Top Slushies Near Philadelphia
When the heat becomes so relentless and extreme that a brain freeze is an acceptable aftermath, you know it's time to start your quest for that liquid ice. A slushy is not just a tasty treat, it can be your summer savior. Sure, you can play it straight and grab a quick blast from a local convenience chain. But you're in Philly, show your phlair. Here are a few chilling options that will surely bring about an eye-watering cranial ice age if guzzled too fast. Drink with caution, but savor every crystal.
The Franklin Fountain
116 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-1899
www.franklinfountain.com
Located in the heart of the city in a beautiful, turn-of-the-century building that used to offer a rather titillating assortment of PG-13 (and up) baked goods now resides an authentic ice cream parlor. A step into The Franklin Fountain is a journey back in time. Old-fashioned is the new du jour in this wonderfully nostalgic total immersion ice cream shoppe. If you're looking to see what magic tastes like, try The Franklin Freeze (Blueberry). It's an icy elixir of delight utilizing Raspberry Sorbet, Blueberry Ice Cream and Lime Ade. Old school cool.
Petrucci's Dairy Barn
2863 Knights Road
Bensalem, PA 19020
(215) 638-1170
www.Petruccis.com
Sometimes, all you need is the cold satisfaction of a frozen treat; the bells and whistles can wait for another day. You want your whirled beverage now, and the bigger, the better. That's why there's Petrucci's Dairy Barn. You stroll up to the window and order your Cool Smoothie, which is priced for one but large enough for two, and kablam! Instant gratification. With 50 soft serve flavors to choose from and over 20 ices to blend in, you have hundreds of reasons, like the chocolate banana praline, to return every day, all summer long.
Related: Top Philadelphia Ice Cream Shops
Philly Flavors
2004 Fairmount Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 232-7748
www.phillyflavors.com
It's a particularly sweltering afternoon, you're trekking through the city and you feel that oppressive weight of a fireball upon your shoulders as your brow starts to glisten. Suddenly, you fear for the safety of your shirt, specifically around the armpit region. Just when all seems lost, that blue and white awning of Philly Flavors appears in the distance, shimmering in the heat haze like some sort of a mirage. But it is a true oasis and you know you need a Slammer -- up to two flavors of ice blended with skim milk or special cream.
Pop's Italian Ice
1337 Oregon Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 551-7677
www.popsice.com
The history of yummy ice treats allegedly began in ancient Rome, when the fastest runners of the day were tasked with sprinting to the top of the mountain to gather snow for the emperor. Fruits and honey were mixed in with nature's slushy to make the first flavored ice. The history of Pop's Italian Ice goes back to the summer of 1932 when Filippo "Pop" Italiano first began peddling frozen goodness via his pushcart in South Philly. Today, nature has been perfected in Pop's delicious Gelati Shakes. The whirled Piña Colada Cream goes down with a divine ease that is worthy of royalty.
The Zebra-Striped Whale
12 South State St.
Newtown, PA 18940
(215) 860-4122
www.zebrastripedwhale.com
The Zebra-Striped Whale is a family-owned, gourmet treatery that creates flavorful masterpieces utilizing a remarkably expansive array of delectable ingredients. The establishment's vibrant name comes from a children's picture book entitled, "The Zebra-Striped Whale With The Polka-Dot Tail," that was written and illustrated by founder Shari Faden Donahue. Besides Wi-Fi, the Zebra-Striped Whale offers monthly exhibits by local artists and a children's picture book library. But the irresistible artisan slushy-like beverage that will delight you straight down to your tail is the Sorbet Sparkler, which includes non-dairy lemon sorbet and raspberries mixed with apple juice. An enchanting surprise party that offers chills of pure flavor.
Allen Foster, a lifelong Greater Philadelphia resident, has been writing about all those wonderful things that make us feel so alive for over 20 years. He approaches each day as an adventure, eager to discover what new and vibrant surprises await just around life's corner. You can see his work on Examiner.com.
