SNOWBALLS
Snowballs or ice cream, ice cream or snowballs— it’ s a debate almost as old as Baltimore itself, and one its residents take very seriously. While our local vendors make their case below, we encourage you to hold your verdict until after the taste test. You may even want to try a couple flavors— for research purposes, of course.
SNOWBALLS
ICE QUEENS Located in Locust Point, this Black- and womanowned snowball stand is famous for its New Orleans-style shaved ice and vegan-friendly flavors. Owner Dasia Kavia is driven by a desire to spread joy and inspire other young entrepreneurs.“ It’ s so much fun to create flavor combinations and see people walk away with a smile,” she says.“ It’ s like being a kid all over again!” With more than 140 flavors to choose from, Kavia says it’ s impossible to pick a summer go-to:“ Everything is my favorite!” Instagram. com /_ icequeens
JUSTIN TSUCALAS
SHOP
QUALITY SNOWBALLS Ask Quality Snowballs co-owner Chad Gauss why he sells snowballs and he’ ll tell you they’ re Charm City staples:“ It’ s a great item that the whole community can enjoy for a reasonable price— every Baltimore neighborhood needs a snowball stand!” As for what flavor your first-ever snowball should be, Gauss says it’ s a no-brainer.“ Egg custard with marshmallow,” he says,“ because Baltimore does crab cakes, football and egg custard snowballs.” Instagram. com / qualitysnowballs
20 BALTIMORE. ORG
JUSTIN TSUCALAS
WALTHER GARDENS As the oldest snowball stand in the Baltimore region, Walther Gardens has had a lot of time to hone its craft. Owner Matthew Wittek happened upon the property in 2014 and has since committed himself to upholding the stand’ s legacy. His go-to summer flavor is pear, thanks to the fond memories he has of eating fresh pears with his neighbors as a child, but he says you can ' t go wrong with egg custard.“ It’ s a Baltimore original!” he says. Enjoy it while you shop the scenic property’ s fresh-cut flowers, homegrown herbs, restored furniture, skincare products and more. Facebook. com / WaltherGardens