It's no surprise that states with a vast array of great food, music and culture are states with active ports-of-entry for immigrant groups during our nation's history. Texas is no exception, with the port of Galveston functioning as a southern Ellis Island during it's beginnings. The NYT today pays homage to the influence of food made by the many German immigrants that made Texas their home: beer, barbecue, and even ice cream. (No wonder we felt so at home here in Milwaukee, with beer, sausage, and custard!). The article spotlights Blue Bell ice cream, made in a town in Central Texas called Brenham, now made fashionable with antique/art shows and "ranchettes." The Texas Longhorn may be the most identifiable bovines in Texas, but the Blue Bell cows run a close second.
Blue Bell is definitely the best ice cream in the world. It is not sold in fancy stores where you pay $3.50 for a scoop in a waffle cone. At times, you may be able to buy a half gallon of Blue Bell ice cream in the grocery store for $3.50, if it's on sale. When I was growing up, Blue Bell was only sold in central Texas, so the rest of us had to suffer. A family friend was rumored to have followed a Blue Bell truck he spotted in Lubbock all the way to Amarillo to see where the truck was going. Now, the ice cream is found in 16 states and all over Texas. My favorite flavor is Vanilla Bean. The Blue Bell creamery even hosts a fun run in Brenham each March, and several years ago, Paul and I ran the very scenic 10K with it's sadistic uphill stretch in mile 6. But at the end, you know what they had for us? Ice cream. We all run for ice cream!
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1. Posted by Jake on May 31, 2006 @ 8:26 | Permalink
Regarding Blue Bell ice cream, and especially the Vanilla Bean, ditto, ditto, and ditto again. Blue Bell's formerly limited distribution in Texas brings to mind the days when we had to drive to Amarillo to find Coors beer, regarded at the time as something special rather than the commodity it has become.
2. Posted by James on May 31, 2006 @ 16:46 | Permalink
I vote for the bright green Chocolate Chip Mint. So good.
Blue Bell, making people feel better every day after they realized they voted for Bush.
3. Posted by Bonnie on July 7, 2006 @ 20:09 | Permalink
Where I come from, Blue Bell is hard to find. Butter Pecan is my fav!!! If you search the web, you can find sites that sell it. It's worth paying to get good cream.
4. Posted by Bonnie on July 7, 2006 @ 20:10 | Permalink
Where I come from, Blue Bell is hard to find. Butter Pecan is my fav!!! If you search the web, you can find sites that sell it. It's worth paying to get good cream.
5. Posted by Karen on July 28, 2006 @ 11:07 | Permalink
I recently moved to Austin and have found that I can no longer expect to get Black Walnut ice cream. What kind of a deal is that? It is my favorite!!!!!
6. Posted by toni on October 17, 2006 @ 15:52 | Permalink
i moved to colorado 17 yrs ago and have been going through bluebell withdrawel ever since. sometimes when my friends visit, they bring me some. it doesn't last long. any chance ya'll might eventually supply the stores in grand junction? there just isn't anything that compares.
7. Posted by Kit on October 22, 2006 @ 21:49 | Permalink
What states is Blue Bell sold in?
8. Posted by A on November 9, 2006 @ 17:44 | Permalink
Blue Bell ice cream is now sold at Russel Stover Candy Store in Denver, CO at about 5th & South Colorado Blvd. But it is pricey. A quart goes for about $3.50 It is hand scooped with about 13 flavors to choose from. The black walnut is to die for.
9. Posted by CHARLOTTE on August 12, 2007 @ 18:13 | Permalink
I MOVED TO PARACHUTE COLORADO 5 YRS AGO
MY TRIPS TO & FROM LOUISIANA ALWAYS HAS A BLUE BELL STOP AT DUMAS TEXAS ICE CHEST PACKED WITH 6 - 1/2 GAL BLUE BELLS TO MY HOME JUST PUT DRY ICE ON SIDES AND TOP IN CHEST AND DON'T OPEN UNTIL YOU GET HOME UNLESS YOU CAN'T RESIST THE DELICIOUS TEASER
10. Posted by Charlotte Hill on April 24, 2008 @ 19:31 | Permalink
Butter Pecan is my favorite. I am originally from Houston TX but I have lived in Colorado Springs for the past 14 years and I miss Blue Bell ice cream so much. I haven't tasted anything that compares. I even called the Walmart Corporate office to see if they would consider selling it here but their Buyer said no. I just found out today that not only are they selling the ice cream at Russell Stovers in Denver but they also sell the ice cream at The Donut Mill in Woodland Park. 310 E. Midland Ave. Woodland Park CO 80863. You can also call them at (719) 687-2735. I'm planning on making a trip this weekend. I am so excited.
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