When you walk into RJ and Ethel Mays in Elm Grove, you can't help feeling like a kid again.

The ice cream and candy parlor at 13475 Watertown Plank Rd. is a nostalgic, family-oriented business run by friendly woman Linda Peschel, who always greets customers with a smile.

Peschel is the fourth owner of RJ and Ethel Mays, an establishment named for the grandparents of the original owners. Open year round, the parlor has served kids of all ages delicious sundaes, malts and homemade fudge for the last 16 years.

The first thing you notice when you enter RJ's is the smell. The scent of homemade waffle cones (made on the premises) and fudge delights your senses and makes your sweet tooth sing. If you crave something chocolate, smooth or sweet, you've come to the right place.

RJ's has the scoop when it comes to premium quality ice cream. They only serve the best: Cedar Crest and Edy's. No custard, just the "cream" of the crop.

As for the variety of flavors, there are enough to make your tummy rumble. There's Rocky Road, Praline Pecan and Cookies N' Cream, not to mention After Dinner Mint, Rainbow Sherbet and "Sneakers," a mix of chocolate malt ice cream with chocolate-coated peanuts and caramel.

RJs' most popular flavors are Mint and "Elephant Tracks," a mouth-watering combination of chocolate ice cream, fudge and chunks of Reese's peanut butter cup.

For those watching their figure, RJ's dishes up raspberry yogurt and low-fat chocolate and peach melba ice cream, too.

Of course RJ's has the quintessential banana split, as well as hot fudge (with whipped cream, pecans and a cherry on top, free of charge) and turtle sundaes, malts, shakes and fruit smoothies, too.

RJ's not only specializes in the cold stuff; they make some mouthwatering homemade fudge, too.

Peschel and her staff make maple nut, caramel pecan, peanut butter and chocolate mint fudge right there in the shop (their best-sellers are chocolate and chocolate walnut) and a few years back they earned the "best fudge" award from a popular local magazine.

Peschtel and her staff have found success creating chocolate coins, wedding table favors, and gift baskets for businesses. For children in the neighborhood, RJ's has a variety of penny candy, from Swedish fish, gummi bears, tarantulas and dinosaurs, to Airheads, lollipops and saltwater taffy. You can even pick up a bag of hot-buttered popcorn while you are there.

Peschel agrees that the aura she wishes to create at RJ's is one of family. Peschtel says her favorite part of the job is seeing families gathering at her business, enjoying laughter and licks together in this cozy shop with a homey Door County feel.

Peschel has gotten to know many of the residents of Elm Grove and enjoys when regular "clients" come into the store to talk and to taste one of her many delicious treats. With the summer months ahead, she expects that the store will be teeming with families and friends wanting to relax and regroup after a busy day.

And there is no better place to do so than at RJ and Ethel Mays.

For more information visit www.ethelmays.com, or call at (262) 784-3306. RJ and Ethel Mays is open Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 12-6 p.m. Summer hours will soon star.