These Pennsylvania Ice Cream Spots Serve Pure Frozen Perfection
Nothing beats the sweet joy of licking a perfect scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day. Pennsylvania’s ice cream scene is bursting with family-owned shops and creameries that take frozen treats to the next level.
From farm-fresh dairy delights to innovative artisanal flavors, the Keystone State offers some seriously amazing frozen confections that’ll make your taste buds dance with happiness.
1. Penn State Berkey Creamery
Have you ever tasted ice cream made by dairy science experts? The legendary Penn State Berkey Creamery has been churning out creamy goodness since 1865, making it one of America’s oldest university creameries.
Students actually learn the science of ice cream-making here before creating flavors like Death by Chocolate and Peachy Paterno. The lines might stretch out the door on football weekends, but locals know it’s worth every minute of waiting.
2. OwowCow Creamery
Mmm, organic grass-fed dairy transformed into mind-blowing flavors! OwowCow’s commitment to local ingredients shines through in every lick of their small-batch creations.
Their I Hate Chocolate (which ironically contains five types of chocolate) has developed a cult following among Pennsylvanians. The rustic farm setting of their original Ottsville location adds to the authentic experience.
Each seasonal flavor celebrates what’s growing nearby, think lavender honey in summer and apple cider in fall.
3. Urban Churn
Who knew ice cream could be so adventurous? Urban Churn in Harrisburg throws conventional flavors out the window with their experimental approach to frozen treats.
They’ve made headlines with quirky creations like Cricket and Cicada (yes, real insects!) and Pickle ice cream. Their traditional salt-churning method creates an unbelievably smooth texture that’s worth trying even if you stick with vanilla.
The shop’s industrial-chic vibe matches their innovative spirit perfectly.
4. Fox Meadows Creamery
Farm-to-cone perfection exists at Fox Meadows Creamery! This family dairy farm in Ephrata creates ice cream using milk from their own happy cows grazing just yards away.
Their signature Baked Fox, brown sugar ice cream loaded with housemade blondies, keeps customers coming back repeatedly. The massive sundaes arrive in glass dishes piled high with whipped cream and toppings.
Kids love watching the cows while parents appreciate knowing exactly where their dessert comes from.
5. Leo’s Homemade Ice Cream
This Carlisle institution has been satisfying sweet tooths since 1901! Leo’s old-fashioned parlor feels like stepping back in time with its marble counters and antique fixtures.
Their black raspberry chocolate chip has remained unchanged for generations, because perfection needs no improvement. Locals mark summer’s arrival by Leo’s opening day each May.
The hand-packed quarts make excellent gifts, though they rarely survive the car ride home without at least one sneaky spoonful.
6. 3B Ice Cream
If bigger scoops make better ice cream, 3B takes the crown! This family-owned shop in Harrisburg doesn’t believe in skimpy servings, even their kid’s size cone requires two hands to hold.
The butter pecan contains so many nuts you’ll wonder if there’s any ice cream hiding underneath. Their homemade waffle cones fill the neighborhood with an irresistible aroma that draws crowds even in winter. The friendly owners often remember regulars’ orders before they’ve reached the counter.
7. The Franklin Fountain
Step back in time at The Franklin Fountain, where history and flavor unite in the heart of Philadelphia. This charming parlor transports you to the early 1900s, with its vintage decor and period-costumed staff. Indulge in beautifully crafted sundaes and sodas that echo the past.
Known for its commitment to quality, The Franklin Fountain uses locally sourced ingredients to craft nostalgic favorites. The hot fudge sundae, a crowd favorite, boasts rich, gooey chocolate atop creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s an experience that blends the magic of history with the joy of indulgence.
Did you know? The Franklin Fountain was founded by two brothers with a passion for preserving the old-fashioned ice cream culture. Their dedication brings a unique flavor of nostalgia to the city, making it a must-visit.
8. Big Dipper Ice Cream
This astronomy-themed parlor in Pittsburgh serves scoops that are truly out of this world! Each flavor at Big Dipper gets a cosmic name like Meteor Mint Chip or Saturn’s Strawberry Swirl.
Their handcrafted waffle bowls come shaped like flying saucers, perfect for capturing every melty drop. The walls feature charming hand-painted solar system murals that entertain kids while parents decide between the 24 daily flavors.
Their milkshakes come topped with house-made whipped cream that’s denser than a neutron star!
9. Hanna’s Ice Cream Shoppe
This fourth-generation family business makes you feel like you’ve joined their clan the moment you walk in. Hanna’s specializes in nostalgic flavors that transport you straight back to childhood summers.
Their homemade hot fudge recipe remains a closely guarded secret that makes their sundaes legendary throughout the county. The retro pink and mint green decor hasn’t changed since the 1950s, and neither have most of their recipes.
Grandparents bring grandkids to share the same flavors they enjoyed decades ago.
10. The Meadows Frozen Custard
This Duncansville gem serves custard so thick you’ll need a spoon rather than a lick. The Meadows has perfected that silky-smooth texture that makes frozen custard the sophisticated cousin of regular ice cream.
Their vanilla custard base gets transformed into dreamy concrete mixers with endless topping combos. Families gather here on warm evenings, creating sweet memories with every spoonful. Don’t miss their seasonal pumpkin custard when fall arrives!
