Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
1. Bassets Ice Cream in Reading Terminal
The oldest ice cream shop in America is also the best place to buy ice cream. Churning and scooping ice cream since 1861, Bassets Ice Cream can be found in Reading Terminal Market. Enjoy a scoop (or three) of the Orange Sorbet or Pomegranate Blueberry Chunk sitting on the original marble counter.
2. Franklin Fountain
Known for serving their ice cream in Chinese take-out containers, this ice cream shop is reminiscent of earlier ice cream parlors and soda shops based in Old City with the old-style decor. Be on the lookout for the seasonal selections! If you’re not sure what to get try the Maple Walnut or Cotton Candy.
3. Little Baby’s Ice Cream
Here you can have your ice cream and eat it too! Little Baby’s uses local community and regional products to make creative and unique flavors while supporting sustainable agriculture and reducing waste when possible. Try the Smoked Cinnamon or the Artic Splash.
4. Big Gay Ice Cream
Big Gay Ice Cream brings the Big Apple to the Philly with soft-serve ice cream. Not only are the names unique, the flavors are great spins on classics. Try the Birfdae Cëk or the Salty Pimp.
Photo Courtesy of Lil Pop Shop
5. Lil Pop Shop
These ice pops are made with fresh, natural and locally-sourced ingredients. As an added bonus, these ice pops are insta-fame worthy! Try the Blood-orange mimosa (if you’re age appropriate) or the Vanilla Bean Orange Blossom.
6. More than Just Ice Cream
Beginning as an ice cream shop with baked desserts, More than Just Ice Cream has it all, great food and great desserts. Get a waffle sundae with your favorite flavors (they let you test flavors) or come in for an amazing Sunday (Sundae) brunch.
7. Gran Caffe L’Aquila
This quaint café in Center City is probably the closest I’ll ever be to Rome to again. Known for their award-winning gelato and coffee, this café is the one stop shop for all things dessert, coffee, and happy hour. Try the the Valentino or Straciatella.
There you have it! Hopefully we gave you some inspiration on where to go this Summer. Did we miss any of your favorite ice cream shops? Let us know in the comments!