It’s National Ice Cream Day!

 

I did not know. 

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month and established National Ice Cream Day as the third Sunday in July. - - National Day Calendar

Why do I feel that the National Dairy Council had something to do with this? Just a hunch.

Here in Howard County you have a variety of options if you are interested in observing National Ice Cream Day. 

Of course you have well-known chains such as Baskin-Robbins, Rita’s, and Cold Stone Creamery. The Meadows Frozen Custard, located in the Hickory Ridge Village Center, is technically a part of a chain but this location is one of only two in Maryland. 

And don’t forget, Jason’s Deli provides an option of chocolate or vanilla soft-serve free with your meal if you are dining in. 

For the indie ice cream options you have your choice of:

Cindy’s Soft Serve

Soft Stuff

Park Ridge Creamery

The Charmery 

The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar*

Unusual Company (gelato)

If you have a hankering for the frozen delights you used to be able to get from Scoop & Paddle at Clarksville Commons, you’ll need to pay a visit to Martha’s Cafe in Halethorpe, where Scoop & Paddle is now in residence.

Visit Howard County has a page devoted to ice cream, believe it or not. And if you want to go farther afield, the state of Maryland has an entire Ice Cream Trail. Holy Cow! 

Sorry.

I asked readers for input on their favorite ice cream in HoCo. I received votes for Park Ridge Creamery in Ellicott City which serves Taharka Brothers ice cream (made nearby in Baltimore.) Other votes were for Cindy’s Soft Serve in Elkridge and Brusters in Glen Burnie. That last one is rather far afield for this post but Brusters is opening a HoCo location on July 23rd. 

Special mention given for The Snowball Stand in Woodbine which apparently serves perennial Disney favorite Dole Whip.  It was described to me as follows: 

It’s a non-dairy soft serve that originally was just pineapple, but now there are a number of other fruit flavors. I’ve seen mango, strawberry, watermelon, lime. The Snowball Stand publishes their in-stock flavors on their Facebook page.

Last but not least, a story I’ve been saving for just the right occasion. This report comes from a long time friend of the blog: 

Something I thought you could appreciate. I was sitting in my truck at the Merriweather District eating my butter pecan from The Charmery while scrolling the radio dial, and I stumbled on 105.5 FM. 

It’s the Symphony of Lights music and announcements channel, playing all year apparently. It came in with a bit of static, but Dr. Ball welcomed me to the show, and I got to hear Bing Crosby and Mariah Carey while I enjoyed my frozen treat.

This was in March. I wonder if you can still catch a bit of Christmas in July with your ice cream? It’s worth a try.

What’s your favorite place to get ice cream in HoCo?

Village Green/Town² Comments 

*Yes, it’s really part of a chain but for some reason it is viewed locally as a mom and pop. Go figure.