Happiness Now: “Ice Cream Shops”

What's in a name? Sweetness, flavor and refreshment! Travelers to Pennsylvania and residents alike are familiar with some of the state’s iconic ice cream shops, but there is more to discover and enjoy this summer as the temperatures rise. Support some of Pennsylvania’s best ice cream shops that boast memorable names and can’t-miss experiences and be sure to pay a visit to your longstanding favorites, too. Remember to call ahead to for revised hours!

IT’S IN THE NAME:

1. Petrucci’s Ice Cream

King of Prussia

Need help finding Petrucci's Ice Cream in King of Prussia? Keep your eyes peeled for the giant wooden chicken by the roadside. Their frosty desserts (ice cream, gelati, and water ice in numerous flavors and combinations) are perfect for cooling down on a hot summer night — as are the frozen, chocolate-covered bananas.

2. Buff’s Ice Cream

Brookville

Buff's Ice Cream & Lunch in Brookville offers old-fashioned ice cream, milkshakes, and sundaes. The sweet treats don’t stop there – Buff’s also offers homemade candies!

3. Hank’s Frozen Custard

Conneaut Lake

Marg and Ernie Hild opened Hank’s Frozen Custard on June 4, 1952. Marg’s father Henry — nicknamed Hank — served as the inspiration for the shop’s name. The machines they use to make the custard are the original ones bought by Ernie in 1952 when he opened the business.

4. Jordan’s Soft Serve

Kittaning

Get your sweet treat fix after enjoying lunch at Jordan’s Soft Serve, a small, local, family-owned restaurant in Kittanning, which is beloved for its tasty flavors and generous portions.

5. Kristin’s Ice Cream Korner

Kittaning

KICK stands for Kristin’s Ice Cream Korner. This Kittanning staple is family-owned and operated, serving both soft-serve and homemade, hand-scooped ice cream. Their flavors are made fresh in-house and are guaranteed to have you coming back for more! Try an original flavor like Maple Bacon Bourbon or Raspberry White Chip!

6. The Snowman

Portersville

Just two miles outside of Moraine State Park, you’ll find a 13-foot custom-made snowman building made from fiberglass. The Snowman serves refreshing shaved ice treats, as well as unique offerings like the Bumble slush drink or the Yeti — shaved ice mixed with chocolate or vanilla ice cream and topped with whipped cream.

ICE CREAM ICONS:

7. Franklin Fountain

Philadelphia

No need to wait for Throwback Thursday for a trip to the past. The nationally lauded Franklin Fountain in Philadelphia combines the charm of a turn-of-the-century ice cream parlor with to-die-for homemade ice cream.

8. Berkey Creamery

State College

The Berkey Creamery at Penn State is known for a wide variety of homemade ice cream flavors and is over 150 years old. The Berkey Creamery also offers an annual course in January for those who want to learn about the ice cream-making process. The course has attracted such industry icons as Baskin-Robbins, Ben & Jerry’s, and Haagen-Dazs, as well as many more well-known brands.

9. Lapp Valley Farm

New Holland

Some of the yummiest ice cream in Lancaster County can be found at the Amish-owned Lapp Valley Farm. Watch the Jersey cows being milked, interact with friendly peacocks, and best of all, enjoy one or more of their 16 creamy, homemade flavors in a picturesque farmland setting.

10. Ligonier Creamery

Ligonier

After a day exploring beautiful Ligonier, visit the Ligonier Creamery for a sweet treat! This homemade ice cream is made with locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. Favorites include Gob Cake Ice Cream, Chipper Sandwich, Coffee Bar, or traditional Banana Split.

11. Sweet Willows Creamery

York

With flavors such as Wild Maine Blueberry, Indonesian Sumatra, and Double Dark Chocolate, Sweet Willows Creamery is a paradise for ice cream lovers of any palate. True ice cream enthusiasts will want to tackle The Weeping Willownator – a whopping 12 scoops of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, eight toppings, two whole bananas, chocolate and rainbow jimmies, peanuts, and a cherry on top.

These delicious treats speak for themselves; ice cream just taste better when it’s sourced locally! In addition to supporting Pennsylvania dairies by visiting these creameries, you can Choose PA Dairy on your weekly trip to the grocery store by looking for the PA Preferred® logo or plant code “42”.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly Happy Thoughts e-newsletter.

share or pin this article

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use our website, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies (and milk!) from visitPA.com. Learn more about cookie data in our Privacy Policy