Ohio Ice Cream Trail

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

I began my adventure at our nation’s ice cream darling and Columbus’ pride and joy. It’s easy to write Jeni’s off as trendy and hipster, but the woman has been making inventive ice cream for over twenty years. I’ve had the pleasure of watching her discuss her craft and she is whip smart about the science of what makes good ice cream (tip: eat from a cone to properly take in the full scent and flavor.) Contrary to this good advice, I went with a cup (mostly for functional reasons.) Bramblerry Crisp, with its sweet and tart bramblerry jam and oven-toasted oat streusel layered in vanilla ice cream, is my go-to flavor and pairs well with the black currents, sweet orange and lavender notes of Wildberry Lavender. I sat on a bench and enjoyed my cup as a bird poked around nearby, waiting in vain for crumbs.

Johnson’s Real Ice Cream

Next I headed to Bexley. Johnson’s is an Ohio favorite, and for good reason. It’s been in business since the 1950s, has a wide array of flavors (all the classics + unique flavors like Salted Caramel Pretzel, Black Raspberry, Praline and more) and the vibe is very nostalgic. I went with my childhood favorite, Mint Chocolate Chip, along with a scoop of Birthday Cake for good measure. I sat on the sunny patio and tried to lick the melting ice cream from the cone as it dripped onto my fingers. I was a mess by the end of it, but in that way we all were as kids—sticky fingered and happy. It was all quite satisfying.

Sweet Moses Soda Fountain & Treat Shop

I took a little day trip to Cleveland for my final stop on the Ice Cream Trail. I appreciate dedication to a theme, and Sweet Moses is as old-timey as it gets, from the music to the uniforms to the treats. Everything from sundaes, malts & milkshakes, cones, floats and soda fountain drinks. The boy at the register widened his eyes at me when I ordered the Terminal Tower, a gargantuan sundae with ten scoops of each classic flavor topped with almonds, pecans, sprinkles, hot fudge and cherries. I took his doubtful look as a personal challenge, so I dived in, shoveling spoonfuls of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip and banana ice cream dripping with fudge into my mouth. Fifteen minutes later I had a brain freeze, a full stomach and what seemed to be a still heaping bowl of ice cream. If you’re going to attempt this, bring along five (or ten) friends. They weren’t kidding when they called it terminal. I was near dead by the end of it.

Overall I had a great time experiencing all of our different ice cream shops and flavors. The map was easy to follow and it was fun to feel like a kid again. Besides, who doesn’t like ice cream? Except for that one weirdo you know? (No one trusts your opinion anyway, Diane.)

The Ohio Ice Cream Trail spans the state from Cleveland to Cincinnati to Athens to Zanesville. Use the map to chart your own ice cream tour and be sure to tag #MyOhioScoop and #OhioFindItHere on social media for a chance to win prizes. 

Sponsored by Tourism Ohio. All opinions are my own.

Rebecca Ritchey

Writer & Creator of Eating Books.

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