Living in New Jersey, summers get hot, but people can’t always reach the pool or shore towns. Even so, people still want to cool off. Of course there’s ice pops and lemonade, but what about ice cream?
There are hundreds of ice cream shops all over the state, and there’s at least three of driving distance from your house, regardless of where you’re located. We’ve compiled a list of five ice cream shops that are all a 20-minute max drive from Eastern.
Sprinklz: Sprinklz Treatz is located in Berlin, New Jersey. The parlor was founded in 2014. They have a wide variety of flavors ranging from apple-pie sundae to classic vanilla. The store also offers many soft-serve options such as chocolate, tutti frutti, peach, and many more. If you want a salty snack with your ice cream, you should check out the popcorn. Or, if you come with your dog, get them a pup cup! Looking to switch up your regular order? Get a milkshake or gelati (soft serve ice cream with water ice). My personal favorite flavor is the chocolate and vanilla twist or the s’mores sundae. This spot is perfect to go to in the warmer months due to the tables and the spacious patio.
Leo’s: Leo’s Famous Yum Yum can be found in Medford, New Jersey. The place is a mom-and-pop shop and has all of the classic flavors, but if you want something a little different try the “yum yum” (Italian ice). It comes in flavors such as lemon, root beer, bubblegum, and many more. They also offer milkshakes, banana splits, ice cream cakes, sorbet, etc. I’ve grown up going to this shop and Daddy-O’s with my family, so they both hold a bit of a special place in my heart. My favorite flavor has got to be cookie dough. You should know that if you decide to come here, they are cash only.
Sundae’s: Located on Route 73 near the border of Voorhees and Berlin, Sundae’s is a fan-favorite spot for sweet treats in the summer. It is modeled after old-fashioned ice cream parlors and elicits nostalgia from plenty of customers. This shop primarily serves homemade ice cream in a seemingly endless selection with flavors that vary as much as their titles.
“My favorite [item to order] is Pretzel Logic in a waffle cone,” an anonymous South Jersey local says. “I haven’t seen it any other place, but it’s a unique [flavor]: salted caramel with chocolate-covered pretzels in it.”
Another flavor worth mentioning is Gotta Know It’s Cookie Dough. The name does not lie—sometimes it has more cookie dough than actual ice cream. For all the cookie lovers out there, this one’s for you.
Overall, this ice cream shop provides a large variety of high-quality, unique flavors. Its positive atmosphere and convenience make it the go-to spot for a cold dessert on a hot summer day.
Rita’s: Rita’s Ice Cream and Italian Ice was founded during the summer of 1984 when Bob Tumolo wanted to open a small Italian ice business. This later became a huge success, and now serves a pleather of ice cream and Italian ice flavors and choices. Ritas serves more than 60 flavors of water ice and ice cream. Rita’s is an amazing place not only because of its Italian ice, but because it also serves ice cream, gelati, custards, milkshakes, and more. The slogan “Ice + Custard = Happiness” that this place portrays is really true! My favorite item to get is the brownie sundae. It incorporates my two favorite things, brownies and ice cream! It is so sweet and delicious, and I always look forward to getting it. A local gave a great review of Rita’s. He says, “Rita’s has a wide choice of ice and ice cream. The flavors linger on your mouth. Can’t wait for summer.” Rita’s is an amazing place to get a cold treat during the summer with your family and friends.
Daddyo’s: Daddy-O’s was one of the first homemade ice creameries in our area. Established in 2000, it is a fan favorite amongst ice cream aficionados. Daddy-O’s has built its fan base by using their family recipes and offering an evolving menu of ice cream flavors. In addition to homemade ice cream, they also offer frozen yogurt, water ice, ice cream cakes, and other frozen desserts. My personal favorite is their Chipwich which contains delicious vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two cookies. A local resident, Heather Boswick, loves the vanilla ice cream packed with brownies and candy. Vegans can also rejoice as Daddy-O’s is one of the only places in South Jersey that has homemade vegan ice cream. Another local resident wrote a review, “I was so happy to see that they had vegan vanilla and vegan vanilla cherry in addition to their large variety of homemade dairy flavors!” Daddy-O’s is not only an amazing place to get delicious frozen desserts but also a place where you can gather with other people who love homemade ice cream and frozen desserts!
