Last week, I was driving back from Syracuse, New York and encountered severe traffic when a five mile stretch of Route 81 was shut down. Everyone was forced to exit and drive along a one lane road for what seemed like eternity. At this point a two hour trip had turned into three and a half hours in snowy conditions. I decided that I NEEDED to stop for lunch and stretch my legs before driving another three hours home. I try to eat at local restaurants rather than chains. I like to support small businesses but also try local cuisine which is impossible at large chain restaurants. I stopped at Jessee’s Place in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It is a small ice cream shop that is off the beaten track, or it seems like it anyway to an out of towner. One that would appear in a travel book as a place one must stop while traveling through. They do not only serve ice cream but a variety of lunch items, many of which are homemade and change on a regular basis. I started with a bowl of freshly made chili. It was served nice and hot, just the way I like it with a warm roll. Delicious and hit the spot on the cold, snowy afternoon. Aside from sandwiches and a menu full of regular items, there was also freshly made mac and cheese ready to be served that afternoon. This was very tempting as well but I was stuffed after the bowl of chili. I am completely addicted to ice cream, so despite my full stomach, I had to try out a flurry like dessert. I selected a hard ice cream and a topping and let Tara, the shop owner, mix me up a treat. It was tremendously large and so good. Anyone in the area should try out Jessee’s Place. The prices are extremely reasonable, the service is terrific, and the food is good. Like them on facebook to see the daily specials at: