My tongue walked into a creamy winter wonderland with a 1908 soda shop feel. Franklin Fountain, a small "ice cream saloon" on the corner of Letitia and Market streets in Old City, flings you into a timeless vortex of sundaes, phosphates and ice cream sodas
The shop was opened a few years ago by Ryan and Eric Berley, two brothers who traveled across the country every year and compiled their ideas, along with those of the rest of their staff, to create the old-fashioned candies and goods supplied at the store.
Don't be afraid to ask the server to allow you to sample any or all of their ice cream flavors, which range from traditional rocky road to maple walnut and hydrox cookie. Teaberry gum, possibly their most original icy confection, has been described as containing a variety of flavors such as minty strawberry and Pepto Bismol. You can combine all your favorite flavors to make a sundae. For instance, owner Eric Berley whipped up a mean bowl of peach, eggnogg and coconut ice cream with almond syrup and berries, which I highly recommend for a flavor festival of soft, tarty richness. To wash down the creamy homemade ice cream, ask if Jeff is around to make you an ice cream soda from the oldest soda fountain in the country. Order the orgeat (almond) and vanilla flavoring with chocolate ice cream - it's his specialty. Just be sure to sip it up before it begins to fizz!
All the flavorings used for the drinks are natural syrups to match the unmistakable quality of the rest of the shop. All the ingredients are of the highest quality and have local origins to promote traditional suppliers. Although the shop manufactures its own waffle cones, the sugar and cake cones are manufactured by the oldest functioning companies in the area.
Between the welcoming staff, delicious flavors and comforting decor - which includes original tilework from a saloon that existed at the location in 1898 - this corner shoppe is a must for the spring that you are sure to return to time and time again.
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