If you grew up around Baltimore or Anne Arundel County, you already know: when the weather turns warm, the snowball stands open, and summer officially begins. But if you're new to Maryland, or just new to snowballs, here's everything you need to know about the treat we can't stop talking about.
A Baltimore summer tradition
The Maryland snowball goes back generations. Long before air conditioning was common, ice was shaved fresh and topped with sweet syrup for a few cents, an affordable way to beat the Mid Atlantic humidity. The tradition stuck, and today snowball stands are as much a part of a Maryland summer as crabs and the Bay.
What sets a snowball apart is the ice itself: it's shaved fine and fluffy, almost like fresh snow, so it soaks up the syrup instead of letting it run to the bottom of the cup.
Egg Custard, Skylite & the classics
Ask any Marylander their favorite flavor and you'll start a friendly argument. Egg Custard, a creamy vanilla classic, is the unofficial state flavor. Skylite, a bright blue mystery flavor, is a close second. Cherry, Blue Raspberry, Grape, and Tiger's Blood round out the lineup most locals grew up on.
At Just Chillin, we serve Maryland classics alongside tropical flavors like Mango, Guava, Coconut, Passion Fruit, and Lychee, plus select sugar free options. Mix your favorites or try one of our specialty snowballs, made with fun flavor combinations and toppings like marshmallow, condensed milk, candy, chamoy, and Tajín.
The marshmallow secret
Marshmallow is a Maryland snowball favorite, and at Just Chillin it goes beyond the top of the cup. When you choose marshmallow, we add the sweet marshmallow sauce in the middle and on top. You don’t have to ask for it in the middle. That’s how we do it.
The same goes for our other toppings. We build your snowball in layers, with toppings in the middle and on top. Mix up to three flavors, add your favorites, or try one of our signature creations.
Where to get the real thing in Glen Burnie
Just Chillin Snowballs is right on Crain Highway in Glen Burnie. We’re open Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Grab a snowball to go or stay awhile with indoor seating, air conditioning and heat, good music, and a patio where friendly dogs are welcome. First time? Try SnOmar Little or Miami Vice. Planning a party? We can bring the snowballs to you, or you can book our indoor space, patio, or the whole place.