By Holly Martin
It’s the time of the year where my ice cream purchases hit an all time high. I can’t help but enjoy a creamy treat on a beautifully sunny hot day, even if it makes my cone melt. National Ice Cream Day is July 18th! To celebrate, we put together a list of some of our favorite Ice Cream Shops around the area.
A La Mode in Ocean City is a full service Ice Cream Parlor. From quick treats to birthday ice cream cakes, A La Mode is exactly what you imagine an “ice cream parlor” is. Their ice cream is made daily on site. It’s hard to make a decision on what you want! How do I choose a small cone when a freshly made hot waffle topped with ice cream, whipped cream, and toppings tickles at my nose. Don’t even get me started on the extensive banana split options. You thought there was only one way to make a split? Think again! They also offer catering and party services. Surprise your guests with an ice cream social they’ll never forget.
Lindy Hops in Galloway is a true blast from the past with their 50’s themed Ice Cream Parlor. As soon as you walk into Lindy Hops, 50’s music is playing as you look over the menu. Walk on the checkered floor to order one of their many creations. Hard ice cream, soft service, no sugar, water ice, frozen yogurt, and more sweet treats are available. It’s hard to find a place that gives you no sugar and no fat options, but Lindy Hops makes it happen! Grab a cup, cone, and an ice cream cake to go!
Polish Water Ice all over the South Jersey Shore. I’ve enjoyed a Polish Water Ice Chiller of chocolate ice cream with brownie bites and cookie dough in Ocean City almost every time I’m in town. If I’m feeling something different I get their Freeze which is their twist on a gelati. Their water ice is the perfect consistency, and you might just think you’re eating ice cream! Their water ice is fat free, cholesterol free, and dairy free, so you can enjoy a soft serve without dairy on Nation Ice Cream Day. The crazy colors of the water ice and the smooth creaminess of their ice creams makes your order unique and delicious. Plus, it’s a good photo to post on social media too!
Churn House in Ocean City has add-ins, toppings, and drizzles! Have you ever had your favorite cereal infused into your ice cream? Now is your chance to give it a try! Churn House has endless combinations of ice cream creations. They offer soft serve ice cream, and there is a vegan ice cream option. Then, you choose which cereal you want blended into your ice cream. I promise, you’re not getting mouthfuls of cereal. Their machine blends the ice cream and cereal together to create an infused soft serve. To top it off, you add your toppings and drizzle. I tend to get bananas, strawberries, and a chocolate drizzle. There are staff-created options like “The Surfer Joe” with vanilla and chocolate twist ice cream blended with Special K cereal, topped with crushed heath bar, mini pretzels, and a marshmallow drizzle. There is also a little surprise when you order “The Surfer Joe.” Order it to find out!
Little’s Dairy Bar in Egg Harbor Twp has been my family’s go to place since I was a kid. All the kids would pile into the car screaming for ice cream. We’d pull up to the giant raisin and knew ice cream wasn’t too far away. My parents would argue that Little’s Dairy Bar has the creamiest ice cream in the area. I know I enjoy all the variety of sundaes from smores inspired sundaes to the banana brownie fudge creation in a cup. Before we leave, I ask for a frozen chocolate banana. Some of my fondest memories were made sitting at those picnic benches as my ice cream cone with rainbow jimmies melted down my hand.
Holly Martin has been working in media since 2012. She has worked as a photographer and videographer throughout her high school and college career. Holly is a producer for WOND radio as well as fill in DJ for 103.7 WMGM Rocks. She loves being a concert photographer and working as event staff. She has worked as a reporter for Temple University’s Philadelphia Neighborhoods and submitted Editorials to the Philadelphia Inquirer. She has done multiple multimedia articles for Temple as well as Shore Local Newsmagazine. Her portfolio website is hollyamartin.com