This summer, TourismOhio is encouraging Ohioans to get out there and get scooping!
This July, we all scream for ice cream! During National Ice Cream Month, celebrate Ohio’s rich agricultural heritage, culinary culture, innovative chefs, and zest for supporting local businesses by exploring the Ohio Ice Cream Trail.
This 20-stop trail highlights local, family-owned, and nationally-recognized ice cream shops across the state, such as Graeter’s in Cincinnati and Toft’s in Sandusky—both of which have been in business for more than 100 years.
“The Ohio Ice Cream Trail is such a unique way to explore Ohio,” Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, which oversees TourismOhio, said. “The trail does a fantastic job showcasing Ohio’s great dairy industry and small business spirit, while inspiring travelers to visit corners of the state they may have never visited before.”
Sprinkle in more summer fun on National Ice Cream Day on July 16, by checking out Ohio’s one-of-a-kind frozen confections (before they melt)! From ice cream nachos at Jacky’s Depot in Maumee to Mexican ice cream and paleta shops in Columbus like Dulce Vida Ice Cream Factory. You can satisfy that sweet tooth with so many unique treats, all while supporting local Ohio businesses!
Whether you’re enjoying a cone while strolling through one of Ohio’s charming towns or sipping a milkshake while out and about in one of our vibrant cities (or even making your own ice cream at home) you’ll be amazed by the state’s rich legacy of ice cream innovation!
- Did you know, the famously rewarding Klondike Bar was created at Isaly Dairy Company in Mansfield?
- Or that Ohio’s own Velvet Ice Cream in Utica has an ice cream museum?
- Ohioans have a habit of taking to the skies, but did you also know we took ice cream around the neighborhood when Harry Burt of Youngstown’s Good Humor ice cream bar invented the ice cream truck?
With Ohio ranking 11th in the nation for milk production, having more than 1,400 dairy farms, and being home to hundreds of scoop shops each with their own flavor of creativity, it’s no wonder the state is the cream of the crop when it comes to this summertime favorite.
Learn more about the Ohio Ice Cream Trail at Ohio.org/Ice-Cream-Trail. And discover the heart of adventure this season at Ohio.org/Summer.