America’s Oldest Ice Cream Shop Is Right Here In Pennsylvania
Ice cream has been one of America’s favorite treats for generations. And, while the Chinese are believed to have invented the first ice cream way back in 3000 BC, America’s oldest ice cream shop, Bassetts Ice Cream, happens to be right here in Pennsylvania.
Founder Lewis Dubois Bassett started making his own ice cream in the backyard of his New Jersey home back in 1861. In 1885 Bassetts Ice Cream Shop officially opened in Philadelphia (pictured below).
By the mid 1930s, the family run business began its long history of shipping Bassetts ice cream. Its first shipment successfully went to the American Embassy in Tokyo.
Ice cream fans can choose from an assortment of dozens of flavors, including banana, mocha chip, and vanilla fudge. Bassetts also serves sorbet (raspberry, lemon, and orange).
Or, try one of Bassetts old-fashioned milkshakes or one of its specialty ice creams, such as the vanilla ice cream bar, vanilla ice cream sandwich, or caramel and sea salt vanilla ice cream bar.
During its 155 year history, Bassetts Ice Cream has expanded, with ice cream parlors located throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, and Virginia.
Craving Bassetts Ice Cream but not in one of the states with an ice cream parlor? Bassetts delivers gift baskets with six pints of your favorite flavors.
Visit Bassetts Ice Cream at Reading Market Terminal Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1136 Arch Street, Unit 404
Reading Terminal Market
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-925-4315
Pennsylvania lays claim to some pretty impressive stats: oldest ice cream shop, first Ferris Wheel, first bifocals (invented by Benjamin Franklin) and…click here to read more.
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