The perfect eclipse ice cream? Blue moon, of course. Where to get yours around Erie.

Nicholas Sorensen, Erie Times-News

A total solar eclipse is a rare occurrence at any given location on Earth.

It happens less than a blue moon, which may only occur once every two to three years, according to NASA. The mysterious blue moon ice cream flavor, however, is available every year at many of Erie's ice cream stands.

The celestial event and frozen treat might make for a perfect pairing April 8 when the eclipse's path of totality covers Erie.

What is the blue moon flavor?

The exact flavor of blue moon is something that is up for debate.

Perry’s Ice Cream, served at many Erie ice cream shops, describes the flavor as “a cosmic blue colored mystery flavor with hints of fruit, spice and vanilla."

The Taste of Home culinary website describes the flavor similar to the Kellogg’s cereal Froot Loops, with additional hints of citrus, amaretto, lemon, cotton candy, marshmallow and bubble gum.

In this 2016 file photo, a cone of blue moon soft-serve ice cream is prepared at Denny's Ice Cream Stand at 929 Parade St.
In this 2016 file photo, a cone of blue moon soft-serve ice cream is prepared at Denny's Ice Cream Stand at 929 Parade St.

Where in Erie can I find blue moon ice cream?

If you are looking to get a scoop at a local ice cream parlor, here is a list of local shops that carry blue moon.

Did we miss one? Let us know and we will add it.

  • Ice Cream Shoppe, 3799 Shannon Road. 814-899-8888. Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Denny’s, 929 Parade St. 814-454-1310. Opening April 1. Hours: Mondays through Saturdays, noon to 10 p.m.; Sundays, 1-10 p.m.

  • Whippy Dip, 2527 Chestnut St. and 3100 W. 12th St. 814-455-0598. Hours: noon to 9 p.m. daily.

  • Double Dipper, 5320 Buffalo Road, Harborcreek. 508-549-8379. Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-9 p.m.; Weekends 1-9 p.m.

  • Freezeerie, 393 West Ridge Road. 814-882-0782. Hours: 2-9 p.m., Wednesdays to Sundays.

  • J’s Main Street Ice Cream & Ice Cream Shoppe, 9013 Main St., McKean. 814-923-1111. Hours: weekdays, 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

  • Lucky Duck Creamery,1220 Peach St., Waterford. Hours: noon to 8 p.m. daily.

  • Maria’s Tasty Delights, 1701 W. 26th St. 814-882-7823. Hours: 2-9 p.m. daily.

Some parlors, including The Scoop at 3124 Route 19 in Waterford, and Ice Cream Shoppe in Erie also serve the flavor "Superman" which has blue moon mixed in.

Contact Nicholas Sorensen at nsorensen@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Blue moon ice cream and the 2024 solar eclipse in Erie PA

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