"If you don’t find their products at your local grocery store or are craving a specific flavor, you can order online for local delivery or national shipping (excluding Hawaii and Alaska), though shipping can be pricey and requires a minimum order of four pints.
McConnell's is a small ice cream company based in Santa Barbara that has been around longer than Häagen-Dazs, unexpectedly. What sets them apart is their collaboration with local California partners, which results in truly unique flavors, like Avaline Rosé Boysenberry Milk Jam and Eureka Lemon Marionberries—yes, boysenberries! They emphasize using organic ingredients and avoiding additives, so there are no stabilizers, preservatives, artificial flavors, or dyes. If you prefer everything organic, just ask! They also offer a variety of dairy-free options that remain creamy (note: it's dairy-free, but I’m not sure if it's lactose-free). If you're a fan, consider signing up for their Pint of the Month subscription to try new flavors in advance. They frequently cycle in new and seasonal varieties, so it's worth keeping an eye on their blog for updates.
I visited their location at Grand Central Market, which is super convenient, especially since it’s close to LAX. To reach the GCM parking garage, enter at 308 S Hill Street; it charges $4 for the first 90 minutes, then adds fees for each additional 15 minutes, capping at $25. Inside the market, there are staircases leading to both the upper and lower levels, where you can find public restrooms.
Overall, the ice cream was delicious with a fantastic texture, making it a perfect treat after exploring the market. I definitely plan to visit their other locations during my next trip to SoCal, especially because I want to try their cones and ice cream sandwiches. In the meantime, I’m going to check out the Safeways listed on their Grocery Locator to see what flavors they offer!"
