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The Sweet Journey: My Milkshake Factory Discovery & Grand Opening Adventure!

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 | By: Ty Swartz

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Hey everyone! I'm absolutely buzzing with excitement to share my incredible journey with the brand-new Milkshake Factory in Chesapeake! As a professional photographer who's always on the hunt for the perfect locations and treats that fuel my creative adventures, this experience has been a delicious adventure in two parts.

My June 24th Discovery Visit 🌟

Yesterday, on June 24, I decided to make a special detour to check out the newly opened Milkshake Factory Grassfield location at 648 Grassfield Parkway. I had heard the excitement building around Chesapeake's first-ever Milkshake Factory. As someone who has always been scouting unique locations for my photography work, I knew I had to experience this place firsthand before its official grand opening celebration.

Stepping into the shop, I was immediately captivated by the warm, inviting atmosphere that owners Digna and Alexander Forbes have crafted. The blend of vintage and modern aesthetics was a photographer's dream, and I could already visualize the stunning portrait opportunities this space would offer.

The Perfect Refreshment Discovery 🥜

Upon perusing their menu, my eyes were drawn to their dairy-free peanut butter shake. As a photographer constantly on the move, especially during these sweltering summer days, this was a refreshing revelation! The creamy, indulgent flavor was a delight, and the fact that it was dairy-free was a bonus for my active lifestyle.

But I couldn't stop there! I also treated myself to a Stroopwaffle with chocolate and peanuts, as well as a chocolate-covered pretzel. The combination was heavenly, and I found myself savoring every single bite. Every item truly showcased their commitment to using signature ice cream created fresh in-store daily using the Edwards family's exclusive recipe.

Scouting Adventures with the Perfect Companion 📸

Chesapeake ArboretumArmed with my perfect milkshake, I headed to the stunning Chesapeake Arboretum to scout locations for my upcoming Great Bridge High School senior session. The shake kept me refreshingly cool as I discovered three absolutely stunning spots that would be perfect for capturing natural, authentic portraits against beautiful backdrops.

Hickory Ridge Farm in Chesapeake, Virginia has the perfect Sunflower field for portrait photographersWith some shake left over (their portions are incredibly generous!), I ventured to Hickory Ridge Farm to explore their renowned sunflower field. Picture this: me, amidst a sea of golden sunflowers, sipping the most refreshing peanut butter milkshake while envisioning the perfect senior portrait session. It was pure magic!

The temperature that day was extremely high, reaching 114 degrees at one point. Still, thanks to my discovery of the Milkshake Factory, I stayed perfectly refreshed throughout my entire scouting adventure.

The Milkshake Factory at Cahoon Commons in Chesapeake, Virginia photographed by Ty Swartz, owner of Swartz Portraits specializing in High School Senior Portraits.
The Milkshake Factory at Cahoon Commons in Chesapeake, Virginia photographed by Ty Swartz, owner of Swartz Portraits specializing in High School Senior Portraits.
The Milkshake Factory at Cahoon Commons in Chesapeake, Virginia photographed by Ty Swartz, owner of Swartz Portraits specializing in High School Senior Portraits.
The Milkshake Factory at Cahoon Commons in Chesapeake, Virginia photographed by Ty Swartz, owner of Swartz Portraits specializing in High School Senior Portraits.
The Milkshake Factory at Cahoon Commons in Chesapeake, Virginia photographed by Ty Swartz, owner of Swartz Portraits specializing in High School Senior Portraits.
The Milkshake Factory at Cahoon Commons in Chesapeake, Virginia photographed by Ty Swartz, owner of Swartz Portraits specializing in High School Senior Portraits.
The Milkshake Factory at Cahoon Commons in Chesapeake, Virginia photographed by Ty Swartz, owner of Swartz Portraits specializing in High School Senior Portraits.
The Milkshake Factory at Cahoon Commons in Chesapeake, Virginia photographed by Ty Swartz, owner of Swartz Portraits specializing in High School Senior Portraits.
The Milkshake Factory at Cahoon Commons in Chesapeake, Virginia photographed by Ty Swartz, owner of Swartz Portraits specializing in High School Senior Portraits.
The Milkshake Factory at Cahoon Commons in Chesapeake, Virginia photographed by Ty Swartz, owner of Swartz Portraits specializing in High School Senior Portraits.
The Milkshake Factory at Cahoon Commons in Chesapeake, Virginia photographed by Ty Swartz, owner of Swartz Portraits specializing in High School Senior Portraits.
The Milkshake Factory at Cahoon Commons in Chesapeake, Virginia photographed by Ty Swartz, owner of Swartz Portraits specializing in High School Senior Portraits.

Grand Opening Photography Opportunity 📷

Now, here's where the story gets even more exciting! After experiencing the incredible quality and community spirit of the Milkshake Factory firsthand, I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be serving as the official Grand Opening Photographer for their celebration on June 28, 2025!

The grand opening celebration promises to be absolutely incredible, running from 12 PM to 4 PM with a fantastic lineup of festivities:

  • ✨ BOGO Free Shakes - Buy one shake, molten cup, or sundae and get a second of equal or lesser value FREE!
  • ✨ First 100 Guests receive exclusive Milkshake Factory t-shirts
  • ✨ First Guest in Line takes home a fantastic gift basket
  • ✨ Chocolate sampling to tantalize your taste buds

A Photographer's Dream Collaboration 🎯

There's something incredibly special about working with businesses that genuinely care about supporting their community, and the Milkshake Factory is precisely that kind of place. Digna and Alexander Forbes have created more than just a dessert shop; they've built a space where families can connect and celebrate everyday moments.

Founded in 1914 as a small soda fountain and chocolate shop in Pittsburgh, PA, MilkShake Factory has maintained its family tradition and chocolate-making expertise for over a century. The Chesapeake location is a testament to their commitment to bringing joy and delicious treats to communities. When you taste their creations, you can absolutely feel that heritage in every sip!

I can already envision the creative senior portrait possibilities: imagine sitting at a vintage table with a classic milkshake glass and long straw, dressed in retro clothing, capturing that timeless Americana feel. The aesthetic possibilities are endless!

Meet Me at the Grand Opening! 🤝

Here's my call to action for all my amazing followers, especially my Grassfield, Hickory, and Great Bridge High School seniors and families: Come find me at the Milkshake Factory on June 28, 2025! I'll be there capturing all the grand opening magic, and I'd love to create some fun, spontaneous portraits of you with your shakes, best friends, and family members.

Whether you're sipping on their signature Chocolate Dipped Strawberry shake or trying their Campfire S'mores flavor, these moments deserve to be captured! Plus, who knows? You might just become a Swartz Portraits adventurous senior who wants to use the Milkshake Factory as a backdrop for their senior portraits.

Ready for Your Close-Up? 📸

If you're a high school senior seeking unique and creative portrait locations, let's discuss incorporating the Milkshake Factory into your session! We can arrange a special photo shoot at the factory, capturing you in the midst of the sweet action. There's something magical about authentic, community-focused businesses that make for incredible storytelling backdrops.

Ready to book your senior portrait experience? Visit Swartz Portraits, and let's start planning your amazing session!

See you at the grand opening on June 28! Don't forget to say hi when you see me behind the camera, capturing all the sweet memories! 📷✨

#MilkshakeFactory #ChesapeakeGrandOpening #SwartzPortraits #SeniorPortraits #ChesapeakeVirginia #GreatBridgeHigh #MilkshakePhotography #SeniorPhotographer #ChesapeakeArboretum #HickoryRidgeFarm #GrandOpeningPhotographer #BOGO #SeniorPics #ChesapeakePhotographer #PortraitPhotography #SeniorSession #ClassOf2026 #Virginia #Photography #Foodie #Milkshake #CommunitySupport #LocalBusiness #FamilyTradition #HandspunMilkshakes #DairyFreePeanutButter #VintageVibes #RetroPortraits

Ready to create your own sweet memories? Visit the Milkshake Factory at 648 Grassfield Parkway, Chesapeake, VA 23323, and don't miss their Grand Opening celebration on June 28, 2025! Find me there for your perfect portrait moment! 📸🥤

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