Did you know that ice cream has a history that dates back to 200 BC when a milk and rice mixture was frozen by packing it into snow. This first frozen treat that resembled ice cream was created in China.
“Cream Ice,” as it was called, appeared regularly at the table of Charles I during the 17th century. France was introduced to similar frozen desserts in 1553 by the Italian Catherine de Medici when she became the wife of Henry II of France. It wasn’t until 1660 that ice cream was made available to the general public.
In America we have been churning out this delectable frozen delight for many years. When Jefferson took office in 1801, ice cream was still a little-known luxury in the United States, but Jefferson was so enamored by it that he is indeed widely credited with popularizing it in the United States. In the 1950s an ice cream maker for your home was a hugely popular gift for the holidays!

Another interesting fact about ice cream is that the first flavor was actually ‘orange blossom‘.
Ice cream has been flavored with sugar and every variety of fruit, chocolate and nuts that most of us can imagine. At Sweet Shack, we make our quality soft serve and hand-dipped ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, frozen yogurt, gelato and Italian ice, all made with essential oils. The 24 flavors of soft serve have folks in the Ocean Pines, Maryland and surrounding areas asking for more!
The history of ice cream for Sweet Shack goes back to owner, Michelle’s childhood and a realization of a youthful fascination with a comparable operation in the Catskills. Growing up Michelle’s parents had a summer home in Pennsylvania. There was a little ice cream spot in the middle of nowhere that had 24 flavors. The warm weather visits to the ice cream merchant left an indelible impression. This is the inspiration for today’s flavors and seasonal treats.
Families now enjoy dessert every evening and in most cases, ice cream is a part of the tradition. Why not enjoy a stop by our Ocean Pines ice cream shoppe and make history with us – maybe with a little German chocolate cake flavored ice cream!
Sweet Shack also offers milkshakes, floats (hot chocolate for winter) and sundaes! Make history with your family by ordering one of our cakes or other desserts to serve the whole gang at your house.