52 Scoops, 52 Weeks: My Year Tasting Handel’s Ice Cream

When Handel’s announced in November 2023 that they were opening a location in Downingtown, PA—just 15 minutes from my house—I started counting down the days to April 11, 2024. For years, I had made the 35-minute drive to Berwyn for their ice cream, occasionally visiting the Royersford and York locations when in the area. The idea of having Handel’s so close was already exciting, but then they sweetened the deal: the first 100 people in line on opening day would receive free ice cream for a year.

I was determined to be one of them.

Unfortunately, life had other plans. An important work meeting meant I couldn’t be there when the doors opened. It was a tough pill to swallow until my husband surprised me by waking up early and standing in line on my behalf. That’s love.

When he arrived, he found a friendly crowd already gathered — moms with toddlers, couples, longtime fans, and a few curious first-timers. Everyone was excited to welcome a new business to town, chatting and passing the time as they waited. He secured spot #61, earning one of the coveted free ice cream cards, where each visit would be marked off, one week at a time.

When I got home from work, he handed me the card. I was ecstatic, thrilled at his accomplishment, and even more excited for what was to come.

And so, the challenge began.

From the start, I knew if I wanted to make the most of my free ice cream experience, I’d have to set some ground rules. First and foremost, there would be no skipping. If I had 52 weeks of free ice cream, I was going to claim every one of them!

To keep things consistent, I always ordered a small sugar cone. I like a crunch paired with ice cream, and I don’t like the idea of tossing out a plastic cup and spoon every week. When it came to choosing flavors, I most often chose the new featured flavors, just in case they didn’t return for a while. Then, after finishing my cone, I took notes and ranked each flavor immediately so I wouldn’t forget the details. I used this simple five-point scale to keep things organized:

1 Decent—still good (this is Handel’s, after all), but nothing memorable.

2 Good, but not for me—something I could appreciate but wouldn’t order again.

3 Enjoyable—solid flavor, but it didn’t quite stand out.

4 Very Good—delicious, well-balanced, and satisfying, just a notch below perfection.

5 Outstanding—flavors with incredible mix-ins and unforgettable taste, the kind I wanted again as soon as possible.

Working my way through the flavor board became its own kind of adventure. Many times I’d try one of the “Flavors of the Month.” Other times, I’d pick a familiar go-to, like Graham Central Station, Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie, or Cherry Magnolia. I also discovered new-to-me flavors like Mud Pie, Monkey Business, and Salty Caramel Truffle. Each was delicious in its own way, whether it was the coffee and Oreo combo in Mud Pie or the unexpected mix of banana, caramel, and brownie pieces in Monkey Business. Then there was Sticky Fingers, a newly introduced flavor that surprised me with its perfect blend of caramel, nuts, and chocolate. It quickly earned a spot on my list of favorites, and I knew I’d be ordering it by the quart to take home.

It wasn’t always easy keeping my streak alive. There were days when the weather or family commitments seemed determined to derail my plans. I remember eating ice cream in the car on freezing winter days, trying to balance the cone while keeping my hands warm. And there were times when Handel’s had to fit between errands and appointments. Friends and family would often ask, “Wait…you’re still doing that?” They thought I was a little nuts, especially in the winter, but I didn’t mind. I was having fun, and that’s what mattered.

Luckily, I wasn’t doing it alone. My husband joined me most of the time, even though he was one of the people who initially thought I might be a bit crazy for keeping the streak alive. Still, he supported me every week and would occasionally get a cone of his own. It became part of our routine, and while he might have questioned my sanity, he never questioned the ice cream.

The staff at Handel’s made my whole experience even more enjoyable. They quickly got used to seeing me each week, and some even started cheering me on. Carly, a grad student studying Occupational Therapy, was one of the first to recognize my streak. She’d smile as she marked my card, occasionally commenting on my flavor choice. Other scoopers soon caught on, and I’d hear things like, “You’re still going strong?” or “Almost there!” Their friendly encouragement made each visit feel a bit more special, like they were invested in my little challenge, too.

When the last week finally came, I was more emotional than I expected. Even though I knew I’d be back, it felt like something was ending. The routine I had built over the year, the little game of keeping my streak alive, was wrapping up. Looking back, it wasn’t just about the ice cream; it was about the fun of the challenge, the excitement of discovering new flavors, and the moments I shared with my husband and the friendly staff. I’m grateful to Handel’s for being such a bright spot in my week. It might have been a little bit obsessive, but it was absolutely worth it.

If Handel’s is ever looking for an official flavor tester, they know where to find me.