July 22, 2025
Mystic’s Handcrafted Frozen Treats with a Signature Twist Arrives in Oxford
By Gina Horan
Mystic’s Handcrafted Frozen Treats with a Signature Twist Arrives in Oxford
Mystic Ice Cream has officially opened its newest location in Oxford, bringing the same bold flavors and funky vibe that made its Summerfield, Fruitland Park and Leesburg shops local favorites.
Located near Gio’s Deli, Coast to Coast Jewelry and the Oxford Pet Hospital, the new shop is already getting attention from neighbors and nearby businesses. The colorful decor, vintage records and laid-back atmosphere are all part of the experience.
“We had a lot of customers driving over from the east side of The Villages saying, ‘Boy, we wish you were closer,’” says owner Darryl Day. “My wife and I were having dinner at Gio’s one night, and I looked out the window and saw a couple of open spaces. It stuck in my mind.”
It wasn’t the right time then, but when the former pilates studio became available, they jumped on the opportunity.
“Everything is about God’s timing,” Darryl says. “With one thousand new homes going up all around us and the post office is across the street, the northwest corner of The Villages is really growing, and we’re excited to be here and grow with it.”
Fans of Mystic Ice Cream will be happy to know that the full lineup of creative, handmade ice creams is still on the menu. This includes alcohol-infused options like Kahlúa Fudge, Mystic Slide, Cherry Amaretto and Butterscotch Crunch. For those looking for non-alcoholic flavors, customer favorites include Chocolate Velvet, Peanut Butter Crunch, Butter Pecan and Blueberry Cheesecake.
All of the ice cream is made on the premises using all-natural ingredients and a whole lot of personality.
“This is a great location, and even though we’re new, the word is getting out,” says Angela Zittel, who trained at the Leesburg shop and now works in Oxford. “The servers at Gio’s have been helping us spread the news too.”
A fifth location in Mount Dora is already in the works. For now, locals close to this part of Sumter County can enjoy a scoop of something different in a truly unique atmosphere.
“We’re feeling blessed to have all of these opportunities,” Darryl adds. “Lisa and I see that as something special.”
Photos by Gina Horan and Mystic Ice Cream
Gina moved to central Florida in August of 2021 from the San Francisco Bay Area. She has a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and spent 10 years as a fashion editor, columnist and food writer for The Knight Ridder Newspaper group. She was also a photo stylist and covered concerts, fashion shows and festivals all over Northern California. In 2000, she joined KSAN radio as a morning show co-host and produced the news and sports content there for 4 years. She also covered travel, events and the restaurant scene for KRON-Bay TV. She is a veteran bartender and has worked in hospitality on and off since high school. Her passions include travel, road trips, history books, baseball, tasting menus and most of all, landing in a new city with no map or guidebook. Gina lives in Oxford with her mom, cats and baby hamster.
