To celebrate National Ice Cream Month, TourismOhio is inviting Ohioans to grab a cone, bowl, or treat at one of the more than 50 stops along the newly expanded Ohio Ice Cream Trail.
“When Fran and I travel the state with our kids and grandkids, we will go out of our way for locally made ice cream because it’s something you simply won’t get anywhere else,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “We’ve been going to Young’s Jersey Dairy near our home in Greene County since we were teenagers, and it certainly is one of our favorites, but no matter what ice cream shop you visit along the trail, it’s going to be delicious.”
Round Hill Dairy joins family-owned shops and nationally recognized chains on the Ice Cream Trail. The trail is available online and for download at Ohio.org.
“The Ohio Ice Cream Trail is a fun and unique way to explore the state and support our communities,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development which oversees the TourismOhio office. “The Trail truly shows that we’re the heart of it all, bringing together our state’s rich agricultural heritage, culinary culture, manufacturing innovation, and support for small businesses.”
The Ohio Ice Cream Trail first launched in 2018 with 15 stops. In 2019, TourismOhio added an additional five stops from the results of a reader survey. Responding to growing popularity, the trail was expanded this year to include 54 stops, now including Mount Vernon favorite, Round Hill Dairy.
The 34 additional stops highlight the wide variety of options available to travelers wishing to indulge no matter where they are in the state. TourismOhio partnered with local and county convention and visitors’ bureaus to ensure all of Ohio’s geographic regions—from big cities to charming towns—were represented. Shops serving Made-in-Ohio ice cream and those with a significant, longstanding economic presence were given priority.
“Wherever your Ohio adventure leads, a scoop of Made in Ohio ice cream is the ultimate cherry on top of an unforgettable summer,” said state tourism director Sarah Wickham. “Our goal in expanding the Ohio Ice Cream Trail was to highlight the vast diversity of Ohio’s ice cream offerings. Collaborating with our local partners allowed us to have the inside scoop on the hometown favorites from across the state. So, grab a cone and let the good times (and scoops) roll. In fact, make it two scoops - you've earned it!”
Round Hill Dairy was re-established by Tyler McCann and Johnny Curtis. Their mission was clear yet ambitious, ensure Mount Vernon, Ohio had a great place to enjoy a premium ice cream all while following in the footsteps of Henry and Alice Curtis legacy as dairy producers. Their mission soon became a reality and Round Hill Dairy is known as the best ice cream shop in Knox County.
“The summer months offer a lot to our community and visitors,” said Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau Marketing Manager, Olivia Toth. “Whether you’re in town for a show, a ride on the trails or downtown shopping, your adventure isn’t quite complete without a stop to Round Hill [Dairy]. Tyler and his team are active partners in the community, who serve up smiles and quality ice cream. We are so excited to have them highlighted on the Ohio Ice Cream Trail.”
