living time capsule, a spot that takes you back to the 50s with creaky wooden floors, narrow aisles, and a deliberately simple selection that feels comforting and purposeful rather than overwhelming.
The ice cream is a highlight for many guests. Hershey's ice cream is consistently praised, and there's a sense of indulgence in the simple act of ordering a scoop or two after a hike or a drive. Some reviews celebrate the generous portions and the nostalgia of choosing classic flavors, with comments like "Best Hershey Ice Cream" and "great little store" that make the ice cream feel like a treat you shouldn't miss. A few visitors even remark on the experience of a large cone - one? incident where four scoops ended up perched atop an empty cone, leading to a spill that became part of the place's human story. That moment also reveals the casual, small-town vibe - sometimes chaotic, often humorous, and very human.
Pricing and practicality come up as part of the experience, too. One reviewer notes paying around $12 for two ice creams, a reminder that this is a modest, hometown stop rather than a polished chain experience. When a cup is requested, some staff members will confirm that there is an extra charge for it, underscoring the no-frills, old-fashioned approach of the place. Napkins aren't always in abundant supply, and moments like needing a quick wipe after a spill or hand-simply getting cleaned up aren't guaranteed, which adds to the sense that you're stepping into a small shop that operates on its own schedule and rules.
The interior and atmosphere are central to the appeal - and sometimes the critique. The store is described as dark and character-filled, with squeaky wooden floors and a maze-like layout that can feel both cozy and a little challenging to navigate. It's not a supermarket, but a curated basics-and-antiques experience: not 100 varieties of every product, but a handful of essentials, antiques, and a vibe that invites you to slow down and look around. Several reviewers frame this as exactly the charm: a place where you can show kids how people shopped in the past, where you can browse a few well-loved items, and where the emphasis is on a simple, friendly, family-friendly feel rather than on tactical retail efficiency.
The human side of the visit is a mixed bag, which tends to define the overall memory of the place. Some guests report very friendly, helpful service and a welcoming atmosphere - "Nice little roadside market/store," "Very friendly," and "Friendy staff" (with one spelling quirk accentuating the folksy nature of the experience). Others recount a much harsher interaction: a worker who felt "very rude" and laughter in a moment of spilled ice cream, followed by a careful reminder about asking for a cup and paying extra for it. One reviewer simply labeled it "Horrible customer service." Taken together, these accounts paint a picture of a place where small-town personality can be as much a part of the experience as the products themselves.
Beyond the counter and shelves, the place earns its reputation as a community landmark. Descriptions abound of a space that feels iconic, with the red tower serving as a cheerful symbol of local character. It's lauded as "the red Tower of our community" and a place where groceries, ice cream, and a family-friendly atmosphere come together. People talk about this as a stop worth visiting - an opportunity to take a break from the road, to enjoy Hershey's ice cream, or to peruse a selection of antiques and curious finds. The setting often feels more like a tiny museum of everyday life than a typical convenience store, and for many, that's exactly the allure.
In sum, this little market is a fusion of nostalgia, sweetness, and imperfect humanity. It's a place where the ice cream - especially Hershey's - delivers a comforting, classic treat, and where a large cone can become a memorable moment in a story about spilled scoops and laughter. It's a time capsule that invites a slow stroll through wooden aisles, a peek at antiques, and a reminder of a slower pace in a world of fast options. Some visitors leave delighted by the charm and the friendly faces, while others walk away with a wary memory of uneven service or a wish for a few more napkins and a broader selection. Still, it's hard to deny the pull of this quirky, small-town gem, where the past feels a little closer and the ice cream - and the stories that come with it - are worth savoring.
Hilltop in North Branch, MI is an exceptional assisted living community that offers a range of amenities and care services to ensure the comfort and well-being of its residents. Our spacious dining room provides a welcoming environment for delicious meals prepared by our talented kitchen staff. Each apartment is fully furnished, allowing residents to move in effortlessly and feel at home from day one.
Our beautifully maintained garden and outdoor spaces offer opportunities for relaxation, fresh air, and socializing with fellow residents. Housekeeping services are provided regularly to maintain a clean and tidy living environment. Residents can stay connected with friends and family using our telephone service and enjoy high-speed internet access throughout the community.
At Hilltop, we understand the importance of personal care assistance. Our dedicated staff is available to provide support with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. We also assist in coordinating with health care providers to ensure seamless communication regarding medical needs. For residents with diabetes or special dietary restrictions, we offer tailored meal options that cater to their nutritional requirements.
Medication management is a priority at Hilltop, ensuring that each resident receives their prescribed medications accurately and on time. Transportation arrangements are available for medical appointments as well as regular outings.
Engagement in daily activities is encouraged at Hilltop. Our team plans scheduled activities that promote social interaction, mental stimulation, and physical exercise among residents.
At Hilltop in North Branch, MI, we strive to provide an assisted living community where seniors can live comfortably while receiving personalized care that meets their unique needs.
Hilltop is located at 3952 Kings Mill Road, North Branch, MI 48461 in Lapeer County, Michigan
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