Ohio does ice cream very, very well.
With several local chains, dairy farms and iconic ice cream sundae joints, there is no shortage of delicious ice cream in the Buckeye State. In fact, we've got so many delicious ice cream places that it's fair to say Ohio just might be the ice cream capital of America—and maybe even the world. The following road trip showcases some must-try ice cream joints in the state, which are arguably home to the best ice cream in Ohio.
The total trip clocks in at just a little more than 3 hours. For directions and exact addresses, you can view the Google Map of the trip here.
1. Velvet Ice Cream Factory (Utica)
There’s no place quite like the Ye Olde Mill in Utica—where you can see how Velvet Ice Cream is made, take a free tour of the mill and try delicious flavors of ice cream you won’t find anywhere else. It is located at 11324 Mt Vernon Rd., Utica, OH 43080.
2. Tom's Ice Cream Bowl (Zanesville)
Since 1950, Tom's Ice Cream Bowl has served up the area's best homemade ice cream. Its homey, 1950s style makes it a nostalgic stop for many. (You can't go wrong with any flavor here but if you like nuts on your sundae, definitely get them. Their nuts are roasted fresh daily and all of their toppings are processed in-house.) Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl is located at 532 McIntire Ave., Zanesville, OH 43701.
3. Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams (Columbus and other locations)
Based in Columbus, with other locations throughout the state, Jeni's offers one-of-a-kind flavors made with all local ingredients. It's some of the creamiest, most delicious ice cream you'll ever have. (Seriously. That is not an exaggeration.)
4. Graeter's Ice Cream (Columbus and other locations)
If Ohio is the ice cream capital of the world, then Graeter's reigns king within the capital. With ice cream joints located all throughout the state, this ice cream is famously made via a time consuming French pot process that makes two gallons of ice cream at a time.
5. Handel's Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt (Columbus and other locations)
A Youngstown-area favorite known for its exceptionally smooth ice cream. Handel's has also expanded with locations throughout northeast and central Ohio. (Because it's just too good to keep in one place.)
6. Young’s Jersey Dairy (Yellow Springs)
While the freshly made ice cream will certainly entice you to check out this beloved working dairy farm, it’s all the other fun things you can do at Young’s Jersey Dairy that will make you stay awhile. Young’s Jersey Dairy is located at 6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd., Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Would you take this trail to the best ice cream in Ohio? For more delicious food trails in Ohio, check out our previous article: There’s Nothing Better Than This Mouthwatering Burger Trail In Ohio.
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