The Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station is a dessert oasis of shakes, malts, soups and sandwiches in addition to sundaes. Located at 901 East 64th Street on the Monon Trail, BRICS features nearly 40 flavors of premium, hand-dipped ice cream served in homemade waffle cones and regular cones. Sherman's Dairy in South Haven, Michigan, which has operated since 1916, makes their ice cream.

"We have a lot of regular customers and have six rotating ice cream flavors on the menu and seasonal features. During the fall season, we have Apple Crisp, Cinnamon and Pumpkin-flavored ice creams. We are selling cool cones for Halloween in green, orange and purple colors," said general manger Jessica Ralston. She joined BRICS as assistant manager when they opened in late May after moving to Indiana from Dayton, Ohio and was promoted to her current position in July. "We have different activities on Saturday mornings where kids can come in and decorate a pumpkin," she added. Future events will be announced.

With the exception of Sherman's Dairy, BRICS vendors are found in and around the Broad Ripple area. "Our other vendors are local. Our sandwiches and soups are provided by Taste on College Avenue. There are two different kinds of sandwiches available everyday (Turkey and Caprese were two recent varieties). We use soymilk and ice cream from Good Earth and our coffee is supplied by Hubbard & Cravens," Ms. Ralston mentioned. Their ice cream flavors include Black Cherry, Chocolate Chip, Cookies 'N' Cream, French Vanilla, Low Fat Village Fudge Yogurt, Rainbow Sherbet and Strawberry.

BRICS owners are life-long Indianapolis residents. "David (Vonnegut-Gabovitch) runs on the Monon Trail everyday and he wanted to place a business here. The Whistle Stop was something everybody knew that was part of Broad Ripple," Ms. Ralston mentioned. Remodeling began after he negotiated with Indy Parks. Preserving the station's character, he kept the original beam on the fireplace mantle and the flooring. David and his wife, Nonie, co-own BRICS with Jennifer and Dr. David Dubrow. In addition to their entrepreneurial venture, Gabovitch is Vice President of Finance at Browning Investments while Dr. Dubrow is a radiologist at North Shore Radiological Associates.

BRICS objective is to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Ice cream containers are made from biodegradable materials Patrons can sample ice cream varieties from reusable metal tasting spoons. Items to go from their walk-up window on the Monon Trail come in compostable cups with spoons made from cornstarch. For those dining in, ceramic dishes are made from recyclable materials. BRICS is setting a community standard being environmentally responsible in creating these sustainable practices.

BRICS is open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Hours of operation may change with the seasons, but their interior and exterior are inviting year-round with Wi-Fi, a water station for customers filling their own water bottles and an outdoor deck with seating overlooking the Monon Trail. A converted natural gas fireplace provides comfort for those chilly winter days when BRICS coffee, hot chocolate and hot tea can warm up customers. Customer can make their own S'mores treats from a portable "bonfire" found at the store's counter at a table in the dining area. Soft earth tone colors in the shop's interior greet patrons upon entering. Framed Monon Trail pictures and a Monon Route map illustrates a historic railroad that ran from Indianapolis to Chicago from around 1881 until 1959. The building's history chronologically appears in vintage photographs found inside the entrance. According to www.broadripplehistory.com, the Broad Ripple Monon Train Station was converted into the Whistle Stop that sold cheese and sausage in the 1960s.

BRICS offers private parties for birthdays, special events and catering. Individuals can sign up to receive e-mail, peruse their menu or leave comments on their blog at their website bricsindy.com or learn more by calling 257-5757.

With nearly 40 hand-dipped premium ice cream flavors, beverages, sandwiches and soups, the Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station awaits customers from all walks of life on the Monon Trail.