Food

ICE CREAM ROUNDUP

Chocolate ice cream in a glass dish with sprinkles, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.
Published on
April 30, 2024

If there’s one thing Hanover residents love as much as our snacks, it’s definitely ice cream! With summer in full-swing, we thought now as good a time as any to share our round-up of the top ice cream spots in Snack Town, USA.

Ben & Scooter’s | 1767 Baltimore Pike | (717) 476-7436
Located in a bowling alley parking lot, Ben & Scooter’s may look humble, but their desserts are certainly not! Serving ice cream, snowballs, and more, Ben & Scooters is a local favorite that boasts a long line nearly every night in the summer. We recommend trying a parfait or a lollipop: a snowball and ice cream combined into one tasty treat!

The Big Chill | 414 Broadway | (717) 632-6939
Known for their shaved ice (over 100 flavors!), the Big Chill also serves both soft and hard ice creams. Grab a banana split, brownie sundae, flurry, or milkshake to-go!

Big Dipper’s |2135 Baltimore Pike | (717) 968-0678
Enjoy 32 flavors of traditional ice cream, 19 flavors of soft serve ice cream, and over 100 awesome flavors of Hawaiian Shaved Ice as you listen to 1950's music and enjoy the 1950's memorabilia.  

Bruster’s of Hanover | 1035 George St., Hanover | (717) 646-9333
Bruster’s Ice Cream is made” the old-fashioned way” from ingredients that are slow kettle processed. Their small artisan batches are made daily and include then 150 flavors (although not all are available at the same time). Bruster’s also makes their own handmade waffle cones, sundaes, candy-filled blasts, and thick milkshakes. They even have a drive-through window for those nights when you want to stay in your car!

Dough and Arrows | 1452 Baltimore St. | (717) 969-8481
Penn State Fan? Get a scoop of Penn State Berkey Creamery Ice Cream and pair it with Dough and Arrows’ many flavors of edible cookie dough to make your own tasty dessert!

Half Pint Creamery | 5705 Hanover Rd.| (717) 634-5459
Half-pint is truly a local favorite in South-Central PA. With hand-made waffle cones and 36 flavors available each day, your family is sure to happiness at Half Pint. Seasonal flavors include Cadbury Egg (spring), Bayside Bait (Summer), and Cinnamon Roll (Fall). Want to add some sparkle to your dessert? Half Pint carries sparkle dust that will make your cone totally Instagram-worthy.

Paleteria Y Neveria Tocumbo | 1000 Carlisle St. | (717) 688-8632
Featuring unique Mexican ice creams, popsicles, ices, and more, Paleteria Y Neveria Tocumbo is a destination you don't want to miss. Try unique flavors of ice cream like cheese, corn, and mamey–all are delicious and refreshing!

Pretzel Pizza Cafe' & Creamery | 28 Frederick St. | (717) 969-2125
Take your pick of dozens of flavors of Hershey’s hand-dipped ice creams, sundaes, floats, and more at this downtown dessert spot. Locals love the teaberry ice cream.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard | 110 Hickory Ln. | (717) 632-9907
Rita’s may be known for their Italian Ice, but they also have delicious custard as well. Check out this location at Hickory Falls—they serve all your favorites and even offer mini golf, go-carts, and laser tag!

Sweet Frog | 141 Wilson Ave. | (717) 630-0630
A family favorite, Sweet Frog carries soft-serve frozen yogurt and sorbet in dozens of flavor combinations. Toppings include fresh fruit, candy, and more!

Tropical Treat | 2279 Carlisle Pike | (717) 632-3977
This 1950’s drive in is a Hanover hot spot during the summer! Serving yummy food as well as ice cream, Tropical Treat is a must if you are in Hanover. While they only have three flavors of ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, and raspberry), they have a huge variety of other desserts including, 16 ice cream sundaes, 7 boats, 5 parfaits, 4 sodas, 10 shakes, and 4 floats.

York Street Treat | 881 York St. | (717) 637-4165
Open year-round, York Street Treat offers a huge ice cream menu. They have 15 different sundaes, 17 milkshakes, and 21 flurries. We highly recommend the raspberry soft serve—it’s delicious! There’s usually a long line here in the summer, but we promise, it’s worth the wait!

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Plan Your Hanover Adventure

Discover the best of Hanover, Pennsylvania

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about dietary options, reservation policies, and hours of operation.

What are the top attractions to visit in Hanover?

Visitors often inquire about the Hanover Historic District, which is known for its over 2600 mid-19th to mid-20th-century buildings.

Are there guided tours available in Hanover?

In Hanover, Pennsylvania, history enthusiasts can enjoy a journey through time with visits to the Hanover Area Historical Society Museum, which showcases the town’s rich past; the Warehime-Myers Mansion, a beautifully preserved example of early 20th-century architecture; and the Neas House, one of the oldest surviving structures in Hanover, offering a glimpse into the life of the 18th-century Pennsylvania German settlers. These historical landmarks provide a captivating window into Hanover’s heritage and are a must-visit for those looking to experience the town’s historical charm.

Can visitors engage in any unique local activities?

In addition to Codorus State Park and Hickory Falls, Hanover is also known for the Snack Town Street Fair, a vibrant festival celebrating the town’s snack food heritage with craft vendors, food, and entertainment, created in partnership between the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce and Utz Brands

What historical experiences can one have in Hanover?

Hanover provides a rich historical experience with tours like the Civil War Ghosts of Gettysburg Tour and the Spirits of Jennie Wade Ghost Night Tour in nearby Gettysburg.

What is Hanover known for?

Hanover, Pennsylvania, is renowned as the Snack Food Capital of the World, home to iconic brands like Utz Quality Foods and Snyder’s of Hanover, which are part of the Campbell Snacks portfolio.                              

Where can I grab a drink?

Dolphin & Anchor Pub: Located in the heart of Hanover, they offer traditional beer styles with a twist.

Sign of the Horse Brewery: A contemporary brewery catering to craft brew enthusiasts with a range of house taps.

Fat Bat Brewing Company: A local brewery started by a beer-loving brother and sister team, known for their craft beer selections.

Iron Lion: A place where you can enjoy a selection of craft beers in a market setting1.

Where can I get a map of Hanover?

The Borough office at 44 Frederick St, Hanover has everything you will need to find your way around Hanover.