PENNSYLVANIA - Ice cream is a favorite of Pennsylvanians, and it's not just any kind. Pennsylvania ranks among the top 12 states in ice cream consumption. The most popular flavor is chocolate, while Rocky Road is the second-most popular nationwide. It is not surprising that Pennsylvanians enjoy ice cream in the summer months.
The Ultimate Pennsylvania Ice Cream Tour: A Guide to the State's 5 Best Shops
Pennsylvania boasts a rich and delicious ice cream heritage, with a diverse landscape of parlors that range from historic, century-old institutions to modern, chef-driven creameries. From the bustling markets of Philadelphia to the university hills of State College and the charming main streets of small towns, the Keystone State offers a delightful journey for any ice cream enthusiast. Here is a guide to five of the best and most beloved ice cream destinations you must try.
1. Bassett's Ice Cream (Philadelphia)
- The Scoop: An actual piece of American history, Bassett's Ice Cream holds the distinction of being America's oldest ice cream company, founded in 1861. Their iconic stand in the bustling Reading Terminal Market has been serving scoops since 1892. Their ice cream is renowned for its rich, creamy flavor, which is achieved by using a higher butterfat content and omitting egg yolks.
- The Vibe: A classic, must-do Philadelphia experience. Grab a cone or cup with one of their more than 40 flavors and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the historic market.
- Location: Reading Terminal Market, 45 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
2. The Franklin Fountain (Philadelphia)
- The Scoop: Step back in time at The Franklin Fountain in Old City. This spot meticulously recreates a turn-of-the-century soda fountain and ice cream parlor, serving authentic flavors and classic concoctions.
- The Vibe: A nostalgic and charming experience, complete with servers in traditional attire. Go beyond a simple cone and try a "phosphate" soda, a classic egg cream, a decadent banana split, or a root beer float made with their own recipe.
- Location: 116 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
3. Penn State Berkey Creamery (University Park)
- The Scoop: A legendary institution at Penn State University, the Berkey Creamery has been producing dairy products since 1889. It's a must-stop for anyone visiting Central Pennsylvania, serving ice cream and sherbet made with milk from the university's own dairy herds.
- The Vibe: A bustling and beloved university tradition. The creamery offers over 100 flavors in rotation throughout the year and also sells a variety of cheeses, coffee, and other locally produced products. It's an authentic taste of Penn State pride.
- Location: 119 Rodney A. Erickson Food Science Building, University Park, PA 16802
4. Millie's Homemade Ice Cream (Pittsburgh)
- The Scoop: Millie's has taken Pittsburgh by storm with its delicious, locally produced, chef-driven ice cream. Founder Chad Townsend, a former fine-dining chef, branched out to create a business focused on high-quality ingredients and inventive, seasonal flavors.
- The Vibe: A modern and popular ice cream shop with several bustling storefronts and a food truck that appears at events around the city. It represents the best of the new generation of artisanal ice cream makers.
- Location (Flagship): 246 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (Market Square)
5. Ballyhoo Ice Cream and Candy (West Pittston, PA)
- The Scoop: Located in West Pittston (not West Pittsburgh), Ballyhoo is an enchanting, old-fashioned ice cream shop with a fascinating history. Housed in a historic building that once held a soda fountain, the shop now includes a candy store and a mini-museum feel.
- The Vibe: A nostalgic trip down memory lane. They offer hand-dipped ice cream in a variety of flavors, classic soda fountain treats like banana splits and egg creams, and a large selection of homemade waffle cones and shakes. It's a perfect, charming spot for a family treat.
- Location: 100 Wyoming Ave, West Pittston, PA 18643
From the historic parlors of Philadelphia and the legendary university creamery in State College to the modern artisanal shops in Pittsburgh and charming small-town gems, Pennsylvania offers a top-tier ice cream experience. These five destinations showcase the incredible quality, creativity, and tradition that make the Keystone State a fantastic place for any ice cream lover to explore.