Living the dream(ery) in Aspen

When you approach the Aspen Dreamery, it’s more than just an ice cream truck.

It’s an elevated experience of nostalgia, luxury and handcrafted desserts envisioned by Megan Thomas, who found inspiration for her small business in the idea of living the Aspen dream.

“I took my dream, and the idea of living the Aspen dream, and then played off the word ‘creamery’ — making it into the Dreamery,” Thomas said, who’s been a local in the valley for over two decades.

Inspiration also came to her from her daughter, who loved sprinkles as a little girl.

“I was inspired by my daughter and just the happiness that sprinkles brought us when she was little,” Thomas said.

Now, as a now 10-year-old at the Aspen Middle School, Thomas said her daughter is her biggest fan.

“My daughter is so proud of me,” Thomas said. “She constantly encourages me, she wants to be at my events, she’s one of my biggest supporters.”

She began the business in 2022 — retrofitting a horse trailer for her vintage-inspired ice cream truck — after a history in the food and beverage industry and event planning. She noted she wanted work that was creative and flexible while also catering to the unique Aspen community.

“People here really like the details that go into design for events,” she said. “I really took my love for the food and beverage and event industries, and my creativity, and I was able to find a product that everyone loves.”

According to Thomas, she’s experienced vast support and positive feedback throughout the community, from the city to the Aspen Historical Society to the town of Snowmass Village to the fire department and beyond, including individual party planners and residents hosting all kinds of events.

“I really take pride in everything looking pretty and tasting delicious,” she said. “I believe the people of Aspen appreciate the experience. I’ve lived here for over 20 years, so I see what the community likes. And I really see them appreciating that.”

Katrina Gallant, an Aspen local, noted that she’s seen Thomas create the business from the ground up and it’s been “incredibly inspiring” to see her success.

“This was a dream she truly believed in, and she brought it to life,” Gallant said. “Year after year, it keeps getting better as she grows, learns and stays true to her vision. What’s most inspiring is not just the business itself but the way she’s woven it into the community, continues to give back and shows others that if you have a dream, anything is possible.”

Along with a little luxury, Thomas is committed to providing all customers and clients with a touch of nostalgia.

“I see it on people’s faces that just seeing a little ice cream truck brings them a bit of excitement,” she said. “Soft serve is something people don’t get everywhere anymore. It’s memorable, and it’s fun, and it just has a little bit of magic.”

In addition to soft serve, Thomas offers ice cream sandwiches and sorbet pops — and a whole lot of sprinkles. She also works with clients to create custom menus that play off different flavors and colors. For those hosting a backyard or indoor party, she also has a smaller dessert cart she can utilize.

“I handcraft all the treats, and I just think about it so much — what can make this look good, what can make it taste better,” she said. “I just try to present something that’s playful, with a little bit of luxury, something you wouldn’t find at another event.”

Going into this summer, she is also working on a second truck for larger events and festivals around the valley, providing something for everyone.

“I continue to listen to what the community and clients or guests want and need. I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received from my community here — it truly has been special for me,” Thomas said. “I didn’t know something so small would bring me such happiness. I want people to know the joy that it brings me to see other people so happy, when they take a bite of ice cream and you can see their eyes light up.”

For more information and to book the Aspen Dreamery for an event, visit thedreameryco.com.