Sprinkles, 9 Bowens Wharf, Newport, RI — Perfectly located on Bowen’s Wharf, where you can dip a spoon or lick a cone while watching the boat traffic in Newport Harbor, Sprinkles serves New England-made Gifford’s ice cream. This family business has been doling out ice cream and other treats to Newport visitors since 2005. Try one of the unique Gifford’s flavors, like Maine deer tracks or fly fishing fudge. Sprinkles also serves frozen yogurt, Italian ice, espresso and coffee, and hot dogs. Hours: Open daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 401-241-4174. Map.
Mountain Creamery, 4374 W Woodstock Road, Woodstock, VT — Not surprisingly, since we are in Vermont, the maple ice cream is the first among equals for deep flavor at this farm-based ice cream stand. Sundaes, frappes, and smoothies are served with all the favorite flavors along with peanut butter, mint Oreo, black raspberry, brownie a la mode, myers rum raisin, and Vermont maple walnut. Hours: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Closed Wednesdays.) 802-457-1715. Map.
Bishop’s Homemade Ice Cream, 183 Cottage Street, Littleton, NH — Scooping more than 60 flavors of ice cream since 1976. Bishop’s offers frozen yogurt and dairy-free iced desserts. Fresh fruit in the fruit ice creams. One Yelper breathlessly noted that the vanilla flavor was so profound a taste of it felt, “…like a vanilla Chuck Norris punched me in the taste buds…” Hours: Noon-9 p.m. (Closed Tuesdays.) 603-444-6039. Map.
Sundae School Ice Cream in Harwich Port, Dennisport, East Orleans — Come here for homemade ice cream made batch-by-batch in a family atmosphere. Enjoy fruity flavors with real fruit blended in, and candy- and liquor-based recipes. The East Orleans location has patio seating for your stop on the way to or from popular Nauset Beach. If you’re out late, Sundae School is open in Dennis Port, Harwich Port, and East Orleans ‘til nearly midnight. Locations:
Harwich Port — 606 Main Street. Call for hours: 508-430-2444
Dennisport – 381 Lower County Road. Call for hours: 508-394-9122
East Orleans — 210 Main Street. Call for hours: 508-255-5473
Ashley’s Ice Cream in Hamden, Branford, New Haven, Guilford, and Madison — Ashley’s Ice Cream has five popular locations in the scenic shore towns of the New Haven region. Ashley’s uses fresh ingredients like just-whipped cream, homemade toppings, and all-natural flavors. Non-fat, sugar-free soft serve yogurt in indulgent flavors is a low-calorie alternative to ice cream. Locations:
Hamden — 2100 Dixwell Avenue. 203-287-7566. Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
New Haven — 280 York Street. 203-776-7744. Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Branford — 1016 Main Street. 203-481-5558. Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Madison — 724 Boston Post Road. 203-245-1113. Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Guilford — 942 Boston Post Road. 203-458-3040. Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Big Daddy’s Ice Cream, 2165 Post Road (Route 1), Wells, Maine — This family business offers 41 homemade flavors of old-fashioned ice cream served in traditional items like hot fudge sundaes, fresh waffle cones, and malted frappes. Many flavors are available in low-fat or sugar-free options. Try Big Daddy’s popular Maine Blueberry and Maine Peach flavors. Enjoy your treat in the sunshine at a picnic table. 413-505-3315. Map.
