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MAY 2015 • BACKROADS
tHe fraNkliN foUNtaiN 116 MARKET ST PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 215-627-1899 WWW.FRANKLINFOUNTAIN.COM What do antiques, Benjamin Franklin and ice cream have in common? These are the base layers in the formation of the Franklin Fountain. As the sign reads under the portrait of Dr. Franklin: “The Franklin Fountain aims to serve an experience steeped in ideals, drizzled with drollery, and sprinkled with the forgotten flavors of the American past.” Having visited the establishment and tasted the Berley Brothers creation, I can attest that they have accomplished their goal. Back in the early 2000’s, Eric and Ryan Berley took a turn-of-the-century building that sits in the heart of Old City in Philadelphia and brought forth a gem of an authentic, old-fashioned ice cream parlor and soda fountain, complete with tin walls and ceilings and original porcelain mosaic floors. Walking up to No. 116 on Market Street, you will see the retro signage and outside seating, even in the still winterlike temperatures of early spring. And so it was when I paid a visit to this wonderful throwback. I could
see that, once the weather cooperated, the rope set up outside to filter ice cream lovers in was more than necessary. While there are tables for inside enjoyment, they are few in number so getting your frosty treat and meandering to the nearby Penn’s Landing is a good suggestion. But I get ahead of myself. Let’s talk dairy overload first. Stepping in to this beautifully renovated space, you’ll encounter the ‘HALT. Order Here’ sign. Give yourself some time, as the Franklin Fountain menu is 22 pages, and you’ll want to see every page before making your decision. Beginning with the sundaes and heading back to sodas, if you can’t find something that tickles your fancy here, there is something seriously wrong. Even those lactose-intolerant and vegan (what the heck are you doing in an ice cream shop) are considered. All their fine flavors, as well as their toppings, are made in-house from scratch recipes. Milk and cream are from grass-fed cows who happily live on a local 1920s family dairy, nuts are freshly roasted in South Philly, chocolate is from Wilbur’s of Lititz, PA and their rooftop apiary and herb garden supply the honey and spice ingredients. That said, you can have your basic vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, step it up a notch with mint chocolate chip (white peppermint, bittersweet chocolate, crème de menthe), rum raisan (Jamaican rum and organic jumbo raisans) or run wild with Whirly Berley (chocolate with nougat, salted caramel, cocoa nibs), Green Tea (light and savory, organic Chinese Matcha) or Teaberry Gum (exactly as you remember the gum). There are seasonal fla-
Quoddy Head Station B&B Lubec, Maine
See the Sunrise First
Quoddy Head Station is located on West Quoddy Head in Downeast Maine in the historic seafaring town of Lubec. It's adjacent to Quoddy State Park with a 5 minute walk to West Quoddy Light. For a Romantic Getaway or Group Outing, Quoddy Head Station is a perfect destination for your next motorcycle trip. 8 private units — 5-bedroom Station House, Keepers Cottage, the Cabin and 4 Lodge apartments.
Visit our website for more details www.quoddyvacation.com Call Bill Clark for reservations 877-535-4714 info@quoddyvacation.com