CHRISTIAN COUNTY, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Tucked away from the interstate, just a short drive from Hopkinsville city limits, the Gracey Dairy Dip overlooks expansive wheat fields right on the on the west edge of Christian County. With the city of Gracey having a population of around 107 people, this well-kept secret has been beloved by the community for 71 years.
“Expect some good food and some good ice cream. I always tell people you either like us or you don’t.” chef and operator Eva Croft told Christian County Now. Now that it’s warming up, business at this burger and ice cream shop is about to spike as customers gather for cold treats on warm summer nights in the heart of Kentucky farmland.
The retro sign displays the original Dairy Kreme name, which immediately transports customers back in time when they pull up. In 1955 this building and the one next door was constructed as Carter’s Service Station and Dairy Kreme. David and Nancy Ezell purchased the building from the Carter family in 2016 with Eva Croft and her husband put in charge of daily operations in 2020.
Although several faces have come through management, last year they celebrated 70 years since the Dairy Kreme was established. Over all these years, not much has changed in terms of how things are run. Customers can order at the walk-up window and grab a seat at a picnic table to enjoy their burgers and ice cream in the fresh air or take it to go.
What’s on the menu, creating a space for everyone
Their staple vanilla soft serve can be served plain or dipped, with several flavors of scoopable ice creams available along with fried honey buns, shakes, floats and sundaes. There are also signature grilled burgers and several other classic diner style items like fried bologna sandwiches. The banana wheel on the menu has layers of vanilla ice cream, hot fudge with whipped cream and a cherry on top…