I scream, you scream
My first job was as a scooper at a locally owned and operated creamery in my hometown when I was 16. It was well-known in the surrounding areas and inspired a love of ice cream that has stuck with me for years. The shop was located on a family farm, and the dairy cows on the property were the source of milk for the ice cream we made on site every day.
Thanks to this idyllic job during my teenage years, I have made it my mission to eat as much ice cream as possible, especially throughout my travels. Without further ado, if you love this frozen treat as much as I do, read on to discover the best of the best.
Key
📍Location
🍦Flavor recommendation
North America
Chester Springs Creamery is where I got my start as an ice cream afficionado - I owe it all to this place. Located in the rolling hills of southeastern Pennsylvania, it’s a must-visit during the spring, summer, and fall seasons.
Nestled in idyllic upstate New York, Pittsford Farms Dairy is a quaint country store with other bakery items and local goods. I once met a baby cow roaming out on the front lawn.
As a native Pennsylvanian I have been a Nittany Lion fan since birth, which obviously includes the Creamery on Penn State’s campus.
Every year on my pilgrimage to OCMD, Dumser’s is one of my mandatory stops. There are several locations on the Boardwalk and Coastal Highway, and the lines are always long, for good reason.
I was introduced to Kimball’s while visiting family one spring. Turns out this place is popular with several of my friends familiar with eastern Mass. When I visited, a highschool was having their prom after party at the batting cages and event space behind the ice cream shop.
Little Man is a Mile High staple and is literally inside of a giant milk can. You can’t miss it, especially when the notorious Denver munchies hit.
The Franklin Fountain is a historic establishment that feels like you just stepped back in time upon entering. Multiple Food Network hosts have visted this corner shop and all have given glowing reviews.
On my one-day journey to try as many stops as possible on the Pennsylvania Ice Cream Trail one summer (yes, it’s real) I visited Fox Meadow and was astounded by their avocado dark chocolate ice cream.
A unique spin on ice cream because you can order a scoop inside of a donut, which adds an extra helping of sugar for those of us with an insatiable sweet tooth.
Although a chain, I have a fond memory of enjoying Handel’s in Pacific Beach, San Diego with one of my best friends while on a girl’s trip. The ice cream itself was also delicious.
Oceania
Giapo was more than ice cream - it was an experience. I convinced my study abroad group members to come here with me to try this crazy ice cream art and absolutely fell in love with it. The flavors are crazy unique and the staff gives a full rundown to your group so you can make the best choice of flavor for your tastes.
South America
This tiny streetfront shop was my last stop on a recent trip to South America before heading home. It hit perfectly on a hot summer day.
Europe
*This list will be continuously updated!
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