NORWICH – Summertime for many people means barbecues, hot afternoons spent lounging poolside, and indulging in the occasional ice cream treat, courtesy of a brand new business on the east side of town.

With summertime almost at its peak, store owner Vicki LaCroce opened the doors of her new business one week ago, promising local patrons something a little different – with a cherry on top. Since then, LaCroce’s little shop – Vicki’s Ice Cream Parlour, located at 104 E. Main St. in Norwich – has already generated buzz among ice cream fanatics.

“I just wanted to create an atmosphere where people can come in, sit, and relax for while,” said LaCroce.

A Norwich resident herself, LaCroce said her store is a local one-of-kind venture – a year-round ice cream shop with an old-fashioned theme, where customers can get more than just a cold delicacy. In addition to its hard ice cream specialty, Vicki’s Ice Cream Parlor also offers an assortment of flavored coffees, salads, sandwiches, and miscellaneous baked goods. And all of it offered at a fair shake.