Perry Hall Beats the Heat with Frozen Treats

With , Perry Hall residents are on the lookout for treats to help keep them cool.

One of the most popular destinations is . On any given evening, families crowd outside the Italian ice shop as workers inside try to keep the line moving. Last week was especially busy as Rita’s unveiled its new flavor: Juicy Pear.

“It was really delicious," said Marie Gardner, apparently satisfied with her choice. “I think one of my favorites is the Rita’s pear that I just tried today.”

Members of the Eisemann family said customers shouldn't be intimidated by the crowds. “The lines go pretty fast. We come to Rita’s maybe twice, three times a week,” Emma Eisemann said.

Allen Moore, making a visit to Rita's with his family, agreed: “[The line] looked long, but it moved fast.” Although, he added, a tall glass of lemonade is his usual summertime treat of choice.

His daughter, Natalie Moore, said she prefers chocolate ice cream. “My favorite place to get it is at Ocean City’s Dumsers,” she said.

While she occasionally enjoys Rita's, Joanna Morman said she prefers the more traditional Baltimore-style snowball.

“Sorry Rita’s—we like Queen of Ice on Pleasantville Road," Morman said. “I like to have an egg custard snowball with marshmallow on it."

Ben Moore said his favorite type of snowball was also egg custard with marshmallow, although he preferred to buy his from on Chapel Road.

Dorothy Moore said she was less particular.

“I like Italian ice, ice cream, watermelon [and] popsicles," Moore said, anything that will help beat the heat.