Philly heat wave — where locals actually go for water ice, ice cream

The heat is up in Philadelphia to start the week, with temperatures soaring into the high 90s by Tuesday before rain showers later in the week cool things down.

Obviously, this is ice cream (and water ice duh, Philly) weather.

But where are people in the city actually headed — and where can you expect a line.

Here's a breakdown of some of Philly's new, old and hidden gem spots to get your sweet treats.

Where to get ice cream, water ice and more in Philadelphia

John's Water Ice -701 Christian St., Philadelphia

Known for their secret family water ice recipe and dependable list of readily available, classic flavors (lemon, cherry, chocolate and pineapple), John's is a summer staple for many Philadelphians.

The shop also has ice cream, gelatis and rotating special flavors depending on when you visit.

1-900-ICE-CREAM -229 S. 20th St. & 1244 N. Front St., Philadelphia

Known for their weekly-changing list of novel soft serve and parfait combinations, 1-900-ICE-CREAM has both Rittenhouse and Fishtown locations.

Weckerly's -1600 Spruce St. & 9 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia

Weckerly's, located in both Rittenhouse and Fishtown, offers a wide variety of made-from-scratch French-style scoops in addition to what many may know them for — ice cream sandwiches.

South Philly Ice -1309 S. 9th St., Philadelphia

Another frequent stop on the Philly dessert train, South Philly Ice offers water ice, ice cream, gelatis, shakes and so much more.

The spot also offers specialty sundaes and avalanches, which is soft serve with your choice of blended-in toppings.

Milk Jawn -1439 E. Passyunk Ave & 946 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia

Milk Jawn offers a variety of small-batch, premium signature scoops at its shops, ranging from classics like chocolate and vanilla to more exploratory and even vegan options — think earl grey with honeycomb or lemon curd with blueberry basil swirl.

The Franklin Fountain -116 Market St., Philadelphia

While higher on the price-point list than some other tried-and-true favorites, this Old City spot is one for tourists and locals alike.

Though founded in the early 2000s, this stop has 1920s flare, especially with its house-made sodas and floats.

Have a favorite we missed? Tune back in for updatesthis summer.

Kaitlyn McCormick is a Philadelphia-based reporter writing all things trending, breaking and city-related for USA TODAY's Philadelphia Metro Connect Team.