Ice Cream

California and ice cream go WAY back.

In 1906 the hot fudge sundae is said to have been invented by Hollywood ice cream shop owner Clarence Clifton Brown. Ever consider where the flavor "Rocky Road" was concocted? Look no further than Oakland, home of William Dreyer. He crafted the marshmallow, almond, chocolate ice cream concoction in 1929 as a nod to the Great Depression.

In fact, for the past twenty years, California has produced more ice cream (5.5 million gallons in 2024) than any other state. Is it any wonder then that former California governor Ronald Reagan designated a "National Ice Cream Day" in 1984? Forget swimming pools and movie stars. Ice cream is the real king of the Golden State.

Lest you think California's ice cream fascination is purely culinary, check out the water tower just off the I-15 in Yermo. Here in California's high desert is a 65-foot replica sundae, replete with sprinkles, strawberry sauce, and the obligatory cherry. 

Now that's my kind of stop!

"I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" - 1927 song (music and lyrics by Howard Johnson, Billy Moll, and Robert A. King)