The warm weather may have been delayed, but it has returned with a vengeance. This means we need to dive into the treasured pastime of summer—eating ice cream. Here’s ten of our favorite ice cream stops in Chester County. Did yours make the list?
La Michoacana Ice Cream
231 E. State St., Kennett Square, (610) 444-2996; Open Daily, noon to 9 p.m.
We love this little ice cream shop, located on State Street as you climb the hill into town. The staff is friendly, and the homemade ice cream choices are decadently rich and creamy. While they offer classic flavors such as chocolate and vanilla, Mexican flavors such as maize and avocado heighten the ice cream experience. You can even get chili powder sprinkled on top of your cone. Stop in after dining in town.
Chester Springs Creamery of Milky Way Farms
521 Uwchlan Ave., Chester Springs, (610) 363-8500; Spring: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 9 p.m.; Summer: Tuesday to Sunday, 1 to 9 p.m.
The gathering place for families who live in Chester Springs and Lionville, this family-owned dairy hits the spot on summer nights. Their ice cream is made using milk from their own dairy herd at Milky Way Farms, and they often have over 35 flavors. Instead of by sizes, their ice cream is sold by the ounce.
D’Ascenzo’s Gelato
132 E. Gay St., West Chester, (610) 453-1958; Monday to Thursday, noon to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday, noon to 11 p.m., Sunday, 2 to 9 p.m.
In the east end of West Chester borough, the D’Ancenzo family hand makes artisan gelato and sorbets. Considering this block of Gay Street already has two Italian restaurants, this little gelato stop is a perfect complement for your Italian night out. Little tables line the side pathway, giving folks a respite from Gay Street on a summer night. The D’Ancenzo family likes to switch up the flavors, but they also allow you to sample.
Margo’s Old Fashion Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe
131 Mill Alley, Downingtown, (610) 269-9410
Located on Mill Alley, one block north of Business 30, this independently owned ice cream shop serves hard and soft serve ice cream, plus water ice. It’s an ideal stop after that walk through Kerr Park or the bike ride along the Struble Trail.
Petrucci’s Ice Cream
472 Nutt Rd., Phoenixville; (610) 933-9390; Open Daily, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Petrucci’s offers hard and soft-serve ice cream, gelati, water ice and more. Friendly service and plenty of outdoor seating makes the Phoenixville location a popular spot. They can also bring their mobile ice cream store to your door for a special summer party.
Scooped Ice Cream
130 Pottstown Pike, Eagle, (484) 358-7099; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Monday to Thursday, 3 to 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday, noon to 9 p.m.
John and Liz Reece handcraft their ice cream with quality ingredients, and they are known for their unique and innovative flavors. Chocolate pretzel and s’mores anyone? They also serve homemade gelati and sorbets in store. The shop is located in a charming house in the village of Eagle, and offers a large seating area for families. Read about making ice cream with John here. We suggest the Caramel Stout.
Brown’s Cow
30 S. Main St., Phoenixville, (610) 933-0695; Sunday to Thursday, 2 to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday, noon to 11 p.m. (Closed on Mondays, October through April)
In downtown Phoenixville, this small retro shop owned by the Brown family serves over 30 flavors of Bassetts Ice Cream and offers seating along Main Street. Don’t miss the Preston & Steve line of wild Gadzooks flavors. Customers enjoy the wide variety of flavors, great portion sizes, and killer milkshakes. This ice cream heaven is cash-only, so keep that in mind when planning your sweet stop.
Whirled Peace
111 E. Lancaster Ave., Paoli, (484) 318-7735, Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
This chain has only one location out in the suburbs, and focuses on smoothies and self-serve frozen yogurt. Flavors are unique and ever-changing, but include pumpkin pie, Valencia orange sorbet, sliced apple pie and white chocolate mousse. Our pick? Sea salt caramel pretzel.
Maggie Moo’s
101 Woodcutter St., Exton; (484) 872-8236, Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
This charming little ice cream shop is located at the Main Street at Exton, providing a respite after shopping or possibly dinner at nearby Appetite’s on Main. They offer ice cream, yogurt, dream cakes and ice cream pizza. A large assortment of flavors is bound to please. Ask about their mix-ins. We recommend Chocolate Birthday Cake.
Jenny and Frank’s Artisan Gelato
Artisan Exchange, 208 Carter Drive, West Chester; open Saturday mornings
“Gelato? It’s like ice cream, just better.” Have your gelato special ordered or swing by West Chester’s Artisan Exchange and pick up a pint from Marianne and Tom Cozzolino. They usually carry three or four flavors each Saturday, but you can check their website and even special order your favorite flavors. They also make decadent gelato cakes. Our favorite? Sea salt caramel.
Photographs credited to Nina Lea Photography, D’Ascenzo’s Gelato & Whirled Peace.
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