Walk into Gracie’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor and Homemade Water Ice and you’re greeted with a welcoming Victorian-style atmosphere in keeping with the look of Haddonfield itself.
Behind the counter are workers whose smiles warm the place. Conveniently located at 9 Kings Court in the heart of the borough, Gracie’s has long been a spot where families gather to laugh, share stories and bond over scoops of ice cream.
Gracie’s is owned by Nancy Maniscalco, who came to it unexpectedly. Thirteen years ago, she and her husband took over the parlor at the suggestion of their son, who spent seven years working for the previous owners. He knew his mother was the right person to carry on the tradition.
With more than 23 years of experience in the catering business, Maniscalco recognized that the ice cream parlor was the right opportunity. Before making the leap, she and her husband made frequent trips to Haddonfield to get a feel for the community and the parlor’s charm.
“We fell in love, first with the charm of the town, and then with the people,” Maniscalco recalled. “There’s something truly special about this community. It felt like home from the beginning. And so, lo and behold, we became the proud owners of Gracie’s.
“We decided to keep it and make it our own,” she added. “It had a sweetness and charm that felt perfect for an ice cream parlor.”
In her version of Gracie’s, that sentiment is brought to life with a painting of a carousel horse, walls adorned with nostalgic art and warm window valances.
Maniscalco also recognized Gracie’s decades-long role in Haddonfield and made it a priority to preserve that legacy.
“I work hard to keep the spirit of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor alive, with our Victorian motif, warm atmosphere and layout that invites families to slow down and savor the moment,” she explained.
Along with its theme, Gracie’s customers also notice how pristine the parlor is.
“Cleanliness is also a top priority,” Maniscalco shared. “My team and I make sure every inch of the shop – inside and out – is spotless so that customers can truly enjoy their visit. It’s all part of creating a place where people feel welcome and happy.”
Additional outdoor seating in the Kings Court gazebo just steps away adds to the flavor of the place.
Gracie’s is open from early March through the end of October to serve hand-dipped, soft serve and classic sundaes, with unusual options like salted pretzel caramel, blueberry pomegranate and Cookie monster.
Maniscalco also stocks Philadelphia-based Bassetts Ice Cream, acknowledging its history as one of the oldest ice cream companies in the country. Gracie’s water ice is made fresh every day.
“Our lemon water ice is so popular that customers have told me it’s the best around,” Maniscalco points out.
Mango and strawberry lemonade come close. As for the ice cream, “We love rotating fun flavors like creamsicle, mint chocolate chip and cotton candy to keep things exciting,” the owner says.
Gracie’s can also be a perfect spot to host children’s parties.
“Our party hostess leads age-appropriate games and music,” Maniscalco explains, “and we serve pizza followed by a festive ice cream buffet.”
Part of the party experience comes when kids get to make their own sundaes.
“Watching their eyes light up as they decorate their creations is one of the best parts of my job,” Maniscalco emphasizes.
She has remained committed to that job even after losing her husband, Anthony, after a fall. His death is behind her continued dedication to Gracie’s, the spot they discovered together more than a decade ago.
Yet when asked about the future, she admits to taking “one day at a time.”
“Gracie’s is a big part of my family’s story,” Maniscalco acknowledged. “I tragically lost my husband five years ago, and he absolutely loved this business. Every day that I open the doors, I feel like I’m honoring him and all the memories we created here together. I’m grateful for each day we’re able to serve our amazing customers and be part of this incredible community.
“That’s what keeps me going.”
