Is there anything better on a sweltering summer afternoon than cooling off with your favorite ice cream? There’s nothing quite like that first cold, creamy bite. It’s one of those rare treats that can instantly turn adults into kids again, standing in the sun with melting cream running down your arm. It is truly one of the great joys of summer.
But the ice cream we love today, with its scoops, cones, and sundaes covered in whipped cream and sprinkles, is a fairly modern joy. Frozen sweets have existed for thousands of years, dating back to 200BC. The ice cream we know today took shape in the last century, when soda fountains, soft‑serve machines, and small‑town creameries took it from a luxury experience into an everyday American pastime. And maybe that’s why ice cream feels so timeless: it’s both a simple pleasure and a little piece of history, scooped into a cone or nestled in a bowl.
So, if your summer plans include a stay at our Hershey bed and breakfast, consider this your treasure map for finding this season’s sweetest treats!
A summer guide to Hershey’s best ice cream scoops
Cherry Blossom Creamery
1241 E. Chocolate Avenue, Hershey
Cherry Blossom Creamery is one of those sweet little Hershey gems that feels instantly like home. Their ice cream is handmade in small batches using the highest-quality ingredients, and if you’re lucky, you can even watch the whole process through the glass door to their production room. With 28 flavors of dairy and non-dairy options, the hardest part will be deciding on your favorite. If you can’t choose just one, they also have pint- and quart-size containers you can take home for that decadent midnight snack. If you want to splurge, they offer their special Once-a-Year Flavors with unique options like Butterscotch Vanilla in May and Kiwi in late July – check out their website for seasonal availability of these rare treats!
Chill Ice Creamery
121 Towne Square Drive, Hershey
Located in The Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square, Chill Ice Creamery is the perfect stop while on your Hershey ice cream quest. They have two different brands to choose from: Hershey’s Ice Cream and Urban Churn, giving you endless possibilities for that perfect scoop. They also offer soda floats, milkshakes, and an over-the-top treat called The Chillnut – a donut stuffed with ice cream, covered in syrup, powdered sugar, and whipped cream. Whether you’re grabbing a cone after dinner or treating yourself on a warm summer afternoon exploring downtown Hershey, CHILL is the perfect stop for something sweet and satisfying.
Urban Churn
1004 N 3rd St, Harrisburg
If you love ice cream made with grass-fed milk, 16% butterfat, and absolutely no artificial ingredients, then Urban Churn is the perfect place for you! They are proud to source from local farms and suppliers in the community. Their ice cream is churned by hand in small batches, giving it that unmistakable homemade love. Their flavors range from your favorite classics to adventurous seasonal combinations. And if you’re exploring Harrisburg for the day, it’s an easy stop: the shop sits less than a mile from the Pennsylvania State Capitol, making it a perfect treat after a stroll through the city.
3B Ice Cream
4701 Derry St, Harrisburg
2199 Colonial Rd, Harrisburg
3B Ice Cream is one of those classic ice cream stands that feels like summer the moment you pull into the driveway. With generous portions, a wide selection of flavors, and a friendly atmosphere, it’s the kind of place families have visited for generations. From their soft‑serve swirls and hand‑dipped scoops to hot fudge sundaes that give you that unmistakable “this is what ice cream should taste like” feeling. It’s a short drive from Hershey, but absolutely worth it for experiencing that nostalgic old-school ice cream excursion.
Soda Jerk Diner and Dairy Bar
403 E Main St, Hummelstown
If you love a good diner filled with retro counters, chrome stools, checkered floors, and milkshakes blended the old-fashioned way, then Soda Jerk Diner & Dairy Bar is a must-stop on your sweet treat quest. Their menu is full of classics like milkshakes, root beer floats, ice cream sodas, and egg creams. It’s cheerful, nostalgic, and always buzzing with locals, making it a perfect stop for guests who want a little slice of Americana with their milkshakes!
The Jigger Shop
202 Gettysburg Avenue, Mount Gretna
This one is our “worth the drive” pick! The Jigger Shop is a true Pennsylvania summer classic. They are an old‑time ice cream parlor tucked into the charming, wooded community of Mount Gretna. In 1882-1885, this area was initially cultivated to support the development of nearby railroad stations in Cornwall and Colebrook. What began as a charming railroad stop quickly grew into a beautiful family park, setting the stage for everything that would follow. From 1885 to 1935, the National Guard used this area for their summer training encampment. However, it’s been serving decadent desserts and delicious food since 1895, making it one of the region’s most beloved historic traditions. Families have been coming here for generations, lingering on the porch or inside the cozy dining room after polishing off towering sundaes like their signature “Jigger.” Open seasonally from May through September, it’s a bit of a drive from Hershey but totally worth it if you love nostalgic spots with deep roots, local history, and really good ice cream!
A Sweet Ending to Your Hershey Adventure
Hershey is a town that knows how to do summer right, and nothing proves it more than the number of places to grab that perfect scoop of ice cream. From nostalgic roadside stands and retro soda fountains to modern creameries and small‑batch makers, each spot has its own little personality and its own way of making a hot day feel sweeter. Whether guests want something classic, something creative, or something that reminds them of childhood, there’s an ice cream stop nearby that fits the moment. And honestly? That’s all part of the fun of being here, discovering the local flavors and the simple joys that make Hershey such a perfect place to savor the season
If you’re craving a relaxing retreat wrapped in comfort, calm, and the indulgence of truly good Hershey ice cream, we’d love to welcome you. Book your stay and let the charm of Hershey’s sweetest places become part of your summer story.
