We were coming out of a organic market (review on that coming another time), and the kids and I noticed a little buzz outside a stoop down the block. As were were walking towards our car, we got close enough to notice that it was a snow cone place. Or as they like to call them in Baltimore, a snowball place.
People were gathered on the double-wide stoop, alternately placing their order and waiting for it to be filled, and more people had collected on the sidewalk and near the curb. Chatting with each other. Calling out to familiar faces. Exchanging hellos and stories.
This is the kind of place you visit when you’re traveling. A place that doesn’t make the “top tourist spots” of the city, but the local well-kept secret type places.
And so, of course, we took our place in line and started furiously scanning the menu.
You know, so we didn’t look like an out-of-towner when it was our turn to place our order.
The flavors available are exhaustive (over 150!), and the combinations impressive. It was one of those sort of menus that once you make a decision, you need to stop looking, lest you change your mind.
The line moved quickly and when it was our turn at the window, we were greeted with a smile and a friendly face. We ended up going with orange, cherry, and orange with marshmallow. Yes, marshmallow. Like fluff, but a bit smoother.
What an awesome twist.
Family owned and operated since 1993, the prices at One Sweet Moment are reasonable, the concept is fun, and we are so glad we stopped. As we drove around Baltimore more that weekend, we noticed that the snowballs-sold-on-a-stoop is definitely a thing, as we spotted several others during our travels. None of them had the buzz and neighborhood feel that this one did though, and if you happen to be in or heading to Baltimore, it’s worth a quick stop.
And it was just the perfect thing on that hot, hot summer day.
PS I was looking for a link as to why they’re called snowballs, and I found this one from CBS Baltimore which, coincidentally names One Sweet Moment one of the Top 10 places to get snowballs in Baltimore. So there you have it. Don’t just take OUR word for it, take CBS’ too. And as far as the origin, it’s a regional thing, but also, the snowball is the more commonly used term when the ice is shaved super fine, and the snow cone term is when it’s not as fine and it has more of a crunchy consistency.
Hungry for more Baltimore excursions?
Our visit to the Baltimore Zoo was well worth the trip, as we got to feed giraffes, ride camels, and brush goats.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum was another highlight.
Happy weekend, folks!
One Sweet Moment
2914 Hamilton Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21214
Open daily 11 am – 9 pm
snowball are awesome! back home we call it shave ice. both are delicious!
kirida recently posted..Quick Takes
Shave ice is good, but not a snowball.
I just remember snow cones being not as good as ice cream and thus a less desirable treat…but maybe if they were awesomely flavored and with a finer crunch of ice…
Joanne recently posted..Zucchini-Walnut Cake with Cinnamon Honey Buttercream
I love your excursions! And, now I want a snow cone.
Casey recently posted..College Football
I’ve never read such a flowery description of our snowball stands before. They are wonderful.
So totally jealous, being a Baltimore native who now resides in Orlando…it’s crazy to me that with our hot weather down here, we can’t get snowballs :-( Egg custard with marshmallow is my all time favorite!