HEIDELBERG TWP., Pa. – Just in time for warmer weather, a family-run business is offering a wide array of artisan, hand-crafted ice cream at a new retail location in Lehigh County.
A new location of Nesting Box, offering small-batch, locally made ice cream, held a soft opening on Saturday at 6299 Route 309 in the New Tripoli section of Heidelberg Township.
Ryan Kneller
The new shop, located in the Star Plaza at Routes 309 and 100, is in a soft-opening phase with limited hours planned for the next few weeks, co-owner Timi Bauscher told 69 News.
This past weekend, the shop was open 1-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and future hours will be announced on the business’ social media pages, Bauscher said.
In a post on the business’ Facebook page, the Nesting Box team expressed its excitement in continuing to serve the community at a new retail location.
Ryan Kneller
“We’ve been working behind the scenes to bring this sweet surprise to life, and we couldn’t be more excited to finally open our doors,” the online post reads.
“From familiar favorites and perfectly crafted scoops, our Nesting Box flavors are ready to make your day a little brighter. Stop by, say hello, and treat yourself — we can’t wait to scoop for you!”
Bauscher and her husband, Keith Bauscher, established Nesting Box in 2016 as a cage-free egg farm in the Kempton section of Albany Township.
The business has continued to grow over the years, with the creamery’s hand-crafted ice cream proving especially popular.
Ryan Kneller
A former market offered Nesting Box ice cream and other local products at the Kempton farm, and various stores, restaurants and other businesses continue to carry the chilled treats throughout the region.
Individuals can find Nesting Box ice cream at businesses such as Wanamakers General Store in Lynn Township, Bear Rock Junction in New Tripoli, Saucony Creek Craft Brewery and Gastropub in Maxatawny Township, Hillside Smokehouse in Upper Mount Bethel Township, Goose Lane Egg Farm in Spring Township and Thunderhead Lodge in West Penn Township, Timi said.
“Our ice cream can be found at a number of other locations throughout the area, making it convenient no matter where you live,” Timi said.
“Thunderhead Lodge has an exclusive flavor – dark chocolate orange chip – that can’t be found anywhere else.”
Ryan Kneller
At its new location in New Tripoli, Nesting Box offers 32 rotating flavors, including popular selections such as lemon blueberry, salted caramel Oreo, chocolate-covered strawberry and cookie dough, Timi said.
Some of the other flavors that were available on opening weekend included black cherry, brownie batter, butter brickle, chocolate marshmallow, mocha chip, orange creamsicle, peach streusel, peanut butter swirl, pistachio and teaberry.
The ice cream features premium, locally sourced ingredients.
“It’s all pure cream ice cream that’s hand-crafted at our farm in Kempton,” Timi said.
During the shop’s soft-opening period, customers can enjoy ice cream scoops in cups or cones.
Ryan Kneller
Pricing is $4.25 for one scoop, $6.25 for two scoops and $7.50 for three scoops.
Other chilled treats such as shakes, sundaes and ice cream cakes will be introduced later this spring, Timi said.
“Please extend grace as we settle into our new space and find our rhythm over the coming weeks,” reads an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.
“We’ll be training new team members and expanding our menu as we continue to grow and improve. We’re especially excited to introduce a range of bold, vibrant flavors in the coming weeks — featuring fresh ingredients and creative combinations we can’t wait for you to try! As we continue to grow and find our stride, we plan to gradually expand our hours, with the goal of being open seven days a week in the near future and a Grand Opening celebration in May.”
Ryan Kneller
The New Tripoli shop, with seating for around 20 guests at counters and low-top tables, will operate year-round, Timi said.
Nesting Box also will continue to operate its mobile trailer, making appearances at public and private events such as festivals, birthday parties, weddings and picnics.
The shop’s grand opening event, which also will celebrate the Nesting Box’s 10-year anniversary, will be held at noon on May 23.
“For the past decade, we’ve been so grateful for the love and support from our amazing community, and now we’re excited to welcome you into our brand-new space,” an event description reads.
“Come enjoy your favorite flavors, try something new, and celebrate with us as we mark 10 sweet years. Bring your friends and family, share in the fun, and help us kick off this next chapter in the best way we know how — with lots of homemade, pure cream ice cream!”
Ryan Kneller
For the latest Nesting Box updates, including future announcements regarding shop hours, ice cream flavors and more, follow the business’ pages on Facebook and Instagram.
For orders or inquiries, e-mail thenestingboxllc@hotmail.com.
Dining and Cooking