Rita's Italian Ice

Last night, I went to Rita’s Italian Ice on York road with my 4 roommates. Growing up in Baltimore, Rita’s has always been a staple. Each year, I would wait eagerly until the first day of Spring for Rita’s to open. I would walk there after a school day at Dumbarton Middle School just right down the street with my friends and sit on the curb while we enjoyed our italian ice. It even became a post-game ritual after playing soccer or lacrosse in high school. Rain or shine, hot or cold, I would never decline an offer for a “Rita’s Run”. I was so excited to suggest we go to Rita’s with my roommates when they had said they never had it before.

When Rita’s would close during the winter seasons, my family would buy quarts of chocolate and swedish fish italian ice to eat when we needed a “taste of summer” to cheer us up. Last night, my Rita’s Gelati cheered me right up after a cold and rainy week! I ordered my typical order: a Gelati with vanilla custard and swedish fish ice. To no surprise, it hit the spot!

Rita’s is well known for their classic italian ice flavors but also for their unique flavors! Last night, they had Georgia Peach, Rootbeer, and Cookies and Cream on their menu to name a few. Their frozen custard in vanilla, chocolate, twist, or seasonal flavor like salted caramel also can’t be beat! Rita’s is pretty popular in Baltimore, having 9 different locations. Rita’s makes an effort to be involved in the Baltimore community by catering events like school fundraisers, team celebrations, and many more.

After my experience at Rita’s with my roommates, I learned that they each call Italian Ice something different. My roommate from upsate New York would typically refer to something like Rita’s as “shaved ice” and my roommate from South Jersey would refer to it as “water ice”. I found this really interesting as all my life, I’ve only known it as italian ice! This taught me how Baltimore has its own unique traditions and language, even when it comes to the smaller things like a sweet treat! Italian ice is part of our culture and charm in Baltimore, reflecting on our experiences and identity as a community! Being able to share my traditions with my friends from different states has shown me how unique Baltimore is. I’ve found a new appreciation for the little things in the city I have grown up in and have learned to embrace it throughout my travel explorations this semester.