Get the Scoop on the Visit Delco Ice Cream Trail Pass

One of the best parts of summer in Delco is the abundance of ice cream in everyday life. A scoop or two makes everything better, whether that’s a refreshing snack after hitting the park or the pool, or a stroll after dinner to your neighborhood scoop shop. Happily, ice cream parlors are all over the place here in Delco, from charming, family-run ice cream counters and more modern shops to throwback water ice stands (complete with striped awnings, of course),

 

This year, there is a fun new way to explore all of Delco’s ice cream delights: The Visit Delco Ice Cream Trail Pass! This mobile exclusive passport is so easy to use: When you sign up, you’ll receive a text on your smartphone delivering the passport—there are no app downloads to worry about. Then, as you make your way through the Visit Delco Ice Cream Trail, present the pass at checkout for great discounts. And, each visit earns 100 points that can be redeemed for great Delco prizes. The Visit Delco Ice Cream Trail pass is active through Labor Day, so there’s still plenty of time to get started.

 

 

There are 16 stops on the trail, all across the county. All of them feature plenty of tasty treats, but we’ve got a few suggestions below of what to try as you embark on this delicious adventure! 

 

The Vanilla Bean: This is an ice cream and coffee shop in the heart of downtown Wayne. Its speciality is swirled ice cream: Simply pick a vanilla or chocolate base and two toppings and get them mixed together. The combinations are endless! It’s also fun to try an affogato: a scoop of ice cream with freshly brewed espresso poured on top. 102 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (484) 367-7764.

 

 

Koffmeyer’s: It’s not uncommon to see a line winding out Koffmeyer’s door on summer evenings, and for good reason! The aroma of fresh-baked cookies is hard to resist, and the ice cream and frozen yogurt on offer are from Leiby’s, locally made in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. One of the best ways to enjoy your scoops is nestled into a freshly made waffle cone—some scrumptious flavor options include cappuccino chunk, chocolate marshmallow and salty caramel. 7 Brookline Blvd., Havertown; (484) 454-3526.

 

Sweet Spot Gelato, Candy, & Soda Pop Shop: Newer to the Newtown Square culinary scene, Sweet Spot has all your cravings covered. There is a huge selection of ice cream creations, plus European and classic candy and craft soda. For a new take on an old-school favorite, try a Dirty Soda Float: soda enhanced with fruit syrups and topped with vanilla ice cream. We like the Strawberry Cloud and Island Cola! 12 St. Albans Circle, Newtown Square; (484) 422-8104.

 

 

The Sugaree: This old-fashioned-style ice cream joint has two locations: one in Wayne and one in Newtown Square. Both offer plenty of ways to get your sugar on, including ice cream, water ice, soft serve and nostalgic candy. With so much on offer, it’s hard to know where to start. May we suggest one of the Sugaree’s popular ice cream sandwiches? One is a timeless combination of vanilla ice cream between chocolate wafer cookies; the other, called the Baumwich, is a heap of soft serve between homemade chocolate chip and English toffee cookies. 3117 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square; (610) 356-1066; 134 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne; (484) 580-8822.

 

 

Capri Water Ice: This family-owned shop specializes in fresh, homemade water ice in year-round and seasonal flavors. It’s the perfect stop after running errands or enjoying a meal out in downtown Wayne! While fruity flavors are abundant, why not try one of Capri’s chocolate- or dairy-based water ices? These extra-creamy scoops, like frappuccino chocolate chip, cookies and cream and key lime parfait, are the water ice/ice cream crossover you didn’t know you needed! 238 Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (610) 386-1999. 

 

 

Scooped Ice Cream: Located on Media’s bustling State Street, Scooped is a local institution. It features handcrafted gourmet ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients, gelato and sorbet, as well as coffee drinks from One Village Fair Trade Coffee. There’s also a little record shop, Backroom Records, tucked into the store! On the ice cream side of things, the sundaes are especially good. Dig into the caramel, Nutella or good old hot fudge sundaes for an indulgent treat. 25 W. State St, Media; (484) 445-4476.  

 

 

Pop’s Homemade Italian Ice: Walking up to the takeout window at Pop’s is like stepping back in time. The neon signs, red-and-white striped awning and outdoor benches are a reminder of how small local businesses add so much personality and charm to Delco’s communities! The homemade water ice is the way to go here; there are always lots of flavors on deck, from the familiar (mango, lemon, cherry) to the unique (espresso, rocket pop, shirley temple). Hand-dipped ice cream and soft serve are also available. 150 W. Eagle Rd., Havertown, (610) 789-7677. 

 

Chill Out Ice Cream: This family-run shop’s slogan is “Worth the brain freeze since 2004!” and we couldn’t agree more! The options are extensive, with well over a dozen hand-dipped ice cream flavors, over 125 flavors of soft serve and homemade water ice. Go with a friend and order one of the Upside Downs, epic layered sundaes layered into quart containers. Combos include the Strawberry Skyscraper, with cubes of poundcake, vanilla soft serve, whipped cream, strawberries and cherries, and the Chocolate Avalanche: layers of triple fudge brownies, ice cream, hot fudge, warm caramel, chocolate chips, whipped cream and cherries. 12 Acres Dr., Ridley Park; (484) 494-4601. 

 

 

Vera’s Water Ice & Ice Cream: Vera’s corner storefront, located on Springfield’s main street, Saxer Ave., is always buzzing in summertime with families, teens and other neighbors lining up for refreshing water ice, soft serve and Richman’s ice cream. If you can’t choose between fruity and creamy, order up a Gelati: your choice of water ice and soft serve flavors layered together for the best of both worlds. 162 Saxer Ave., Springfield; (610) 543-2030.

 

 

CJ’s Water Ice & Ice Cream: Cool off on a steamy summer day with a stop at CJ’s, a no-frills walk-up window in Collingdale. With tons of water ice flavors, including some unexpected ones, like strawberry banana and pistachio, soft serve, ice cream, carnival treats (think: funnel cake) and even some savory snacks, there is something for everyone! 1035 MacDade Blvd., Collingdale; (267) 312-9426.

 

Barone’s Italian Water Ice & Ice Cream: If water ice is what you’re after, Barone’s has plenty, in lots of fun flavors. But its ice cream creations go truly above and beyond, especially the specialty sundaes. Check the specials board for inventive combos, like the homemade peach sundae, pie a la mode sundae and sweet-and-sour sundae. 532 Burmont Rd., Drexel Hill; (215) 301-3991.

 

Big Var’s Water Ice: It’s hard to find a water ice spot with more flavors than Big Var’s. This colorful walk-up spot makes it hard to choose, with inspired options like passion fruit, coconut, blueberry and banana! Or, try a bottle of its incredible homemade pineapple iced tea or strawberry lemonade. There are plenty of savory options, too, like loaded pretzels, hot dogs and nachos. 2201 Edgmont Ave., Chester; (484) 487-3367.

 

Salty Cow Ice Cream: This cute ice cream parlor makes its own ice cream with local dairy; soft serve and Dole Whips are also on offer. There are lots of ways to enjoy Salt Cow’s ice cream, from mile-high sundaes to fizzy floats. We like the milkshakes, which come in a variety of flavors, such as black and white, peanut butter Oreo and raspberry. For an even sweeter deal, stop in on Milkshake Mondays for discounted shakes. 45 W. Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills; (484) 841-6099.

 

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA. They say we’re A LOT…and they’re right! Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email or online.

– Emily Kovach  

 

Featured photo courtesy of Vera’s Water Ice