By Mary Kleffner

Posted On: Jun 21, 2021

I scream, you scream, we all scream for – the Ohio Ice Cream Trail! This trail highlights some of Ohio's tastiest treats and being the (self-proclaimed) ice cream connoisseur that I am - I knew I had to check it out! July is, after all, National Ice Cream Month.

With 20 locations, the Ohio Ice Cream Trail offers creative, fresh and local ice cream flavors and concoctions from across the entire state. Whether you take a day trip or plan a weekend getaway, you can be sure that delectable desserts await you – and I was ready for the challenge!

Central

Family-owned and operated for four generations, Johnson's Real Ice Cream in Columbus' suburb of Bexley has been serving up scoops for almost 70 years – and with over forty traditional flavors, it was hard to choose just one! I eventually went with one of the flavors in their specialty line, all of which have unique and fun names. I recommend "Rollin’ in the Cookie Dough" or the seasonal "A Little Peach of My Heart." Because not only are they tasty, but who doesn't love ice cream flavor names that also double as the perfect Instagram caption?

While you’re in the area, be sure to visit additional Central Ohio stops on Ohio's Ice Cream Trail:

• Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams in Columbus 
• Velvet Ice Cream in Utica 

Northeast

After Johnson's, I hit the road towards Cleveland, where they boast an incredible ice cream scene. With several stops on the trail just in this region, my work was cut out for me! I first swung by Sweet Moses, a hometown favorite in the Gordon Arts District. Here, soda jerks (think baristas – only cooler) create ice cream favorites ranging from floats to sundaes, to simple scoops from behind a beautiful, marble-clad fountain. I decided to switch it up from traditional ice cream to a root beer float, made with their signature Sweet Moses Root Beer. The float was an excellent choice.

I did think about trying "The Terminal Tower," a sundae made with one scoop of each of their classic flavors and finished off with five toppings like almonds, pecans, sprinkles and more. But alas! Pacing is crucial, and there's more ice cream to be enjoyed at the next stop!

An added bonus – there are a ton of great photo-ops not just in Sweet Moses, but nearby throughout the Arts District. Remember your visit by snapping a pic of an ice cream treat in front of the colorful murals across the street!

Visit more Northeast Ohio stops:

• Handel's Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt in Youngstown 
• Hartzler Family Dairy in Wooster
• Honey Hut Ice Cream in Cleveland 
• Mason's Creamery in Cleveland 
• Milk & Honey Candy and Soda Shoppe in Canton
• Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream in Cleveland
• Rosati's Frozen Custard in Northfield Center 

Northwest

It was time to get back to my roots and sample some of the most famous ice cream the region has to offer. Growing up, I remember taking weekend trips with the family and visiting Dietsch Brothers in Findlay - one of my favorite ice cream places! A place rich in both history and flavor, Dietsch's offers dozens of ice cream flavors, and some of the best chocolates and candies around. I decided on one of their top ten flavors, mint chocolate chip.

And I also tried some assorted chocolates. I just couldn’t leave without having some!

Still around Northwest Ohio? Stop by even more yummy Ohio Ice Cream Trail stops:

• The Creamery in Delphos 
• Lake City Creamery and Coffee in Celina
• Toft's in Sandusky

Southwest

I knew I had to try Cincinnati's Aglamesis Brothers, whose been around over 110 years! With marble countertops and striped pink awnings decorating the interior, this was one of the most colorful and fun stops I experienced. Known for their premium ice creams and Italian ices, it was again tough to make a choice. Everything looked so good, but after careful consideration I decided to mix it up and try the strawberry Italian ice. It was so refreshing – and the perfect treat on a hot summer day!

Be sure to stick around in Southwest Ohio and enjoy another Ohio Ice Cream Trail stop:

• Graeter's Ice Cream in Cincinnati 
• Young's Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs 

Southeast

In this case, it's true – all good things must come to an end (well, just until I decide to do the trail again, that is). I'm finishing up my Ohio Ice Cream Trail Journey at Tom's Ice Cream Bowl in Zanesville. Stepping into the place, I felt like I had traveled back in time! Truly nostalgic, the diner-style tables and chairs made my last stop on the trail even more memorable. I ordered an ice cream sundae, and added some nuts, which are another Tom's Ice Cream Bowl staple – they're roasted fresh daily. What a tasty combination!

Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl is surely the place for classic ice cream, candies and a fun, nostalgic feel. I couldn't have asked for a better place to wrap up my Ohio Ice Cream Trail experience.

Don't forget to check out the other Southeast Ohio ice cream stop: 

• Whit's Frozen Custard in Athens 

There you have it – some highlights of my Ohio Ice Cream Trail! Whether you're trying "The Terminal Tower" sundae, enjoying fresh sorbet, or snapping a picture of a tasty treat, The Ohio Ice Cream Trail is the perfect summer outing. And share all your favorite ice cream moments using #MyOhioScoop.

For more foodie fun this #SummerInOhio, check out #OhioFindItHere at Ohio.org.