Although Erie summer is winding down and temperatures are dropping, it’s not too late to pay a visit to any one of these local ice cream shops! With Erie staples like Sara’s and Whippy Dip, there is no doubt that any lingering ice cream hankerings can be satisfied. Whether you want to go to Presque Isle, downtown, or even a little out of the city, there is a delicious shop there waiting for you! So, don’t miss out on these before it’s too late and say goodbye to summer with a delicious ice cream tour of Erie!
Sara’s Restaurant:
Sara’s Restaurant is a cute little 50s style diner settled right at the entrance to Presque Isle state park. The owner of Saras, Sean Candela, named this Erie staple after his mother, Sara Coyne. Candela states on his website that Sara’s came about “because I was young and impulsive and without much direction.” With hard work, passion, and love for his city, Candela has kept Sara’s open and running for the past 40 years. With the help and vivacity of hardworking staff, summer days at Sara’s is time well spent. If you are in the mood for American food staples and delicious ice cream, Sara’s is the place to go. I recommend the chocolate shake, a true classic!
Whippy Dip & Whippy Dip 2:
Since the 60s, Whippy Dip has been a staple in the Erie community. Although it was a gas station at first, Chris Kamora - the original owner - turned the space into a lovely ice cream shop. Katie Gress, the current owner of Whippy Dip, said she got into the ice cream business her senior year of college after accepting a small position at the shop. In an interview with Erie News Now, Gress said that “I told Chris Kamora (the previous owner of Whippy Dip) if he ever wanted to sell I’d be interested. The next day he called and said he wanted to sell and that’s how it all started.” A few years ago, Gress expanded the business and now there are two Whippy Dips in Erie. The original Whippy Dip is located at 26th and Chestnut and the new location is on West 12th. Stop in to have some delicious ice cream with a rich history!
Photo Credit: Nicole W.
Creamland Drive-In:
Located on West Ridge Road, Creamland Drive-In is serving up some delicious ice cream. This delicious establishment has been open since 1955 and in recent years, introduced new ice cream flavors to the Erie community. The business is locally owned and operated by Colleen Loeslin. So, stop in today to support a woman-owned business and try all the delicious ice cream flavors!
Connie’s Ice Cream:
Connie’s ice cream is a small ice cream and pizza shop located on West 32nd street. Connie’s is known for serving “Erie’s best homemade all-natural ice cream.” Dave Stromenger has owned Connie’s Ice Cream for 15 years and also recently bought Presque Isle Pizza in 2016. Check out Connie’s ice cream if you are in the mood for pizza and an ice cream dessert!
Photo Credit: Connie’s Ice Cream/Presque Isle Pizza Facebook
Maria’s Tasty Delights:
Maria’s is a tasty little ice cream shop “specializing in soft serve, hard ice cream, and yogurt!” Maria’s is known for their delicious and unique frozen yogurt flavors. Most recently, they had cherry amaretto and peanut butter frozen yogurt available. Stop by and try out their tasty treats!
Photo Credit: Christine Lorraine Morgan
The Freezerie:
This small ice cream shop is run by a father and son team who “create and churn a wide variety of homemade ice creams from scratch.” Ice cream flavors range from vanilla and Twinkie blend to strawberry lemonade! This father and son duo are pushing the envelope with these unique and tasty flavors. The Freezerie is located on West Ridge Road and is open 5 days a week to the public. If you’re looking for a funky ice cream flavor, the Freezerie is the place to go!
Photo Credit: The Freezerie Facebook
J’s Mainstreet Ice Cream and Hot Dog Shoppe:
Although this ice cream shop is located slightly out of the Erie area, the drive is worth it! J’s is located in Mckean at 9013 Main Street. There is a variety of different ice cream flavors, dole whip, and even smoothies. This ice cream shop is one of our staff’s favorite places and she recommends the ice cream flavor “White Lightning.” If you are up for a short drive out of the city, J’s is the place to stop at!
Photo Credit: J’s Mainstreet Facebook
Written by Lydia Glenn, Agresti Real Estate Transaction & Lead Specialist
Sources
Source: https://sarasandsallys.com/saras-story/
Source: https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/49059959/whippy-dip-serving-up-sweets-for-over-50-years-community-gem
Source: https://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/creamland-drive-in-now-open-for-2022-season/
Source: https://www.goerie.com/story/news/local/2017/11/05/owners-make-erie-s-seasonal/17284779007/