Celebrating National Ice Cream Month in Pittsburgh! #LovePgh

“Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime.” John Lewis

Girl Enjoying an Ice Cream Cone at Heinz Theater

Visit Pittsburgh is trying to portray everything this city has to offer, which is considerable. That said, when I was initially asked to highlight event locations in Pittsburgh, I paused. I wondered how I could highlight fun places and frivolity in the midst of a pandemic, when people are marching for social justice in the streets, and when we suffered the loss of two civil rights leaders--most notably John Lewis. I wondered how I could promote something as lighthearted as "ice cream".

And then, I read the above quote from John Lewis and decided that in these uncertain times, the consistency and sweetness of ice cream might be what we all need. Because, let's all be honest. The coronavirus is the only thing balling out of control this summer. The rest of us are doing some version of sheltering in place, mask wearing with friends and missing out on our favorite summer pass times like fireworks and the Three Rivers Arts Festival.

Three Rivers Arts Festival #memories

The time is perfect for this post because we need something to celebrate and July is National Ice Cream Month! And while it seems like there has been a recent flurry of "internet holidays", it turns out National Ice Cream Month is actually the result of a presidential declaration! Indeed, in 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. So, in honor of National Ice Cream month I'd like to highlight two of Pittsburgh's best ice cream shops and share my kids' love of this frozen piece of heaven.

Now Is the Time to Enjoy An Ice Cream Cone

With the coronavirus rates rising, Lots of families are staying local. Despite those fears, we still want to escape the heat and have a fun summer. One way to do that is to enjoy some local treats. And nothing says treat and summer like ice cream.

And, a good friend has said, "I cannot see someone with an ice cream cone without getting one." So, hopefully, this post helps you crave an ice cream and motivates you to get one!

Happy Day Dessert Factory

Happy Day Dessert Factory Makes Kids Smile!

Nothing makes my daughter smile like an ice cream cone. Fortunately for us some of the most delicious homemade ice cream you'll ever find is made right in Pittsburgh, Pa. at Happy Day Dessert Factory. It's a brand new place, on the North Side , that is owned by a young African American. The place has a great story and was recently profiled in Pittsburgh Magazine. To read more about the shop, click here.

At Happy Day Dessert Factory

One of the coolest things about supporting this ice cream parlor is that you are supporting the transformation of Pittsburgh. There are not a lot of businesses created and operated by African-American entrepreneurs here, let alone young ones. Yet this is the REAL DEAL. The company has a great story combined with a great product. I want it to succeed with everything in me.

Also, if you decide to visit this great dessert factory let me know. We live around the corner and would love to meet you there!

Klayvon's

And let's talk about this heat! We lack central air conditioning. So, we are always seeking a way to cool off. What is more perfect on a hot summer day than an ice cream cone at an ice cream parlor?! Also, there is nothing more nostalgic than a true ice cream parlor. Just being there makes the ice cream taste even better! Klayvon is one of the best ice cream parlors I’ve ever visited.

At Klayvon's

Our daughter has a major sweet tooth and nothing makes her smile like a trip to Klayvon's. In the back of the parlor, they have an area that is designed for kids. There's a kids themed table, that is low, and allows the littles to sit down and pretend they are there on a date by themselves! For photos of our visit, click here.

Klayvon's

They serve sundaes, floats, and of course, ice cream in a cup or cone. However, they try to make the vice as nostalgic as possible and also serve old fashioned candy. Sitting there makes you feel like you were taken in a time machine to a simpler time--before pandemics disrupted our lives and you could get a gum ball for a penny. The only way to know what it's like is to experience it. So, like my college roommate would say, "Get yourself SOME!"

Gus and Yia Yias

Waiting to get an ice ball

If you want a smile and a sweet icy confection, head to the North Side to get an ice ball from Gus and Yia Yia's, which is located next to the tennis courts in West Park. While they don't serve ice cream, they deserve an honorable mention in any summer dessert post.

Usually, Gus and Yia Yia's begins to sell its products on the series opener of the Pirates, but this year things were different. Coronavirus and the quarantine delayed their opening.

We have lived on the North Side for my kids' entire lives and Gus and Yia Yia's is a summer staple. When we visit we always get a warm smile and a word of encouragement in addition to a dessert. The energy they dole out is worth a lot more than the confections they serve. Paying a visit make my entire day better. And as you can see, the kids LOVE IT! Also, considering they've been at it nearly 90 years (it's been passed down through the family), it is quite possible that they invented the food truck! So, I always feel like I'm a part of history when I go there. I encourage you to pay the truck a visit, it is as much a part of Pittsburgh as anything!

So, even though you may not be able to make sense of the world right now, don't despair. Instead, seek out ways to enjoy your days and bless your families. Creating beautiful memories is a truly a blessing. Remember, it is okay to forget your troubles for awhile and enjoy some ice cream!