We didn’t come to Georgia for the peaches! We came for Leopold’s ice cream. When we heard that Leopold’s was one of the top ten ice creams in the world, we knew we had to try it. The ice cream shop is situated in the Historic district very close to Savannah College of Art and Design. Arriving around 9 PM, we thought we would miss the epic lines that often plague Leopold’s. Driving pass the shop, we could see the line wound down the block. We almost decided to skip it but we thought we have traveled 822 miles so far, we should at least give it a try! Once we were situated in line, the excitement began to build.
Leopold’s Ice Cream was founded in 1919 by three brothers from Greece. After learning candy making, they applied their skills to their ice cream shop. Their original shop was opened to the public on a busy corner street where two street cars intersected. This was the time when ice cream shops were called soda fountains and you were served by a soda jerk wearing a button down shirt with a black bow tie.
photo credit: Leopold's
Since 1919, one flavor has been a continual favorite is called Tutti Frutti. It is a creamy Rum ice cream with candied fruit and Georgia pecans. The menu is considerate with labels such a Vegan and Gluten free. There are also two flavors of vegan ice cream on the menu. Today, the ice cream is so iconic, it has been mentioned in many literary works which the shop features as you walk in the door.
Shortly after we arrived, a stout man with an apron and white cloth cap came through the lines passing out menus and water. The line went quickly as we discussed what flavor ice cream we would choose. Special flavors for February included Rose Petal Cream, Strawberry Shortcake, and Chocolate Raspberry Swirl.
photo credit: @dallaseatmore
After much debate, I chose Savannah Socialite featuring milk and dark chocolate ice creams with Georgia pecans and bourbon caramel swirls! The boys chose Mint Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Chip. My least favorite ice cream is Mint Chocolate Chip but this rendition was out of this world! If you could chew ice cream, this would be the closest thing to it! It’s that thick and creamy. I kept wondering with each bite what is their secret ingredients. With their Greek heritage, my mind wandered to the thickness of Greek yogurts. Is their some method that they applied similar to how Greek yogurt is made to create that rich, creamy texture? We may never know but we will enjoy all the same! Yum!
And that is what I call a quick bite! All gone!
If you go, parking is street parking which can be tricky but we found a spot easily. Street parking is free after 8 pm so that is an added perk to going at night. The area felt very safe and filled with lots of pedestrians from tourists, theatre goers, and college students. Its a fun part of town!
WHAT: Leopold’s Ice Cream
WHERE : 212 E. Broughton St. Savannah, GA (912) 234-4442
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