Ice cream parlors have a long history in America and when the weather heats up so does their love affair with the sweet treat. The first ice cream parlor opened in New York City in 1776 and although ice cream itself was invented in a foreign land American colonists were the first to use the term “ice cream.” Grab a spoon and dive into one of Orange County’s top parlors serving Italian gelatos, French sorbets or traditional Americana shakes, malts and sundaes.

Locations also in Santa Clarita, Rancho Cucamonga, and Brea

Take a step back in time, about a hundred years when servers wore pinstriped vests, old-fashioned ties, and cane hats. Farrell’s has brought back the traditional ice cream parlor with newspaper type menus, old-fashioned candies and delicious ice cream.

May is Military Appreciation Month at Farrell’s. Every year, Farrell’s thanks those who serve in the armed forces by treating them to a free Red White and Blue Thank You Sundae. Just show your valid Military I.D. at any Southern California Farrell. Guests can purchase this amazing sundae with vanilla ice-cream, strawberries and blueberries for $6.99

You know ice-cream is good when a milk man creates the recipe. This frozen custard parlor may be new to Southern California but the company has been dishing out the yummy dessert since 1936. Owner Bill Strickland a milk-man in Akron, Ohio developed a rich recipe of cream, eggs, sugar and other ingredients and placed them into a special machine he discovered that would quickly freeze the ice cream, while limiting the air whipped into the product. The result was Strickland’s award-winning frozen custard.

Strickland’s has a Flavor of the Day concept. They believe ice cream tastes best when it’s fresh, so Strickland’s serves only three or four flavors each day. The fresh, deliciously different homemade ice cream is hand-dipped using antique, conical dippers, giving the cones and sundaes a distinctive appearance.

Gelaterias (gelato shops) are found on almost every street corner in Italy. These shops are a place where people gather, relax and connect with friends and family to savor a bit of the sweet life in a dessert.

The owners of Gelato Paradiso brought to Laguna Beach secret Sicilian recipes and imported much of their Italian décor in efforts to provide the coastal community the most authentic Italian gelateria possible. Guests are often heard shouting Mama Mia after their first bite at Gelato Paradiso.

Those seeking a dairy free alternative to ice cream will love the sorbettos, which use only the freshest seasonal fruits and local ingredients.

Sip on one of Orange County’s best tasting milkshakes while enjoying unobstructed panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The little yellow beach house has been dishing out ice cream for more than 40 years. Perched on the top of the cliffs above Chrystal Cove this is a-must stop for those driving along the Coastal Highway. Try one of the following amazing flavors like, mixed berry, coffee, banana, Oreo, strawberry, pina colada, peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie dough.

Hans’ Homemade Ice Cream

3640 S. Bristol St.
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 979-8815

Ice cream fans seeking an authentic old fashion parlor need to stop in at Han’s before or after their shopping excursion at the mall. For more than 40 years, this shop, which is located in a shopping center near South Coast Plaza, has been churning house-made thick rich and creamy ice cream. The parlor continues to maintain its original Swenson décor and they don’t have a website.

The owner Hans Biermann broke away from Swenson after the first 18 years when the Swenson Franchise chose to serve factory made ice cream. Biermann stayed true to his roots and his family pitched in determining to only serve homemade ice cream with fresh ingredients. Children of all ages (that includes mom and dad) will enjoy peeking in the window to see the ice-cream making process.

Buyer beware: Cash only, no credit cards accepted!