Nothing says summer like ice cream. (But let’s be real — ice cream is appropriate any time of the year). We’ve compiled a list of our favorite ice cream shops, guaranteed to leave smiles (and melted ice cream stains) on your children’s faces.
Lofty Pursuits – Tallahassee
Lofty Pursuits is one part toy store, one part Victorian candy shop (a rarity!) and one part ice cream parlor. Greg Cohen heads up his funky shop in Tallahassee, Florida, serving 52 different sundae flavors and more. Try our favorite, the Sandy Sundae. The sundae was created following Hurricane Sandy, with proceeds donated to New Jersey residents devastated by the storm. The Sandy Sundae was so popular that it’s remained on the menu since!
Nina’s Waffles – Multiple Locations
If you like ice cream and waffles, you’ll love Nina’s Waffles! The company started as a food truck and has since expanded to four locations – three in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and another in Seargentsville, New Jersey. Nina’s serves eclectic flavors, as well as standard selections, on its signature warm waffles or waffle cones.
Kohr Brothers – Multiple Locations
Kohr Brothers Frozen Custard is a staple of any beach vacation in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. The company, established in 1919, is most famous for its chocolate, vanilla or twist custards on cones, but offers several other soft serve flavors, plus regular ice cream. It’s also popular for its Fresh Fruit Orangeade.
Allenholm Farm – South Hero, Vt.
If you’re going to have a famous Vermont Maple Creemee, do it right and go to Allenholm Farm in South Hero, Vermont, located along the Lake Champlain Byway. Visit the farm animals while you enjoy your ice cream, and be sure to take some homemade baked goods to go.
Eis Fontanella – Mannheim, Germany
Ever heard of spaghetti ice cream? Invented in Mannhein, Germany, it’s not pasta – it’s just ice cream that looks like pasta! Go to Eis Fonatella to enjoy this treat, which comprises vanilla ice cream (spaghetti), strawberry sauce (tomato sauce) and for the “parmesan cheese,” chopped-up almonds, coconut and white chocolate. Yum!
Matt’s Homemade Alabama Ice Cream – Gulf Shores
After a day on the beach, there’s nothing like an ice cream cone (or dish) from Matt’s Homemade Alabama Ice Cream. The only place that serves homemade ice cream in Gulf Shores, Matt’s offers a multitude of delicious flavors; our favorite is the Banana Cream with wafers!
Pied Piper – Huron, Ohio
We love this no-frills ice cream joint for its classic cones and sundaes served at affordable prices. The burgers are pretty darn good, too!
Coney Waffle – Belmar, N.J.
One word: Freakshake. That’s the specialty at Coney Waffle in Belmar, New Jersey. This colorful concoction includes upwards of a dozen scoops of ice cream, any topping you like, and whipped cream. The milkshake is then topped with more goodies – ice cream cones, more toppings, you name it. It’s so big that the whole family can easily share it!
Ben & Jerrys – Stowe, Vermont
Yes, you can visit the factory that makes your favorite flavors! Tour Ben & Jerry’s to see how the ice cream is made and sample flavors along the way, or just purchase your favorite flavor at the onsite ice cream shop!
The Milk Shop – Los Angeles
The Milk Shop features the prettiest (and most delicious) ice cream desserts, including ice cream macarons (exactly what they sound like) and hand-dipped ice cream bars in flavors that include Nutella. The Milk Shop has two locations in Los Angeles.
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6 Famous Food Dishes to Try on Your Next Family Vacation
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