Annie's!
Fondly known as “Annie’s” by repeat patrons, Annie’s Frozen Custard is as awesome as it is unique. Located in the heart of Nauvoo's business district, it's a must stop when visiting this small historic town.
Wondering what makes this custard shop unique and awesome? Read on.
Enjoy your custard with a curbside view from Annie's outdoor seating in front of the building and in the grassy area on the side.
Yummy vanilla frozen custard topped with caramel, chocolate, and nuts. One scoop may not be enough.
Awesome Custard
First, Annie’s frozen custard uses only quality ingredients in their recipes. They use fresh fruit and real flavorings that make a huge difference in taste. For those of you who don’t like plain vanilla, be sure to try Annie’s vanilla and you’ll change your mind. I did. Best vanilla ever!
Second, along with your basic vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry you’ll find toasted coconut, key lime pie, cake batter and cookies and cream custard plus many others. What is the #1 favorite flavor? It’s lemon...with salted caramel a close second.
Place your order here for the tastiest frozen custard! If you're lucky and there at the right time, you might just see fresh custard sliding down the chute to the freezer containers.
Colorful chalkboard lists flavors, toppings, and everything on Annie's menu. Ordering a waffle? One of the happy cartoon order numbers will make sure your order gets to the right place.
Cool Names
Second, Annie’s has the coolest names for special recipes. Can you guess what grasshopper is? It’s mint with chocolate cookie pieces. Ever had Maple Bacon custard? It has real maple and bacon in the recipe. You can get it at Annie’s, especially on Canada Day.
Create a sundae with special toppings or have a shake with your favorite flavor. You can even have custard on a Belgian waffle topped with fruit, chocolate syrup, or whipped cream.
Annie’s serves waffles all day long if you want a sweet breakfast.....or dessert.
Vintage decor helps guests feel like they're in grandma's kitchen with friends.
Covering each table are vintage tablecloths with a protective cover. Sandwiched between are the "napkin notes" left by guests.
Unique Atmosphere
Third, the décor is a little bit vintage, a little bit eclectic, and a little bit unique. For instance, vintage handkerchiefs are used for window treatments. Besides antique art, local artists’ work adorns the walls. From colors to textures to patterns, Annie’s décor is like memories from the past.
Best part of the shop’s atmosphere is the sound—laughter of friends and families enjoying treats together in addition to friendly banter and conversation between customers. Most of all it’s the feeling of welcome and belonging.
By each season’s end, dozens of napkin notes cover each table. Reading the notes is not only fun, it’s a great testimonial for Annie’s custard and customer service.
Napkin Notes
Another unique find in Annie’s are the “napkin notes” left by patrons. These are both compliments and drawings written on plain white napkins from the dispenser. Some notes are funny and some art is super creative, but each one will make you smile.
How did napkin notes start? Helen, the owner, had sandwiched art prints between the tablecloth and protective cover. A couple of customers decided to add their own art using napkins and it morphed from there.
Both unique and awesome Annie’s Frozen Custard is not just a great place for dessert. It’s also a great place to hang out with family and make new friends. By the way, the custard is delicious.
Homemade waffle cones filled with Annie’s Frozen Custard + a topping? Yep. Totally awesome.
About the Owner
“It was almost magic.” That’s what Helen Campbell told me when I asked about how Annie’s Frozen Custard began. While living in Iowa, she had her 1st taste of frozen custard, liked it but didn’t give it another thought. That is until her 2nd custard treat in a different shop.
Helen noticed, unlike ice cream, custard was easy to scoop. Curious, she walked around behind the machine, copied down the manufacturer’s name, and later called the company. That’s when the magic began.
“I was a retired school teacher and mom without any idea on how to run a business,” Helen said. “People came out of the woodwork to help and everything fell into place.”
The custard shop opened in 2007. It was named after her daughter, Annie, thanks to a tip from her mentor. He said to name the business something that begins with “A”—so it would always be at the top of the list.
Since then, Helen has purchased the building and renovated the 2nd floor for overnight rental. Oh, and did I mention they serve waffles all day? Yep—for both breakfast and dessert. So, if you love custard (and waffles), what better place to stay in Nauvoo than atop Annie’s Custard shop? Short walk to yumminess.
**Thank you to Helen for the interview and allowing us to photograph your Custard Shop for our Worthy Detours Travel Blog. Also, thank you for your kindness in providing such yummy treats to photograph and enjoy!
Looking for more yummy foods to enjoy?
Head over to our "Places to Eat" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
