Your Guide to Ohio’s Time-Honored Ice Cream Shops

Celebrate the Sweetness of Summer

It’s that time of year again—when the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, there’s nothing quite like the joy of that first ice cream cone of the season! Join me as we scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream, diving into Ohio’s legendary ice cream stands.

From charming early 20th-century parlors to spots whipping up innovative flavors, these timeless ice cream parlors are summer staples in their communities. A place where every scoop connects us to the past and flavors our present. Come along for a sweet adventure as we explore Ohio’s delicious ice cream scene—one lick at a time!

Discover Sweet Ice Cream Traditions Across Ohio

Northeast Ohio

1. Since 1945, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream has been daily crafting with the finest ingredients at each location. Beginning with Alice Handel’s original recipes and fresh garden fruit in Youngstown, Handel’s is establishing a legacy of quality.
2. Taggarts Ice Cream (Canton, 1926) -Taggart’s Ice Cream Parlor in Canton, Ohio, exudes a nostalgic charm with its vintage decor. Featuring old-fashioned booths and a marble counter, that transport customers back to a simpler time. Their signature dessert, the Bittner, is a decadent sundae of rich homemade vanilla ice cream, thick chocolate syrup, and roasted pecans. Then they blend it together to create an outstanding treat.
3. Honey Hut Ice Cream (Cleveland, 1974) was started in Cleveland and is known for using natural ingredients, including its signature honey-flavored ice cream.

Northwest Ohio

1. Toft’s Ice Cream (Sandusky, 1940s) is Ohio’s oldest dairy adding an ice cream parlor in the 1940s. Toft sources all its milk from local farmers in a 50-mile radius. 
2. Nettie’s (Fremont, 1978) is known for its homemade flavors and charming roadside stand, It has been a local favorite for chili dogs and ice cream since the late 1970s.
3. Dietsch Brothers (Findlay, 1937) is renowned for both fine chocolates and creamy ice cream. They have been maintaining a tradition of quality since the 1930s.

Southeast Ohio

1. In 1948, Jack Hemmer and Tom Mirgon founded a small ice cream business in Zanesville, Ohio. By 1957, after Tom bought out Jack’s share, Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl became a beloved local staple.
2. Miller’s Creamery (New Philadelphia, 1974) – Miller’s homemade ice cream and friendly service continue to draw people from every corner.
3. Larry’s Dawg House (Athens, 1972)—Known for its hot dogs and ice cream, Larry’s is a favorite among Ohio University students and Athens residents.

Southwest Ohio

1. Since 1908, Aglamesis Brothers in Cincinnati has delighted with its super-premium ice cream and chocolates. The parlor’s original decor makes it one of the few remaining authentic ice cream parlors from the early 20th century. 
2. Young’s Jersey Dairy (Yellow Springs, 1958) began as a dairy farm. Now, Young’s offers a range of homemade ice cream flavors, mini-golf, and more.
3. The Cone, established in 1995 in West Chester, is famous for its iconic cone-shaped building. This includes the ever popular Orange & Vanilla Swirl, which remains unchanged since its original recipe from 1973.

Sweet History lives on in Ohio’s Ice Cream Shops

As we wrap up our tasty tour of Ohio’s historic ice cream shops, remember that each scoop comes with a story. These establishments not only offer a delightful array of flavors but also a rich taste of local heritage and craftsmanship. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or trying a new find, these ice cream stands promise delicious memories that are as enduring as their recipes. Keep exploring, and let the unique charm of Ohio’s oldest ice cream shops add a little extra sweetness to your adventures!

In case your sweet tooth is still calling, check out this delicious recipe for blueberry rolls. This recipe will have your mouth watering before you finish reading.