HARRISBURG PA – “Scooped,” a state-wide trail of 59 Pennysylvania-preferred creameries that serve up some of the best ice cream you may ever taste, has officially opened for its ninth consecutive summer.
Creameries selected to be part of Scooped include working dairy farms, where visitors can meet the cows. It also presents artisan micro creameries that create bold, rotating – and occasionally unusual – ice cream flavors. Overall the collection, bigger than ever this year, offers a way to travel from point-to-point across the state and sample dairy goodness at every stop.
In southeastern Pennsylvania, the Scooped trail includes Merrymead Farms in Lansdale, the Creamery at Milky Way Farm in Chester Springs, and Hangry Bear Creamery in Kennett Square. Find all 59 Scooped participants using the state’s online map.
Sure, your tummy may eventually be stuffed from overindulgence. But there’s an economic upside, too. “Every scoop you enjoy on this trail is a direct investment in Pennsylvania’s farms and the communities that depend on them,” Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding says.
Pennsylvania is a national leader in dairy farms and production. Its 4,940 dairy farms and 468,000 cows produce an estimated 10 billion pounds of milk each year. That’s about 2,501 gallons per cow. “These farm families are up before dawn, working hard every day to bring fresh, local dairy to your cone,” Redding adds.
Top photo by Dana Devolk on Unsplash, used under license
Meet The Farmers, and Animals Too
Farmers say their presence on the Scooped trail can be a way for visitors to meet friendly farm animals, feed calves, and learn about the benefits of milk products, all while enjoying handcrafted ice cream made from the farm’s own herd.
The state’s “PA Preferred” program connects consumers with locally grown and produced products. It also supports farmers, processors, and agribusinesses that are important players in Pennsylvania’s economy, according to the state.
If you’re looking forward to traveling even part of the Scooped trail, take advantage of its digital passport. The state says it “rewards dedicated dairy lovers with points for every stop and purchase” made between June 4 and Sept. 7. Among the prizes are:
- A commemorative insulated bag, if you visit a total of six stops on the trail;
- An entry into a grand prize drawing for a Merrymead Farm Family Experience, and overnight stay at Normandy Farms, if you complete a total of 10 stops; and
- Both the insulated bag and a grand prize entry if you complete 16 stops.
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