Bonkey's Ice Cream & Snoballs

For anyone in New Freedom, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding southern York County region, the arrival of warm weather signals one thing: it’s time for a visit to Bonkey's Ice Cream & Snoballs. Located at 28 E Franklin St, this beloved establishment has firmly cemented itself as a true summer staple in the community. More than just an ice cream shop, Bonkey's offers a delightful array of frozen treats that capture the essence of summer fun, from incredibly varied ice cream flavors to refreshing snoballs.

Bonkey's stands out not only for its delicious offerings but also for its welcoming atmosphere and prime location, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors exploring the area. Customers consistently praise the friendly employees and the quality of their products, which include hand-dipped ice cream, soft serve, and their famous, freshly made waffle cones. As a seasonal business, its return each spring is eagerly anticipated, marking the unofficial start of the warmer months in New Freedom. This article will provide an in-depth look at Bonkey's Ice Cream & Snoballs, detailing its convenient location, the tempting services it offers, unique features, and essential contact information, helping locals understand why this place is a cherished part of their community.

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Bonkey's Ice Cream & Snoballs is ideally situated at 28 E Franklin St, New Freedom, PA 17349, USA. This address places it right in the heart of downtown New Freedom, a charming borough in southern York County, Pennsylvania. Its location on East Franklin Street ensures excellent visibility and easy accessibility for residents of New Freedom and the numerous visitors drawn to the area's attractions.

A significant highlight of Bonkey's location is its proximity to the NCR Trail (Northern Central Railway Trail). As one customer noted, it’s "just a short walk from the NCR Trail." This makes Bonkey's a perfect stop for cyclists, walkers, and runners who are enjoying the scenic trail, offering a refreshing break and a sweet reward for their outdoor activities. Its central position also means it's "close to other restaurants," creating a convenient hub for a complete outing. While specific parking details aren't provided in the reviews, its downtown location typically suggests a mix of street parking or nearby small lots that cater to local businesses. The easy walkability for trail-users and its integration into the local downtown area make Bonkey's a highly accessible and popular destination for both planned visits and spontaneous stops. Its presence enhances the overall appeal and convenience of New Freedom's vibrant community.

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Bonkey's Ice Cream & Snoballs offers a delightful array of frozen treats designed to satisfy any sweet craving, particularly during the warmer months. Their menu is built around two primary types of confections, along with custom options:

• Homemade Hand-Dipped Ice Cream: This is a major draw, with customers praising the quality. Bonkey's proudly states they make "homemade small batch ice cream fresh by our family every single day," often moving "From cow to cone in as little as 3 days!" They rotate through "about 25 flavors or more daily," offering a diverse selection that often surpasses "big chains." Flavors can range from classics like Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry to more unique options like Baklava, Bourbon Pineapple Molasses, Carrot Cake, Cinnamon Bun, Honeycomb, Lavender Lemon, Old Bay Caramel, and many more, ensuring there’s always something new to try.
• Soft Serve Ice Cream: For those who prefer the creamy swirl, Bonkey's also provides soft serve options. This caters to a wider range of preferences, ensuring all ice cream lovers find something to enjoy.
• Freshly Made Waffle Cones: A significant highlight mentioned by a weekly visitor is their "waffle cone. They're made there." The fresh, aromatic waffle cones significantly elevate the ice cream experience, providing a warm, crispy complement to the cold, creamy treat.
• Snoballs: Staying true to its name, Bonkey's also specializes in snoballs, a popular shaved ice treat. The company's history even traces back to selling snoballs in Baltimore in 1953, using homemade egg custard syrup. While specific flavors aren't detailed in the provided reviews, the "variety of snoball combinations" is a known feature of Bonkey's locations, offering a refreshing, icy alternative to ice cream.
• Various Serving Options: Customers can enjoy their ice cream in "cups, cones, milkshakes, sundaes and so much more!" This allows for customization of how each treat is enjoyed.
• Catering Services: Bonkey's offers catering for events such as parties, weddings, or get-togethers, making their delicious treats available for larger gatherings. Inquiries can be made via email.
• Merchandise & Gift Cards: They also sell merchandise, such as 2025 T-Shirts, and gift cards, perfect for sharing the Bonkey's experience with others.

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Bonkey's Ice Cream & Snoballs in New Freedom is celebrated for several distinctive features and highlights that make it a cherished local destination:

• Authentic Homemade Ice Cream: The cornerstone of Bonkey's appeal is their commitment to "homemade small batch ice cream made fresh by our family every single day." This dedication to quality and freshness is evident in the taste and wide array of flavors, which customers praise as "better than big chains." This focus on artisanal, in-house production provides a superior product that resonates deeply with patrons.
• Freshly Made Waffle Cones: A particular highlight mentioned by a loyal customer is that "waffle cones. They're made there." The aroma and taste of a freshly baked waffle cone add an extra layer of enjoyment and quality to the ice cream experience, setting Bonkey's apart.
• Extensive Flavor Variety: With "about 25 flavors or more daily" of hand-dipped ice cream, Bonkey's offers an impressive and constantly rotating selection. This variety ensures that every visit can bring a new discovery, from classic favorites to unique, adventurous combinations.
• Refreshing Snoballs: Beyond ice cream, their heritage in snoballs (dating back to 1953 with homemade syrups) provides a distinct and refreshing alternative, especially popular on hot days. This dual offering expands their appeal to a wider audience.
• Friendly and Consistent Service: Customers consistently commend the "friendly" employees and the positive service experience. While not explicitly detailed for this location, a consistent track record of friendly service is a hallmark of a successful local business.
• Prime Location near NCR Trail: Its strategic spot "close to other restaurants and just a short walk from the NCR Trail" makes it an ideal refreshment stop for outdoor enthusiasts and those enjoying downtown New Freedom. This accessibility significantly enhances its appeal as a convenient and enjoyable destination.
• Seasonal Operation as a Summer Staple: Described as a "summer staple," Bonkey's seasonal operation builds anticipation for its opening each spring. This contributes to its unique charm and makes visits feel like a special part of the warmer months in New Freedom.
• Family-Owned and Operated: Bonkey's has a rich history as a family venture dating back to 1953, starting with snoballs and evolving into ice cream. This long-standing family tradition likely contributes to its warm, community-oriented feel.

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While the provided information for this specific Bonkey's Ice Cream & Snoballs location at 28 E Franklin St, New Freedom, PA 17349, USA, does not include a phone number, it is common for such local seasonal businesses to primarily rely on in-person visits during operating hours.

For general inquiries, especially regarding specific flavors of the day, catering services, or current operating hours, it's often best to visit their official website or social media pages, which typically provide the most up-to-date information for all their locations. For the New Freedom location, direct contact information like a phone number is not publicly available in the provided data.

Address: 28 E Franklin St, New Freedom, PA 17349, USA

For catering inquiries, a general email address for Bonkey's is typically available on their main website: eventsbonkeys@gmail.com.

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For the residents of New Freedom, Pennsylvania, Bonkey's Ice Cream & Snoballs is far more than just a place to get dessert; it's a quintessential local establishment that perfectly encapsulates the joy of warmer months and community spirit. Its suitability for locals is multifaceted, beginning with its core offering of genuinely "homemade small batch ice cream." This dedication to crafting fresh, high-quality ice cream with a constantly rotating selection of unique flavors ensures that every visit is a delightful culinary adventure, offering tastes "better than big chains." The addition of freshly made waffle cones further elevates the experience, providing a superior product that discerning local palates appreciate.

Beyond the delicious treats, Bonkey's strategic location is a significant draw. Being "just a short walk from the NCR Trail" positions it as an ideal refreshment stop for active individuals and families enjoying the outdoors. Its proximity to other local restaurants also makes it a convenient and natural extension of a dining experience in downtown New Freedom, fostering a vibrant local economy. The reputation for "friendly" employees contributes to a welcoming and positive atmosphere, making each visit a pleasant interaction that builds community rapport.

Furthermore, as a "summer staple" that closes for the winter, Bonkey's creates a sense of anticipation and seasonal tradition. Its opening marks the return of outdoor enjoyment and sweet indulgence, becoming a cherished part of the local rhythm of life. It’s a place where families can create lasting memories, where friends can gather for a refreshing treat, and where the simple pleasure of an ice cream cone truly enhances the quality of life in New Freedom. For all these reasons, Bonkey's Ice Cream & Snoballs is not just suitable but essential for locals seeking quality, community, and delicious frozen delights.

Bonkey's Ice Cream & Snoballs

28 E Franklin St, New Freedom, PA 17349, USA