Did you know that the oldest ice cream shop in America is located right here in Philadelphia? Bassett's Ice Cream may have been dreamed up in New Jersey, but it's move to a Market Street storefront and later to Reading Terminal Market makes this spot the oldest ice cream shop in the country! Next time you enjoy an oversized cone of this classic Philly treat, be sure to appreciate it for what it is: over 150 years of experience in making the best ice cream possible.

In 1861, Lewis Dubois Bassett began making ice cream in his backyard using a mule-powered churn.

Bassett was a Quaker school teacher and ran a small farm. The demand for his ice cream skyrocketed once word got out about how great it was.

In 1885, Bassett was able to start selling his ice cream in Philadelphia from a storefront at 504 Market Street.

When Reading Terminal Market opened in 1892, Bassett's Ice Cream moved and began making their ice cream on site in the basement.

You could feel the trains shake the building from above!

Bassett's has been a family owned and operated business since it opened. Each generation has passed down the shop to their children - for over 156 years!

Bassett's location in Reading Terminal Market hasn't changed much.

It's still an old fashioned ice cream shop serving up delicious flavors of homemade treats.

You can order a scoop (or four) in a cup, sugar cone, cake cone, or a gourmet homemade waffle cone.

I always splurge for the waffle cones - the last time I was there, they even had a chocolate-dipped Heath Bar cone!

Bassett's Ice Cream serves up a ton of flavors, from unique ones like cinnamon to traditional favorites like butter pecan and cookies & cream.

No matter what flavor and cone you pick, grab your ice cream and walk around Reading Terminal to enjoy one of the best food markets in America.

Bassett's makes for a great dessert for any meal you will find here!

Do you have a favorite flavor at Bassett's? Let us know in the comments - we're always ready to taste-test new treats!

Reading Terminal Market really is one of the most incredible places in the world - you can find the best sandwich in the country at DiNic's and the best donuts you'll ever try right at Beiler's Bakery.