Realtors® Reveal: Best Local Ice Cream Spots in Pa.

Did you know Pennsylvania was named the fourth biggest fan of ice cream? The commonwealth has 17.58 ice cream shops per 100,000 residents, which goes to show just how much Pennsylvanians value their sweet treats. And it’s only fitting for the home of the Sweetest Place on Earth! 

But what are the best local ice cream shops Pennsylvania has to offer? Here’s the inside scoop from Realtors® across the state. 

MerryMead Dairy Farm in Worcester 

“For me, it’s MerryMead Dairy Farm near Worcester – a fifth-generation, family-owned and operated dairy farm in the middle of Montgomery County,” says PAR First Vice President Eric Rehling. 

“As a kid, I can remember getting their fresh milk in bags. As a parent, I’ve spent countless summer nights with my kids eating my go-to graham slam flavored ice cream and walking around looking at all the farm animals!” 

C&C Creamery and Milk Jawn in Philly 

“In Philly, I have two favorites,” shares Treasurer Heather Petrone-Shook. “First, C&C Creamery in Roxborough. I’ve been going there since I was a kid. They’ve been serving soft serve and homemade hard ice cream for three generations.” 

“Second, Milk Jawn in South Philly or Northern Liberties. If I can’t get to either of the locations, I will hunt down their pints. You MUST try the lemon curd with blueberry basil swirl. Sounds weird, but it is oh so good!” 

Jimmy’s Ice Cream in East Stroudsburg 

Alexa Sanchez, District 4 vice president, recommends Jimmy’s Ice Cream, a local family-owned and operated business with ice cream, gelato and customized cakes. 

Curly Creme in Plains 

“My favorite local ice cream place is Curly Crème in Plains,” says District 5 Vice President Terry Solomon-August. “Only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, they have soft serve ice cream and do a featured flavor each week throughout the summer. My favorite flavor is peanut butter, iced with chocolate, of course!” 

Lapp Valley Farm Creamery & Café in Lancaster 

District 6 Vice President Glenn Yoder’s favorite is Lapp Valley Farm, which has sold dairy products in Lancaster County since 1975 and offers various other treats, both sweet and savory. 

 “Their ice cream is made at a local Amish farm using milk from Jersey cows, which have a higher milk fat content than other breeds,” Yoder notes. 

Komodo Gelato in Wellsboro and Lil’ Half Pint in Mansfield 

“Komodo Gelato in Wellsboro is a newer option, and it is AMAZING,” says Dawn Avery, District 7 vice president. “The gelato is made right there with fresh ingredients. The lemon honeycomb flavor is terrific. The roasted strawberry is to die for. And the lavender tastes as good as it smells.” 

“Lactose intolerant? Komodo offers dairy-free options!” she assures. “They also serve soups, salads and sandwiches using fresh, local meats and veggies.” 

Avery names Lil’ Half Pint as another favorite. “They have hard and soft serve ice cream and lots of choices for sundaes,” she shares. “They also have miniature golf!” 

The Meadows in Ebensburg 

A tried-and-true chain established in Duncansville, Pennsylvania, District 8 Vice President Louann Hoffman’s go-to is her local Meadows in Ebensburg. This location is open year-round and offers both frozen custard and frozen yogurt, with frequently varying flavors. 

Whippy Dip in Erie 

District 9 Vice President Mark Kibbe’s favorite ice cream place is Whippy Dip – either their original location on Chestnut Street or the new Whippy Dip 2 on W. 12th Street. They offer soft serve ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, hot dogs and more. 

Dell’s Sundae Grille in Munhall, Page’s Dairy Mart in Pittsburgh … or his kitchen 

“Dell’s Sundae Grille has the best chocolate milkshake – made with vanilla, not chocolate, ice cream,” Jim Jarrett, District 10 vice president, shares. “Ask for extra chocolate syrup.” 

He also favors Page’s Dairy Mart on Carson Street in Pittsburgh’s South Side, where he recommends ordering any of their soft serve flavors, from the classics to the specialties (which include unique flavors like Fruity Pebbles and chocolate-covered strawberry). They also have vegan soft serve. 

An always-easy option for Jarrett? “My kitchen!” he says. “Very reasonable prices. I like Turkey Hill Simply Natural Vanilla with Hershey’s chocolate syrup, sometimes with freshly sliced, ripe strawberries.”