Scooped!

Did you know that there is an ice cream trail in Pennsylvania? It’s not like a physical trail, such as hiking, it’s more of a route or itinerary that suggests visiting multiple ice cream shops. The PA Ice Cream Trail was designed to increase consumer awareness of locally produced dairy products. By signing up for a digital passport program on visitpa.com, you get access to the trail with new creameries, exclusive discounts, and fun prizes.

In 2024, 41 creameries throughout Pennsylvania participated in the Ice Cream Trail. As a Philadelphia (Philly) native, I noticed that none of those 41 creameries were located in Philly. With 2025 marking the trail’s eighth anniversary, here are 10 ice cream (and water ice) spots I’d like to see added onto the list:

1. The Franklin Fountain: I was incredibly surprised this was not part of the Ice Cream Trail. The Franklin Fountain is a highly recommended gem in Philly, with over 3.9K reviews on Google and a 4.5-star rating. Founded in 2004 by two brothers, The Franklin Fountain has built a legacy of dishing up delectable, handmade ice cream. They serve their ice cream in unique, takeout style containers. You can visit The Franklin Fountain at the corner of Market and Letitia Streets in Old City, Philadelphia.
2. Milk Jawn: Tucked into the cozy neighborhood of East Passyunk, Milk Jawn is a premium ice cream company based in Philly. They use fresh, local PA dairy (without eggs) to deliver amazing Philly-style ice cream. The impeccable quality and rich flavor never fail to disappoint.
3. Surreal Creamery: Surreal Creamery was founded by Claudia Nguyen and her family, who fell in love with the concept of bubble tea and ice cream. Surreal has many locations including some in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Surreal stands out for their creative flavors, like Vietnamese Coffee and Earl Gray. They also serve ice cream in reusable mason jars that you can keep! If you bring the mason jar back, you can reuse it and get a dollar off your order. Especially in Chinatown, many locals love Surreal and always come back.
4. Pop’s Homemade Italian Ice: Throughout high school, Pop’s was one of my favorites. It all started in the summer of 1932, when Filippo “Pop” Italiano began selling water ice (Italian ice) in a pushcart in South Philly. Today, Pop has his very own shop located on 13^th and Oregon in South Philly, specializing in water ice and ice cream. Their shop has progressed so much that they even have positive reviews from news outlets such as the Philadelphia Daily News, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Los Angeles Daily News. Their shop is seasonal, only opening in the warmer months, roughly from March through October.
5. Hagi Water Ice: Located in Southwest Philly (where I grew up), Hagi’s was definitely a local favorite. Many students would head here after school (myself included) to grab a sweet treat. They have a wide variety of water ice, ice cream, and carnival foods. It is incredibly nostalgic looking back on the memories I made there. I highly recommend Hagi for those who haven’t been to Southwest!
6. Matcha Maiko: Matcha Maiko is a Philly favorite. It is unique in that it serves matcha imported directly from Uji, Japan. Although they are well-known for their matcha and ube soft serve ice cream, they also offer seasonal flavors like melon and sakura (cherry blossom). They are grounded in serving the most authentic and high-quality products possible. While Matcha Maiko has expanded throughout the United States, it remains a staple in Chinatown.
7. Frozen – Rolled Ice Cream: Rolled ice cream is a fun and creative form of ice cream. At Frozen, you get to see your frozen treats made right in front of you on a cold plate. The first experience is always amusing, as many people pull out their phones to record the satisfying process. You can find Frozen in the heart of Chinatown, Northeast Philly, and on South Street. They offer a wide range of flavors, but you can also customize your own! With many toppings to choose from, Frozen allows for adventure and exploration.
8. Twist Creamery: Twist Creamery, located near Temple University in North Philly, is a cute and convenient ice cream shop. Locals and Temple students alike stop by Twist for a quick grab. With a 4.7-star rating on Google, Twist is commended for their superb service and fresh quality products. Their soft serve is described as rich, creamy, and awesome. This spot is perfect for a late night treat!  
9. John’s Water Ice: John’s Water Ice is one of the most renowned water ice shops in South Philly. In 1945, John Cardullo carried on Italian tradition and went on to sell Italian water ice. His shop grew to be a local sensation, selling some of the city’s best water ice and ice cream. Today, the family business continues, with John’s legacy living through his grandson (the third-generation owner of John’s). On their website, you can request to have their water ice truck at an event. In fact, they made a special appearance on the Elkins Park campus last summer to celebrate our merger with Drexel!
10. Bambino Ice Cream Shop: Bambino Ice Cream Shop can be found in South Philly’s Italian Market on the corner of 9^th street. They serve authentic Mexican ice cream flavors, like Gansito (a popular Mexican snack cake) and bubblegum. Bambino appeals to both locals and visitors alike, offering a delightful experience and sweet indulgence.

If I could make an ice cream trail in Philly, this is what I would include. I definitely encourage you to try out some of these spots, as they can expand your palette and expose you to new cultures like Italian, Asian, and Mexican.