Let’s go for ice cream

Everyone has their favorite ice cream place. Usually it’s local, and maybe because it’s associated with sweetness and warm summer evenings, people tend to be fiercely loyal.

That’s why we are not going to rate ice cream purveyors in Bucks County (ha!), or even attempt to be comprehensive in our list. But for those of you interested in wandering the county, comparing vanillas, chocolates and peanut butter-chocolate-graham-whatever swirls, here’s a short list, starting in Upper Bucks and moving south. We did, however, skip franchise places, like Rita’s and Dairy Queen, as good as they might sometimes be.

Thanks to our guest blogger, Rich Baringer, for his research in Upper Bucks, and to various other friends who have recommended their favorite places.

We hope to update this list as we get a chance to visit them, and add more information, so please let us know your favorite place, and why you love it. Send us an email, or drop a comment below.

Rosemarie’s Italian Ice (Quakertown), 304 W. Broad Street, 215.536-3220 “A million flavors” of ice cream, plus water ice and gelato.

Grida’s (Richlandtown), 36 N. Main St, 215.536-2691 Good old-fashioned walk-up food stand. Great place to hang with friends or pick up to take home. Locally owned for over forty years, with a big menu in addition to ice cream. Soft-serve dipped in chocolate is a favorite.

Sundae School (Hilltown), 401 W. Schoolhouse Rd., 215.723-4123‎Housed in the old Pennville Schoolhouse – they even have the names and pictures of those who attended school there. Lots of Hershey’s ice cream flavors as well as smoothies, sundaes, Italian ice, candy, ice cream cakes, and chocolate covered bananas. Very friendly staff with an old-fashioned feel inside and outside seating for hanging out. See our Tidbits post on the Sundae School here.

Owow Cow Creamery (Ottsville), at the intersection of Routes 563 & 412, near Rt. 611, 610.847.7070 All natural, organic, small batch, handcrafted ice cream, “Italian” style (think rich and dense) made on-site sourcing ingredients from local farms. Outside seating. Just imagine – you can eat healthy, great ice cream and support local farmers. (see below for their Wrightstown location, opened July 2011)

Chubby’s Dairy Barn (Plumsteadville), right behind the Plumsteadville Inn, near the intersection of Route 611 and Stump Road, 215.766.7554 Very family- and community-oriented (hosting Cruise nights, local kids sports teams, movie viewings, ice cream cookie nights), serving Nelson’s ice cream (from Royersford). Extremely friendly staff – even have treats for dogs who visit. Take home some of their new Chubby’s Reserve ice cream too, including flavors like Dulce de Leche, Pistachio and the Minister of Defense (white chocolate ice cream, white chocolate chips and white chocolate crunch – named after Reggie White!)

Del Val Creamery @ The Market  by Shady Brook Farm at Delaware Valley College (Doylestown), 2100 Lower State Road Locally made by Uncle Dave’s ice cream in Yardley (who also sells at Shady Brook Farm Market). Made from 100 percent super premium Jersey cow milk, from independently owned Pennsylvania dairy farms and using Shady Brook produce – like raspberries, strawberries and peaches – in the ice cream whenever possible. See our story on the Del Val Market.

Pigadilly’s (Lahaska) Peddler’s Village, Shop #53, 215.794.2122Sixteen hard and nine soft-serve flavors, gelato, baked goods and other light food. Great Peanut Butter Swirl.

Dilly’s Corner (Center Bridge), on River Road (Route 32), north of New Hope, right at the Center Bridge-Stockton bridge, 215.862.5333 Another local favorite that has been there for years. Ice cream, milkshakes and a grill menu. See our review.

Birchwood Farms (Upper Makefield/ Newtown), 428 Brownsburg Road, 215.598.8633 Super premium organic ice cream available in fourteen “Patriotic Flavors” made from 100% whole, nutritious, organic raw Jersey milk, sold in quarts from their store.

oWowCow Creamery (Wrightstown) in Carousel Village, 591 Durham Rd. (Route 413), 215.598.3248. All natural, organic, small batch, handcrafted ice cream, “Italian” style (think rich and dense) made on-site sourcing ingredients from local farms. (Also in Ottsville; see above)

Sweet Pea Creams & Confections (Newtown), 254 N. Sycamore St. (Goodnoe’s Corner), 215.968.0466 Own-make ice cream in 22 flavors, sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, ice cream cakes and pies, and homemade candies.

Goodnoe Farm Dairy Bar (Newtown) 4 South Sycamore Street, 215.968.3544. The tradition continues. Goodnoe’s was the place to go for ice cream for 40 years, back when Newtown was surrounded by farms. Now the next generation is making ice cream again, using the family recipes. The recently opened store sells their homemade hand-dipped ice cream in 12 flavors, offers 15 kinds of sundaes, and milkshakes.

Tanner Brothers Dairy (Ivyland/Richboro), 1070 Hatboro Road, 215-357-1716 Tanner’s had been in business for over 100 years as a working dairy farm so you know the ice cream is fresh. Their produce selection and prices are great too, year-round.

Uncle Dave’s (Yardley) at Shady Brook Farm,  931 Stony Hill Road, 215-968-1670 Locally made from 100 percent super premium Jersey cow milk, from independently owned Pennsylvania dairy farms and using Shady Brook produce – like raspberries, strawberries and peaches – in the ice cream whenever possible.

Yardley Ice House (Yardley boro), 77 S. Main St., 215.321.9788 Family-owned and run. Gourmet Italian Water Ice (in 22 flavors), gelati, soft serve custard, milk shakes and malts, ice cream sundaes, blend-ins and ice cream floats.

Zebra Striped Whale (Newtown), 12 S. State St., 215.860.4122 This local favorite on State Street in Newtown Boro opened in December 2004. It is family-owned and operated, dedicated to providing customers with premium quality ice cream, coffee, and desserts.

Dairy Delite (Levittown), 972 Woodbourne Rd, 215.547.1636‎ This hugely popular ice cream place has several locations in Lower Bucks. From what we’ve heard, portions are big and the lines are long. Thanks to Donnie at The Pineville for this tip. Gotta check it out.

And on the other side of the river…

It’s Nutts (Titusville), 1381 River Road, 609.737.0505 Convenient for Bucks County folks in Upper Makefield and Washington Crossing area. Good ice cream, interesting flavors, outside seating right off of River Road/Route 29.

Updated on May 26, 2010; July 15, 2011

Please let us know of any other ice  cream places you feel MUST be included!

Look for Bucks County Taste on Facebook and Twitter!