The history of the Baltimore snowball can be traced back to the early 1900s, when blocks of ice were delivered to homes and businesses. Children would shave the ice and add homemade syrup to create a refreshing treat. As time went on, street vendors started selling snowballs from pushcarts, and the rest is history.
Today, the Baltimore snowball is a summertime staple, and three stands stand out as some of the best in the city. Here are my top three snowball stands in Baltimore:
1. Ice Queens Snow Ball Shop
(Photo by Ice Queens Snow Ball Shop via their Facebook)
This Locust Point snowball shop is owned by a mother daughter duo. Ice Queens has been serving up delicious snowballs since 2013. With a menu of over 70 flavors, including sugar-free options, there's something for everyone. Some of their most popular flavors include blueberry, creamsicle, and pineapple.
2. Quality Snowballs
(Photo by Quality Snowballs via their Facebook)
Quality Snowballs is located in Hampden on 36th st. This is a traditional Baltimore Snowball stand by Hoopla Hospitality. They offer the Baltimore Classic Summertime Treat as well as Chef Created fun plays on recognizable desserts formed into SNOWBALLS!!
3. Walther Garden Snowball
This family-owned stand has been serving up snowballs since the 1960s. Located in Northeast Baltimore, their homemade syrups are the standout feature. Flavors like blackberry, coconut, and orange cream are customer favorites.
While these three stands are some of the best in Baltimore, there are countless others worth checking out. Whether you're a lifelong Baltimore resident or just visiting the city, trying a snowball is a must-do activity. Not only is it a delicious way to cool off on a hot day, but it's also a part of Baltimore's rich history and culture.