How to make an ice cream sandwich bar
Make an ice cream sandwich bar for your party.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
As the daylight gets longer and warm weather slowly approaches Pennsylvania, many of Beaver County’s ice cream shops will open their doors and serve sweet treats.
Across the Beaver Valley, there are plenty of great options for frozen treats, featuring highlights such as frozen custard, soft serve and hard-pack ice cream. Every community has its personal favorites, but there is a wealth of options to get some variety or try something new this season.
Only one popular local spot has announced it will not be reopening. In a Facebook post made on March 25, the owners of Punk’s Ice Cream Shoppe announced that they do not plan on opening the Baden store in the 2025 ice cream season. According to the family, they are still finding a way to operate after the death of Mariellen “Punk” Ketterer, who they described as the “backbone of the business.”
Are you looking for the hours of your favorite shop, or are you searching for a new flavor to try this season? Check out our list of the local ice cream spots and when to get your treats below.
Barry’s Ice Cream
Address: 105 W Line Ave, Ellwood City.
The scoop: More than 30 flavors, such as Pralines & Cream, Almond Joy, Butter Pecan and Vanilla Peanut Butter and Chocolate Marshmallow are offered by the family-owned ice cream shop, opened in 1993. There’s also waffle nachos the last week of every month and Orams glazed donuts one Saturday per month.
Hours: Noon to 9 p.m. daily.
Address: 601 Third St., Beaver.
The scoop: “Blackbird Market offers a wide variety of mix-ins for its frozen treats, prepared using Pittsburgh-based Betsy’s Ice Cream as a base. While its normal treats are a great reason to visit, gluten-free and vegan options are a special draw for this Beaver shop. The shop makes gluten-free waffle cones daily, selling some broken pieces as a crunchy treat.”
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The shop is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Address: 2291 Brodhead Road, Hopewell Township, and 1525 Riverside Drive, Bridgewater.
The scoop: “While it is now an international brand, Bruster’s Ice Cream has its roots here in Beaver County and continues to be a popular spot for local ice cream fans. With rotating flavors of handcrafted ice cream, yogurt, Italian Ice and sorbet, each trip to the regional locations can be a new type of dessert.”
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Address: 2210 Third Ave., Rochester Township
The scoop: “Argued as a core part of the Beaver County experience, Hank’s Frozen Custard remains a popular spot throughout the season and often sees lines of eager customers looking for treats. Featured flavors are on a rotation, so fans will want to watch the menu to find their favorites. And for those looking for a bit more than ice cream? The hot food half of the business offers a variety of Mexican food, burgers, salads and other fan favorites.”
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (daily subject to change depending on staffing.)
Address: 400 Merchant St., Ambridge.
The scoop: “This shop offers cones, cups, ice cream sandwiches, sundaes, Slush Puppies and shakes. The Ambridge shop also provides creative mix-in items, including Sour Patch Kids, Jolly Ranchers, pop rocks, and Nerds.”
Hours: 3:30 to 10 p.m. daily.
Address: 822 Darlington Road, Patterson Township.
The scoop: “Judy’s Jimmies offers plenty of dessert options, including Penn State Creamery ice cream, snow cones, custom cakes and Oram’s donuts. This location also offers indoor seating, allowing a chance for sweet treats on rainy days.”
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Address: 801 Mercer Road, North Sewickley Township, and 600 Chippewa Town Center, Chippewa Township.
The scoop: “Katie’s Korner has two Beaver County locations that sell 48 flavors of ice cream, including cones, ice cream sandwiches, sundaes, cakes and pecan balls. Online ordering is available and typically ready for pickup in 15 minutes.”
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Address: 550 Main Street, Harmony.
The scoop: “Located in the historic Neff Haus, this ice cream shop is known for its homemade cookie dough, Cloud toppings, and peanut butter buckeyes that go with their soft serve ice cream. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the patio, spotting fairies during the day, or come at night for their light show and ghost tours. “
Hours: 4 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays; noon to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Closed on Mondays.
R.J.T.’s Ice Cream
Address: 631 Lincoln Highway (Route 30), Independence Township.
The scoop: A 35-year soft-serve favorite also selling Hershey’s hard-pack ice cream near Raccoon Creek State Park.
Hours: Noon to 8:30 p.m. daily.
Address: 2142 Brodhead Road, Hopewell Township
The scoop: “The Windmill offers plenty of sweets, including soft serve ice cream, their take on the Blizzard known as the “Snowstorm,” their signature Chip N’ Wich ice cream sandwich, funnel cakes and more. Visitors can also enjoy a round of mini golf after their treats.”
Hours: 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Windy Ridge Dairy
Address: 457 North Tower Road, Franklin Township.
The scoop: “This family-owned dairy offers ice cream at its farm store, serving scoops, shakes and cakes for customers. The rotating flavors are posted on its chalkboard and shared on Facebook.”
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 588 Third St., Beaver.
The scoop: “Locally owned and operated, this ice cream spot has 16 flavors of ice cream a day. Some unique flavors on the menu recently include Blueberry Cornbread, Follow the Yellow Brick Dough, Nut House and the returning Bee Sting, which incorporates hot honey. As always, the shop features flavors such as vanilla, coffee and birthday cake for those less daring in their ice cream adventures.”
Hours: Noon to 9 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays; closed on Sundays.
Address: 1973 Hartzel School Road, New Sewickley Township
The scoop: “This hidden gem, under new management after reopening in 2024, is a popular spot with plenty of delicious flavors for visitors.”
Hours: 2 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday through Sunday; closed on Tuesdays.