Thanks to the abundance of dairy farms and culinary artisans in the region, York County has no shortage of places to find delicious ice cream. From traditional, homespun flavors to modern, inventive creations, no matter what kind of ice cream treat you’re after, you’re sure to find it here.
Ready for a scoop … or three? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots for incredible ice cream in York County. From mom-and-pop shops to upscale restaurants, here’s where you can find our favorite frozen treats:
Sweet Willows Creamery
Tucked into a cheery, colorful building off East Prospect Road, Sweet Willows Creamery offers a bevy of artisan ice cream, with dozens of different flavors to choose from. Owner Brent Lebouitz honed his skills at the Penn State Creamery’s short course, and he churns out fan favorites like Chocolate Lover’s Peanut Butter, Wild Maine Blueberry and Indonesian Sumatra. Ever-changing limited-edition flavors, like Teaberry, Vanilla Nutella Brownie Pizzelle and Fluffernutter Toffee Crunch, mean there’s something new and exciting to try every time you stop in. Vegan sorbets in rotating fruit flavors, such as lemon, cherry, watermelon, strawberry and mango, are a great option for those avoiding dairy. And frozen yogurt, in Midnight Cappuccino Crunch and Tahitian Vanilla Grapenut varieties, is a lighter option that still feels special. Cones, sundaes, ice cream cakes and other treats are also on offer.
Sweet Willows also has an ice cream truck which is available for corporate events, weddings and private parties. 2812 E. Prospect Rd., York; 717-718-9219.
Perrydell Farm
This family-owned dairy farm bottles its own hormone-free milk and also makes delicious ice cream with it! The charming on-site ice cream stand offers 30 flavors of homemade ice cream, including a flavor of the month. To celebrate peach season, Perrydell typically scoops peach ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes and peach shortcake sundaes. If you can’t pick just one flavor of ice cream, try the Perrydell Ice Cream Sampler, with four one-ounce scoops to enjoy. Chocolate-dipped cones, ice cream tacos, and other novelties round out the menu, and gluten-, sugar- and dairy-free options are always available.
Stop by for a self-guided tour to watch the cows being milked, the calves being fed, or the milk being bottled. After taking in the farm experience, top off your visit with a scoop of your favorite flavor and discover why Perrydell Farm earned itself an official spot on the Pennsylvania Ice Cream Trail. 90 Indian Rock Dam Rd., York; 717-741-3485.
John Wright Restaurant
A favorite for elevated, farm-fresh comfort food, John Wright Restaurant’s dessert menu features, among other delicious treats, house-made ice creams which are all crafted by its pastry chef, using dairy from Penn View Farm in Perkasie. Alongside the standard flavors, like chocolate, vanilla and chocolate peanut butter, are multiple seasonally specific flavors, too, like strawberry, fresh mint chocolate chip ice cream and bacon bourbon. Order up a dish to complete a perfect meal. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville, 717-252-0416.
Wyndridge Farm
Known for its brewing and cider making programs and incredible on-site restaurant, Wyndridge Farm’s “crafty” cuisine has been a staple of York’s fine-dining scene for quite a while. What is the perfect way to top off a meal of brick oven pizza, gourmet burgers and elegant entrees? Why, a beer or cider float, of course! May we suggest a Crafty Apricot Cider with a scoop of vanilla? For the kids, try it with one of Wyndridge’s homemade craft sodas. Ask your server for one of these secret “off-menu” desserts and prepare to be wowed! Delectable ice cream sandwiches are also frequently on the menu. 885 S. Pleasant Ave., Dallastown; 717-244-9900.
Mt. Airy Orchards
Mt. Airy Orchards features seasonal pick-your-own berries, apples, and pumpkins. When you're done gathering your goodies, stop by their deck for lunch and ice cream! There's no shortage of sweet treats. Keep an eye on their signage out front -- each day they choose a name and post it outside and on Facebook, if they choose yours, you get your slushy or ice cream for free! 522 East Mt. Airy Road, Dillsburg; 717-432-2544
Sweets & More Ice Cream
Sweets & More Ice Cream is the new kid on the block, just opening in July 2024 and serving Windy Knoll Creamery ice cream from nearby Chambersburg. Stop by on your next visit to downtown York City (check their Facebook page for current hours). 33 N. Beaver Street, Downtown York.
In town for the weekend? Be sure to take advantage of packages and special offers at one of York County’s many hotels or bed & breakfasts. Stop by one of the Visitor Information Centers or call 1-888-858-YORK.
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