FYI Philly | National Ice Cream Month, Highmark at the Mann Center's 50th anniversary

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- This week on FYI Philly, we celebrate National Ice Cream Month, including a candy empire with a creamery and gardens where you can enjoy a sorbet, and check out a newly-renovated Philadelphia venue that has been producing the sounds of summer for 50 years!

Jersey Cow is a partnership between Maureen Gaw, her husband Rob Lancaster and their friend, Jesse Bishoff.

Paid Sponsorship: WSFS Bank

Inside a warehouse in Absecon, New Jersey, Maureen brings her homemade ice cream recipes to life. From classic flavors to specialty creations like ube and honey lavender, the ice cream is made in-house before being served at four Jersey Cow locations down the shore.

Rob and Jesse run a construction company together, and Jesse's childhood experience working in an ice cream shop inspired the idea.

Originally, they planned to sell another brand's ice cream but couldn't find one they liked. Jesse suggested they make their own, and Maureen spent a year testing recipes in a small batch ice cream machine in Jesse's garage.

The team is focused on flavor, creaminess and quality.

They opened their first Jersey Cow in their hometown of Northfield in 2022. The business expanded rapidly, leading to additional shops in Brigantine, Absecon and Margate plus a manufacturing facility-all in less than four years.

They worked with WSFS Bank to secure the capital needed to build the business.

Today, Jersey Cow serves cones, pints, milkshakes, affogatos, and specialty sweet treats like the brownie delight and a pandan waffle sundae.

The owners hope to become the go-to destination for the best ice cream in South Jersey. Lines down the street on weekends suggest many customers they they already are.

Jersey Cow Ice Cream |Facebook | Instagram
1600 Tilton Rd, Northfield, New Jersey 08225-1829
(609) 796-2525| jerseycow1600@gmail.com

In Montgomery County, family fun includes Merrymead Farm ice cream and Stranger Things!

Paid Sponsorship: Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board

Stranger Things is open at Netflix House in the King of Prussia Mall.

The immersive experience takes you inside Hawkins where the show is set. Become characters in the show and fight against the Upside Down inside the 100,000-square-foot space.

Netflix House Philadelphia in King of Prussia includes a gift shop with one-of-a-kind items from Netflix shows. There is an eatery, a miniature golf course and another immersive experience featuring the show Wednesday.

Netflix House Philadelphia | Facebook | Instagram
180 North Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406

At Merrymead Farm you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Montgomery County.

Merrymead has been a dairy farm for more than a century. They opened a store in 1971 and quickly became known for ice cream. They make more than 50 flavors on site and featuring scoops, cones, sundaes, milkshakes and the newest creation is a dirty banana cold brew coffee.

While you enjoy a frozen treat you can tour the farm, meet some animals and enjoy beautiful views of Montgomery County.

Merrymead Farm | Facebook | Instagram
2222 South Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA 19446

Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board | Facebook | Instagram

If you're looking for an indulgent experience, head to the Shoppes of Premise Maid.

Brothers Mike and Joe Damiano are running the family candy business started back in 1979.

Today, it's grown into an enormous oasis of sweets amid the cornfields of Breinigsville, PA in Lehigh County.

The brothers say their late father invented the "Legend of the Premise Maid."

Visitors can peruse rooms full of candy, and they have everything from nonpareils to different types of gummies, even candy necklaces.

The candy case is a real stunner with handmade, small-batch chocolates in milk and dark. There's also a bakery full of sweet breads, pies and cakes.

Cross the courtyard to The Creamery, where you can choose from 44 flavors of ice cream scooped into a waffle cone made in the bakery.

The Damiano brothers say they want Premise Maid to be a special experience for families, just as it is for them.

The Shoppes at Premise Maid | Facebook
10860 Hamilton Boulevard, Breinigsville, PA 18031

The Summer months at Longwood Gardens feature incredible blooms in the Water Lily Courtyard. There are fountain shows, fireworks, live music and seasonal ingredients straight from the garden used inside restaurant 1906.

Paid Sponsorship: Longwood Gardens

The Water Lily Court has been a Longwood staple since 1957. There are 80 different plants on display including the Victorian Longwood Hybrid Water Platter.

The giant plant grows to 6 feet across and last year held 165 pounds for a competition called the Water Lily Weigh Off.

The Longwood team is competing again in the social media competition with a new batch of Victorians. Follow the competition here.

1906 is Longwood's signature restaurant with seasonal ingredients and menus inspired by the Idea Garden, just steps away from the eatery. The restaurant features incredible views of the fountains while you eat.

Fountain season at Longwood Gardens includes evening shows on the weekends with select nights featuring fireworks. There is a performance with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Taylor Swift-themed music nights and live performances in the garden.

Longwood Gardens | Facebook | Instagram
1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348

Randy Fenoli from "Say Yes to the Dress" will headline the Bridal Brunch and Designer Showcase at Rivers Casino Philadelphia on August 9.

Paid Sponsorship: Rivers Casino Philadelphia

The event includes a brunch, runway show, and Fenoli's bridal fashion advice. Fenoli will also share his journey to becoming a bridal designer.

Guests can meet Fenoli and enter to win a wedding gown and a Caribbean cruise.

Attendance is limited and tickets are on sale now.

The event is taking place at noon on August 9 inside the Event Center at Rivers Casino Philadelphia.

Randy Fenoli Bridal Brunch & Designer Showcase
1001 N. Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125

This month is 'Plastic-Free July', a global movement to challenge people to reduce their use of plastics, which do not ever break down in the environment.

A growing number of refilleries in the area can help you start, or continue, a 'low-waste' lifestyle, and move away from single-use-plastics.

The following shops have refills of everyday essentials as well as sustainable products, and the owners are eager to share their knowledge as to how you can lower your household waste and divert plastic containers from the landfill.

Love Thy Nature Refillery | Instagram | Facebook
43 N. Main Street, Medford, NJ 08055
609-820-3204

Perennial Refill Hub | Instagram | Facebook
6669 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19119

Mainline SHIFT | Instagram | Facebook
250 Haverford Avenue Narberth, PA 19072

The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is in its 10th year of shining a light on the city with a sensational setting full of giant handmade light sculptures and fun festivities.

Paid Sponsorship: Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

Throughout Franklin Square Park, over 1,500 lanterns shimmer in 40 groupings of fantastical figures that bring to life worlds of wildlife and more.

Look for a replica of Independence Hall in honor of America 250, and a sports section with nods to the global sporting events taking place in Philly this summer.

Traditional Asian entertainment acts take to the stage, folk artists are on hand to make crafts, and food and drink are available to sip, snack, and stroll.

The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is open daily from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. through August 16.

Chinese Lantern Festival | Instagram | Facebook
Franklin Square Park, 6th & Race Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19106