James Taylor got a taste of the Ice Creamsmith’s banana flavored goodness during a surprise visit to the Lower Mills shop on Monday. He is shown with co-owner Sarah Mabel-Skillin. Photo courtesy Ice Creamsmith
What was James Taylor doing in Lower Mills on Monday morning?

Honestly, we’re still not really sure. But we do know what the 67 year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer was looking for when we walked into the iconic Ice Creamsmith: the bathroom.

Locals know that the Dot Ave. flavor palace does not have a public restroom on offer. But, of course, co-owner Sarah Mabel-Skillin, obliged the prolific singer-songwriter.

In exchange, Sarah— whose parents Robyn and Dave started the ice cream parlor back in 1976— convinced Taylor to sample some of her freshly-made treats.

Although hesitant at first, Taylor ultimately gave in and enjoyed a banana-flavored cup topped with peanut butter sauce and whipped cream.

Taylor called the 15-seat ice cream shop “fascinating and cute,” according to Mabel-Skillin, who runs the Ice Creamsmith with her husband Chris. The singer-songwriter asked about “the ingredients in the ice cream and the machines that we used, especially the older machinery we have in the front window,” she said. “He was a normal person, very polite and gracious.”

Sarah has encountered a few other celebrities across the Ice Creamsmith counter over the years, but no one with the star power of Taylor, who lives in the Berkshires with his wife, Caroline Smedvig. Taylor headlined his first-ever Fenway Park concert last month with another legendary rocker with local ties, Bonnie Raitt.

“Aside from local politicians like the mayors and various state representatives, the Wahlbergs have come in multiple times, band members of The Dropkick Murphys, and various Boston athletes. A lot of locals, but national and international celebrities are rare,” said Mabel-Skillin.