The Sweetest Scoop: A Visit to Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

There’s something timeless about a good scoop of ice cream — especially when it’s made with the same care and joy as it was 80 years ago. And that’s exactly what you’ll find at

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream.

Born in the summer of 1945, Alice Handel started her little ice cream legacy right out of her backyard garden in Youngstown, Ohio. Using fruit she’d grown herself and recipes she’d perfected with love, she created something special — the kind of ice cream that makes you close your eyes on the first bite.

For forty years, Alice ran her neighborhood shop, one scoop at a time. When her 40th anniversary rolled around, the town celebrated her by renaming her street Handel’s Court — a small but heartfelt thank you for decades of joy.

Today, that same spirit lives on. Under the vision of Lenny Fisher, Handel’s has grown from a single parlor to more than 150 locations across 15 states.

But even with all that growth, each batch is still made by hand, on-site, and with the same dedication to flavor that Alice poured into her first batch in 1945.

Where We Visit

Our family has a few favorites — the cozy Carlsbad Village shop in California and the Gilbert and Queen Creek locations in Arizona.

Each one has that same familiar charm: the smell of fresh waffle cones, laughter in the air, and a line of happy faces waiting for a taste of something nostalgic.

Our Family Favorites

Everyone in our family has a “go-to” flavor — though I’ll admit, choosing just one is nearly impossible.

🍦 Graham Central Station – A family favorite that tastes like summer evenings and campfire stories.

🍌 Monkey Business – For the banana lovers among us (and yes, that’s me).

🫐 Blueberry Cobbler – Like pie and ice cream got married and lived happily ever after.

🥧 Banana Cream Pie – Smooth, creamy, and pure comfort in a cone.

🍓 Strawberry Cheesecake Chunk – A decadent treat that makes you want to skip dinner and head straight for dessert.

Handel’s Graham Central Station ice cream loaded with graham cracker, honeycomb, and chocolate rippl

Handel’s Banana Cream Pie ice cream featuring creamy banana flavor and swirls of whipped topping.

Scoops of Handel’s Blueberry Cobbler ice cream with rich blueberry ribbons and chunks of crumble.

Close-up of Handel’s Monkey Business ice cream — creamy banana base with chocolate swirls.

Strawberry Cheesecake Chunk ice cream from Handel’s with creamy cheesecake bites and strawberry ribb

Why We Love It

What makes Handel’s special isn’t just the ice cream (though it’s some of the best we’ve ever had). It’s the feeling — the tradition, the craftsmanship, and the joy of sharing something homemade.

Every scoop feels like a little celebration of community and care.

If you’re lucky enough to have a Handel’s near you, stop by.

Order two scoops, grab a napkin (trust me, you’ll need it), and take a little moment to savor what Alice started all those years ago — one sweet spoonful at a time.