HARRISBURG, Pa., — Memorial Day weekend marked the unofficial start of summer in the Lehigh Valley, bringing with it fireworks, sizzling barbecue and the joy that comes with spending time with family and friends.
The warmer weather begs the question: “Where are we getting ice cream tonight?”
Luckily, The Great American Getaway knows just where to go.
Back for its seventh year, Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail is a summerlong ice cream excursion featuring nearly 40 dairy farms and ice cream shops across the state.
Launched in 2018, the trail is a joint effort between the state Agriculture Department, the Department of Community and Economic Development's tourism office and the Center for Dairy Excellence.
It's a way to encourage folks to both support small businesses and learn more about the dairy industry — all whilst enjoying a sweet treat.
“This year's trail will take visitors all across the commonwealth and is a great way to spend time with friends and family this summer,” DCED Executive Deputy Secretary Mike Hanna Jr. said in a release.
This comes on the heels of the Shapiro Administration launching The Great American Getaway, the commonwealth's new tourism slogan.
Familiar faces, local farms
For those who want to turn Scooped into a road trip, there are stops as far west as Pittsburgh and as far east as the Philadelphia suburbs.
There are three stops for those who want to stick close to home, too.
Down the road from the Trexler Nature Preserve is Crystal Spring Farm, a fourth-generation dairy farm offering a variety of sundaes, milkshakes and fruit smoothies.
Ice cream is served year-round, but during the summer months (and the Ice Cream Trail) hours are extended until 6 p.m. daily.
Also featured is Klein Farms Dairy and Creamery, off Route 33 in Forks Township.
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Klein Farms offers multiple mainstay and seasonal flavors for guests to enjoy.
Next stop...Batch!
New to the trail this year is Batch Microcreamery, which has locations in Center Valley, Allentown and (soon) Bethlehem.
It's the newest Lehigh Valley location to be featured, and owner Manny Rodriguez could not be more excited.
“This means so much, more so due to the fact that it gives back to the dairy industry,” said Rodriguez, who partners with nearby Leiby's Dairy in Tamaqua to get milk and cream for the store's many homemade desserts.
“It will really show people what PA is all about.”
Ready, set, scoop
Those who wish to participate can plan their trips can learn about participating businesses and sign up for free at VisitPa.com/Scooped.
Dedicated dairy lovers can rack up “points” by visiting multiple locations. “Points” can mean prizes- including an ice cream scooper by visiting five stops, or a T-shirt by visiting 10 stops.
Happy scooping!
