Story & Photos by Loren Spangler
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From the colorful logo at the entrance and unique décor inside, customers are assured to anticipate a delightful eating experience... and rightfully so. With an establishment that specializes in a fantasy world of Frozen Custard Ice Cream, KC’s Big Dipper does not disappoint.

Kristie and Archie Carlini, the owners of KC’s Big Dipper, recently celebrated their second year of doing business on June 9th. “I have lived in Winter Haven since 1978 and during the mid 80s, there was only one ice-cream shop in this area,” Kristie says. “When they closed, I decided to do something about it. I love good ice cream and since no one was making quality frozen custard anymore, I decided to open my own business.”

Kristie is responsible for making all of the delicious creations and spends hours of preparation to ensure that everything is perfect. “My Custard Ice Cream is made fresh daily. Because of the air density ratio of frozen custard, and exact amount of egg base, it is creamier than traditional ice-cream and has less calories,” she brags.

Her daughter Chelsea attended school at Garden Grove Elementary and graduated from Winter Haven High school in 1993. You will find her at KC’s Big Dipper as well. Also on hand to help are Lisa, Lauren, and Ashley.

As you enter, the atmosphere is bright, comfortable, and friendly. You can order take-out or choose a spotless table, both inside or out. Adorning the wall of the dining area is an impressive mural by Auburndale artist John Watkins. “With the lights shining on it at night, the scene in the painting really comes alive and makes you feel like you are somewhere else,” Kristie says with enthusiasm.

As Winter Haven’s only Frozen Custard Ice Cream Shoppe, KC’s offers 3 to 4 flavors of Homemade Frozen Custard Ice Cream daily. After sampling the Chocolate, Vanilla, and special of the day from their Ross, three-barrel machine... it is obvious to me why KC’s Big Dipper has been so successful. They also serve a kaleidoscope of savory flavors in hard dipped Mayfield Ice Cream.

KC’s Big Dipper makes their own whipped cream and waffle cones. Try their Tropical Storms with lots of Vanilla Custard mixed with your choice of candy or fruit. Specialty Sundaes are Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae with homemade brownies, Cookie Monster Sundae, an innovative; You Name It Sundae, and Strawberry Shortcake. KC’s also boasts that they have the “Best Banana Split In Town!”

In addition to ice cream, KC’s has Vienna Beef Hot Dogs...Chicago Style, Classic Style, and with chili. Keep in mind that for Ice Cream Socials and catering, “Have Cart, Will Travel!”

You may visit them online at, www.Custardlist.com and check out their special of the day that includes, Black Raspberry & Tangerine, Butter Pecan, Maple Walnut and Elephant Stomp Chocolate. There is also Fresh Banana and Walnuts, Almond Joy, Creamy Butterfinger, Chocolate Raspberry, Caramel Crunch, and Pecan Cheesecake. Watch for the Dulce De Leche, Rum Raisin, Banana Cream Pie, German Chocolate Cake, and Pistachio. Worth waiting for are the Blueberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Chips & Pecans, Cinnamon Apple Pie, Amaretto Almond, and Cherry Vanilla. While you are there, be sure to check KC’s Official Web Site. You will find daily flavors, favorite custard stands across the US, and local weather conditions. July 16, 2006, was National Ice Cream Day at KC’s Big Dipper. With an atmosphere of “I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!” everyone was invited to celebrate with an offer of “Buy 1 Sundae, Get 1 FREE!”

KC’s Big Dipper is located at 3080 Cypress Gardens Road, Winter Haven, Florida 33884...just off Cypress Gardens Boulevard, directly across from the Cypress Café. Their phone number is (863) 324- 7309. And remember, “If you like Ice Cream, You Will Love KC’s.”

KC's Big Dipper, Inc. - "If you like Ice Cream, You'll LOVE KC's!"
3080 Cypress Gardens Rd.
Winter Haven
(863) 324-7309

Visit KC's Big Dipper wbsite -