Pebbles Ice Cream Opens in Clinton with a Mission Bigger Than a Scoop

New shop on West Main Street offers sensory-friendly environment, job training for individuals with special needs

A new ice cream shop has arrived in downtown Clinton, and the story behind it matters just as much as what’s in the case.

Pebbles Ice Cream, located at 200 W. Main St., opened in mid-April to a warm community welcome. The shop was created by Courtney and Michael Addison — an occupational therapist and Clinton’s Chief of Police — whose son Mason was diagnosed with autism at just 18 months old. That diagnosis became the turning point that led them to build something their community was missing.

“Pebbles is more than an ice cream shop — it’s our why,” said Courtney Addison. “We quickly began to see something missing in our community — opportunities for individuals with special needs to be included, to be supported, and to thrive. That’s where Pebbles was born.”

The shop has been designed from the ground up as a sensory-friendly space, with intentional choices in environment and experience meant to limit sensory overload and ensure every guest feels welcome. Beyond serving ice cream, Pebbles will offer meaningful job training opportunities for individuals with special needs — a mission rooted in the Addisons’ combined backgrounds in service and care.

Mason, now the heart and inspiration behind the business, will be a familiar presence in the shop — most likely, his parents say, enjoying a scoop of his favorite treat.

“Every detail of Pebbles has been thoughtfully designed so that everyone who walks through our doors feels comfortable, supported, and seen,” Courtney Addison said. “This is bigger than ice cream. This is community. This is purpose.”

Since opening, the response from Clinton residents has been enthusiastic, with the community turning out in strong numbers and early reviews reflecting both the quality of the ice cream and the spirit behind the shop.

Pebbles Ice Cream is open Wednesday through Friday from 1 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m. The shop is closed Monday and Tuesday. For more information and to keep up with new flavors and more, follow them on Facebook.

Clinton families now have a new destination for Sunday afternoon outings — and a sweet reason to step out any day of the week — at a shop built with intention to scoop up goodness in the ice cream and in the people who serve it.