Ordinarily I’d be telling you about some wonderfully exotic
resort or secluded getaway where you can let your mind run free and your spirit
be refreshed. However, today I want to do
something a little different. I want to share with you a little place we
discovered in our own back yard. It’s
not a tourist spot nor a “just gotta see” place. It’s just a small business in
our community that offers something very special to its customers. 
Today I want to fill you in on one of Southeast Texas’ hidden
gems that I’m betting most of the natives don’t even know about yet. But here
it is, tucked away in our own back yard. Located on Port Neches Avenue in the
heart of old town Port Neches, Texas is a little ice cream parlor that will
take you back in time. Mike’s Old Fashioned
Soda Fountain will delight people of all ages. Indeed the last time I was here
the place was packed with people ages 10 to 70 years. 
I mention this place because I know that I for one am always
looking for somewhere to take our out of town guests that is not just another
run-of-the-mill place and not part of some touristy mall like shopping
area. The “Old Fashioned Soda Fountain”
is a one of a kind venue that will help make the visit a remembered one. In fact, Mike’s is so “old fashioned” that
they do not take credit or debit cards . . . only cash and checks are accepted
as payment. However, on my first visit because I was not aware of the “cash
only” policy Mike offered to take my I.O.U. and let me pay next time I came
in. Now when was the last time a
merchant let you do that.
The Soda Fountain will especially appeal to those who grew up in
the “Happy Days” atmosphere of the 50’s and 60’s. Mike’s place is exactly as advertised . . . an
old fashioned soda fountain. Mike Lisotta, creator and owner, has done an
absolutely fabulous job of recreating this wonderfully nostalgic venue. The
store is filled with memorabilia from that era. There is even jut box that
plays period music.
Not only is the ambiance great but Mike serves only the best
Texas ice cream . . . yep, that’s right . . . all you’ll get here is the
wonderful taste of Blue Bell Ice Cream. Whether you select a malt made on an old
fashioned malt machine or a great Banana Spit (I opted for the Banana Split)
you’re going to be glad you stopped by to say hello.
So, if you’re visiting us you can pretty well rest assured
that somewhere along the way were headed to Mike’s Old fashioned Soda Shop and
some Blue Bell Ice Cream.
