There’s nothing quite as emblematic of Americana as ice cream. Alongside donuts and pie, this dessert stands as a symbol of patriotism and nostalgia, offering a diverse array of flavors and textures. Ice cream presents a blank canvas that can be enjoyed in various forms: soft-serve or scooped, sandwiched or in sundae form. It can be farm-fresh, fruit-topped, or even vegan. Available in the freezer aisles of grocery stores, chain outlets, and specialty shops, ice cream is a universally loved treat.
While well-known brands like Ben & Jerry’s are popular, local scoop shops often capture the true spirit of nostalgic Americana, even when they adopt innovative approaches. Across the U.S., ice cream parlors range from small family-owned spots to large dairy farms, and from classic establishments to modern newcomers. Selecting just one standout ice cream shop per state is a challenging task, but by considering personal experiences, online reviews, sourcing philosophies, and national recognition, we’ve curated a list of ice cream parlors worth celebrating. Here are the best ice cream parlors in each state.
Alabama: Peach Park
Located in Clanton, Peach Park is celebrated as an “Alabama icon” and a must-visit destination. This charming farm-style shop offers a variety of housemade cobblers and ice creams, featuring flavors like its signature peach ice cream. It’s been a beloved roadside staple since 1980, drawing crowds for its fruit-forward flavors.
Honorary Mentions: Big Spoon Creamery, Seven Daughters Scoops
Alaska: Wild Scoops
Anchorage’s Wild Scoops is a microcreamery that creates small batches of ice cream using Alaskan ingredients. Known for its experimental flavors like Peachy Peppercorn and Coconut Cookie Butter, the shop collaborates with local purveyors to source ingredients such as herbs and honey.
Honorary Mentions: Little Millers, Motley Moo Creamery
Arizona: Sweet Republic
Phoenix’s Sweet Republic has been crafting ice cream since 2008 using local dairy and ingredients. With three locations, the shop is renowned for its innovative flavors like Almond Buttercrunch and Pistachio Cherry.
Honorary Mentions: Blue Ice Gelato, Churn
Arkansas: Loblolly Creamery
Loblolly Creamery in Little Rock boasts a 15% butterfat content and uses seasonal ingredients without artificial additives. The shop collaborates with local businesses to enhance its unique flavors, such as Bourbon Pecan and Honey Lavender.
Honorary Mentions: Crème Ice Cream Co, Pure Joy Ice Cream
California: Jersey Scoops
In Humboldt County, Jersey Scoops revives the dairy tradition of the small town of Loleta. Offering flavors like Bananas Foster and Oat Milk Chocolate, the shop is a testament to the passion of its founders.
Honorary Mentions: Stella Jean’s, The Meadowlark Dairy
Colorado: Pint’s Peak Ice Cream
Pint’s Peak Ice Cream, an artisanal ice cream truck in Colorado, features creative flavors such as Guava Pastelitos and Mango Sticky Rice. Founded by pastry chef Caitlin Howington, the shop emphasizes quality and innovation.
Honorary Mentions: Munchin House, Bonnie Brae Ice Cream
Connecticut: Constantino’s Pizza & Ice Cream
This family-run parlor in Greenwich infuses heart and soul into every scoop, naming flavors after special people in the owner’s life. The shop also offers an ice cream cart for events.
Honorary Mentions: Milkcraft, Dom’s Creamery
Delaware: Vanderwende’s
Since 1954, Vanderwende’s farm has grown significantly, now producing small-batch ice cream using its fresh milk. The creamery offers classic and seasonal flavors, from Butter Pecan to Red Velvet.
Honorary Mentions: Hopkins Farm Creamery, Woodside Farm Creamery
Florida: Before it Melts
Lake Nona’s Before it Melts blends culinary innovation with nostalgic flavors. With options like Zanzibar Chocolate and Blueberry Cheesecake, the shop also offers dessert cocktails for adults.
Honorary Mentions: Cotee River Creamery, The Greenery Creamery
Georgia: Leopold’s Ice Cream
Established in 1919, Leopold’s in Savannah is renowned for its premium ice cream and historic soda counter ambiance. Flavors include Savannah Socialite and Honey Almond and Cream.
Honorary Mention: Honeysuckle Gelato, Butter & Cream
Hawaii: Sage Creamery
Sage Creamery in Ewa Beach specializes in Hawaii-inspired ice creams using local ingredients like vanilla and chocolate. Flavors include Ube Crinkle Cookie and Strawberry Guava.
Honorary Mentions: Niu Soft-Serve, Black Sheep Cream Co.
Idaho: The STIL
The STIL, known for its unique flavors and vegan options, offers beer and wine pairings with its ice creams. Each flavor is named after a “sweet thing in life,” like Fresh Powder and Weekend Getaway.
Honorary Mentions: Lovejoy’s Real Ice Cream, DIPS
Illinois: Black Dog Gelato
In Chicago, Black Dog Gelato offers unique flavors crafted by a skilled pastry chef. Flavors like Goat Cheese Cashew Caramel and Malted Vanilla Pretzel showcase the shop’s creativity.
Honorary Mentions: Margie’s Candies, Pretty Cool Ice Cream
Indiana: Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor
Zaharakos in Columbus is both an ice cream parlor and a museum, featuring classic flavors and vintage soda fountains. It’s a historic institution with a rich heritage.
Honorary Mentions: LiftOff Creamery, BRICS
Iowa: Black Cat Ice Cream
Des Moines’ Black Cat Ice Cream is celebrated for its innovative flavors and dedication to local ingredients. With options like Cream Cheese Lemon Cake and Lucky Bulldog, the shop remains a favorite.
Honorary Mentions: Over The Top, Heyn’s Premium Ice Cream
Kansas: Sylas & Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream
A family-run establishment, Sylas & Maddy’s offers homemade waffle cones and unique flavors like Banana Oreo and Vanilla Brownie. Their sundaes and shakes are particularly popular.
Honorary Mentions: Gs Frozen Custard, Frost
Kentucky: Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream
Lexington’s Crank & Boom started as a small operation and now offers nationwide shipping. Known for flavors like Bourbon & Honey and Blueberry Lime Cheesecake, it’s a local favorite.
Honorary Mentions: Louisville Cream, Piper’s Ice Cream Bar
Louisiana: Lucy Boone Ice Cream
Lucy Boone Ice Cream in New Orleans offers flavors inspired by classic desserts, such as Passionfruit Pavlova and Key Lime Pie. The shop has become a favorite among local chefs.
Honorary Mentions: Sweet Saint, Creole Creamery
Maine: Mount Desert Island Ice Cream
A pioneer in the industry, Mount Desert Island Ice Cream has expanded from Bar Harbor to Portland and beyond. Known for its responsible sourcing, the shop offers both classic and novelty flavors.
Honorary Mentions: Coastal Creamery, Dunne’s Ice Cream
Maryland: Bonheur
Easton’s Bonheur combines elegance with handcrafted ice cream. The shop uses local produce to create flavors like Strawberry and Black Raspberry, served in a sophisticated setting.
Honorary Mentions: Broom’s Bloom Dairy, Little Red Barn Ice Cream Cafe
Massachusetts: Cal’s Creamery
Cal’s Creamery in Reading is renowned for its extensive flavor list and creative twists on classics, making it a local favorite for sundaes and toppings.
Honorary Mentions: Twist & Shake, Cherry Farm Creamery
Michigan: Blank Slate Creamery
Ann Arbor’s Blank Slate Creamery is praised for its made-from-scratch ice creams like Apple Cinnamon Crisp and Brandy Old Fashioned. It’s a beloved family-owned operation.
Honorary Mentions: Doug’s Delight, Milk & Honey
Minnesota: Grand Ole Creamery
St. Paul’s Grand Ole Creamery is known for its locally sourced flavors and novelty items like Goco Tacos. It’s been a staple for over 30 years.
Honorary Mentions: Milkjam Creamery, Bebe Zito
Mississippi: The Oxford Creamery
The Oxford Creamery emphasizes Southern flavors and community spirit, with options like Banana Puddin’ and Sweet Corn Blueberry Crisp.
Honorary Mentions: The Laurel Creamery, Funky Cones
Missouri: Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Ice Cream
St. Louis’ Clementine’s offers both boozy and vegan options, with flavors like Italian Butter Cookie and Maple Bourbon Pecan.
Honorary Mentions: Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream, Singers Ice Cream
Montana: Sweet Peaks Ice Cream
Sweet Peaks Ice Cream, with locations across Montana, features flavors inspired by the Rockies, such as Montana Mint and Wustner Bro’s Honey Cinnamon.
Honorary Mentions: Big Dipper Ice Cream, Sweet Retreat Creamery
Nebraska: Potter Sundry
Potter Sundry is known for its mile-high Tin Roof Sundae, a nostalgic dessert featuring vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, peanuts, and marshmallow topping.
Honorary Mentions: Coneflower Creamery, 402 Creamery
Nevada: Frost Giant Creamery
Frost Giant Creamery has quickly become a standout in Reno’s ice cream scene with its innovative approach to the traditional ice cream parlor model. This relatively new establishment offers small-batch ice cream by the pint, with new and exciting flavors released weekly for pre-ordered pickups. The creamery prides itself on using local ingredients, ensuring each flavor is free from artificial colors and fillers. Among their unique offerings are “Up All Night,” featuring espresso ice cream with chocolate-covered espresso beans and espresso fudge ribbons, and “Nevada Gold,” which combines peanut butter ice cream with salted peanuts, caramel, and dark chocolate fudge.
Honorable Mentions: Sorry Not Sorry Creamery, Icecycle Creamery
New Hampshire: Puritan Backroom
A staple in Manchester since 1917, the Puritan Backroom is renowned for its chicken tenders, which it claims to have invented in 1974. However, its ice cream should not be overlooked. This iconic eatery has been family-owned and operated since its inception as a candy store and soda shop over a century ago. In 2020, it was recognized with a James Beard Award as one of America’s Classics. The house-made ice cream, originally crafted from their candy offerings, includes flavors like Peppermint Stick and Almond Crunch. Today, the menu features an array of flavors, such as Baklava, Black Raspberry, Coffee Oreo, Grapenut, Rum Raisin, and Cherry Seinfeld, with black cherry ice cream, black cherries, and chocolate chips.
Honorable Mentions: Super Secret Ice Cream, Sundae Drive
New Jersey: Nicholas Creamery
Nicholas Creamery is an offshoot of the successful Nicholas Barrel & Roost, founded by Nicholas and Melissa Harary. Known for their expertise in the restaurant industry, they have brought their culinary skills to the world of ice cream. Nicholas Creamery focuses on small-batch ice cream made from local ingredients at their peak. Always-available flavors include Tahitian Vanilla, Mint Chocolate Chunk, and Brown Sugar Cookie Dough, while rotating flavors feature Strawberry Nutella, Mango Sticky Rice, and Devil’s Food Cake.
Honorable Mentions: Cliff’s Homemade Ice Cream, Curly’s Ice Cream
New Mexico: I Scream Ice Cream
At I Scream Ice Cream in Albuquerque, nostalgia reigns supreme. The retro parlor is adorned with an array of nostalgic items and board games, creating a whimsical atmosphere. Known for offering a variety of rare ice creams from different regions across the U.S., such as Blue Bell from Texas and Spumoni from New York, the shop boasts a wide selection of fun flavors like Birthday Cake and Southern Blackberry Cobbler. The menu also includes floats, malts, sundaes, and splits.
Honorable Mentions: Pink Pony Soft Serve, La Lecheria
New York: Magic Fountain
Magic Fountain, a beloved Long Island establishment, offers a quintessential Americana experience. Originally a Dairy Queen, it was rebranded as Magic Fountain in 1977 and has since become a popular destination for summer road trips. The shop offers an extensive list of flavors, including Vanilla Chip, Black Cherry Bourbon, Hazelnut Biscotti, and Rainbow Cookie. Additionally, they provide vegan options, soft-serve, sorbet, and seasonal flavors such as Irish Cream, Key Lime Pie, and S’mores.
Honorable Mentions: Emma’s Lake Placid Creamery, Sugar Hill Creamery
North Carolina: Andia’s Ice Cream
Andia’s Ice Cream, recently recognized as one of the best ice cream shops in the nation, is the creation of Andia Xouris. She is the only female Grand Master Ice Cream Chef in the South and Southeast, known for her finely tuned recipes. With multiple locations in the Raleigh-Durham area, Andia’s signature flavors include Rose Pistachio, French Vanilla, and Malted Twix. The shop also features rotating originals such as Lavender Honeycomb and Wedding Cake.
Honorable Mentions: Sunshine Sammies, Seemingly Overzealous Ice Cream
North Dakota: Pride Dairy
Pride Dairy began as a butter producer in Bottineau in 1930 and has since expanded its offerings to include ice cream, which has garnered high praise from outlets like USA Today. The ice cream shop maintains a simple and inviting atmosphere, focusing on serving delightful sundaes and novelty creations like Cow Pies, which are chocolate-covered ice cream patties on a stick.
Honorable Mentions: Scoop N Dough, Lundy’s Ice Cream
Ohio: Jeni’s Ice Creams
Jeni’s Ice Creams started as a local scoop shop in Columbus and has grown into a nationwide sensation. Founded by ice cream expert Jeni Britton, the brand maintains a warm and welcoming vibe, with inventive seasonal flavors crafted from scratch with high-quality ingredients. Notable offerings include Blueberry Johnny Cakes, Brambleberry Crisp, Sweet Cream Biscuits & Peach Jam, and Goat Cheese with Red Cherries.
Honorable Mentions: Little Ladies Soft Serve, Hello Honey
Oklahoma: Spark
Spark is a lively burger and custard shop in Oklahoma City, initially opened in Scissortail Park and now with additional locations. While known for burgers and crinkle-cut fries, the shop’s frozen custard is a must-try. Made from local dairy using a Stoelting machine, the custard is denser and creamier than traditional ice cream. Flavors rotate monthly, including Red Velvet in February, Mint Chocolate Chip in March, Lemon Poppy Seed in April, and Cookie Butter in December.
Honorable Mentions: Rose Rock Microcreamery, Boom Town Creamery
Oregon: Tillamook Creamery
Tillamook Creamery is a prominent fixture along the Oregon coast, celebrated for its cheddar and ice cream. This large, farmer-owned co-op offers a premium visitor experience, including tours and cheese tastings. The ice cream counter features a wide array of flavors developed by a certified ice cream scientist, such as Brownie Batter, Campfire Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate Hazelnut, and Marionberry Pie.
Honorable Mentions: Pinolo Gelato, Serendipity Ice Cream
Pennsylvania: Fox Meadows Creamery
Fox Meadows Creamery offers farm-fresh ice cream sourced directly from a nearby dairy. With locations in Ephrata and Leola, this family-run operation leverages decades of dairy farming expertise to create both classic (e.g., Coffee, Cookies ‘n Cream) and unique (e.g., Brookie Dough, Tandy Cake) flavors. Their signature treats include the Baked Fox, featuring ice cream nestled inside a cookie, brownie, pie, or monkey bread.
Honorable Mentions: Somerset Splits, The Franklin Fountain
Rhode Island: Like No Udder
Like No Udder began as the world’s first vegan soft-serve ice cream truck and has since expanded to a storefront. As a 100% vegan brand, it offers an impressive range of hard scoop and soft-serve ice creams, ice cream sandwiches, pastries, waffles, and floats. The ever-changing flavors include intriguing options like Thai Iced Tea, Lemon Bar, Almond Joyful, and Cinnamon Graham Swirl.
Honorable Mentions: The Ice Cream Machine Co., Tricycle Ice Cream
South Carolina: Sweet Cream Company
Established in 2012, Sweet Cream Company in Columbia is known for its inventive ice cream creations. The shop crafts small-batch ice cream with an array of toppings and sauces. Flavors change often, featuring combinations like Banana Peanut Butter Chip, Caramel Popcorn with Peanuts, and Rose and Dark Chocolate. They also offer a featured ice cream sandwich, such as chocolate ice cream between chocolate brownie cookies with raspberry drizzle.
Honorable Mentions: Hilton Head Ice Cream, Off Track Ice Cream
South Dakota: Memorial Team Ice Cream
At Mount Rushmore’s Memorial Team Ice Cream, visitors can enjoy a taste of history with Thomas Jefferson’s French vanilla ice cream recipe, the first written recipe for ice cream in America. This classic flavor is rich, buttery, and a fitting treat while taking in the views of the Black Hills monument.
Honorable Mentions: Cream, Mary’s Mountain Cookies
Tennessee: Cruze Farm
Cruze Farm epitomizes the farm-to-cone concept, using milk from its own Jersey cows to produce fresh ice cream and flavored milks. Available in Knoxville markets and creamery locations throughout the region, Cruze Farm offers a rotating selection of flavors such as Chocolate, Sweet Cream, Cheesecake, and Banana Puddin’. Their ice cream pies, like the Drumstick Pie with a chocolate pie shell, chocolate ice cream, peanuts, whipped cream, and chocolate hard-shell topping, are a popular choice.
Honorable Mentions: Elliston Place Soda Shop, Lazy Cow Creamery
Texas: Lick Honest Ice Creams
Lick Honest Ice Creams stands out for its commitment to ethical sourcing and high-quality ingredients. With locations in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and College Station, this queer-owned, woman-led company offers creatively flavored ice creams inspired by local ingredients. Flavors include Cilantro Lime, Dewberry Corn Cobbler, and Goat Cheese, Thyme, and Honey. Ice cream sandwiches are also available, featuring soft chocolate cake cookies filled with flavors like Hill Country Honey and Vanilla.
Honorable Mentions: Buttermilk Baby, Besame
Utah: Monkeywrench
Monkeywrench is a standout in Salt Lake City, renowned for its remarkable vegan ice cream offerings that have captivated both locals and visitors alike. Established in 2017, this vibrant coffee and ice cream shop has carved a niche for itself by offering a dozen meticulously crafted flavors each day. Its menu is a creative mix, featuring innovative concoctions like a vegan version of “Honey Comb” and the indulgent “Budderfinger” Fudge Ice Cream Pie. Beyond ice cream, the shop also serves pastries, shakes, sundaes, and house-made waffle cones, along with frosted cookies and other delightful treats.
Honorary Mentions: La Michoacana Artisan and Mack’s Finest Gelato are also notable mentions in Utah, each offering unique and high-quality frozen desserts that have earned them a loyal following.
Vermont: Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
In Vermont, the Maple Creemee is a must-try regional delicacy, and Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks stands out as a top destination for this treat. With a history spanning 200 years, Morse Farm has mastered the art of maple sugaring, a skill passed down from Native Americans. The farm uses its own maple syrup to create a variety of products, including candy, butter, kettle corn, and the celebrated Maple Creemee. This family-run establishment has gained recognition from notable publications like Food & Wine for its exceptional offerings.
Honorary Mentions: Odd Otter Ice Cream and Palmer Lane Maple are also noteworthy for their contributions to the Vermont ice cream scene, each bringing their own distinctive flavors and creations to the table.
Virginia: Bubba’s Ice Cream Shack
Nestled within the Williamsburg General Store in Colonial Williamsburg, Bubba’s Ice Cream Shack delivers a quintessentially American experience. This fourth-generation family-owned business exudes nostalgia, with the aroma of fresh waffle cones attracting customers to its counter. The shop offers classic ice cream flavors topped with traditional favorites like hot fudge, whipped cream, candy, and cherries, making it a beloved spot for both locals and tourists.
Honorary Mentions: Scoop and Ruby Scoops are also celebrated for their delicious ice cream offerings in Virginia, each providing unique flavors and experiences that complement the state’s rich culinary landscape.
Washington: Frankie & Jo’s
Frankie & Jo’s, a plant-based ice cream brand in Seattle, has redefined the ice cream experience by using fruits, nuts, and vegetables to create delicious, sustainable treats. Founded in 2011, the company now operates four locations, offering inventive flavors such as Brown Sugar Vanilla, Mint Brownie, Chocolate Tahini Supercookie, Strawberry Milk, and Miso Moon. These vegan options are so creamy and flavorful that they’ve garnered praise from publications like Bon Appétit.
Honorary Mentions: Mallard Ice Cream and Creamy Cone Cafe are also recognized for their unique and delicious offerings, each contributing to Washington’s diverse ice cream scene.
West Virginia: Hanging Rocks Ice Cream
Hanging Rocks Ice Cream, located in Romney, is a beloved local favorite. Known for its whimsical creations, the shop offers inventive treats like putter pecan soft-serve and Oatmeal Creme Pie milkshakes. Situated on a farm, it provides a picturesque setting that enhances the ice cream experience. With a rotating selection of flavors and special offerings like apple dumpling sundaes, it’s a must-visit for anyone in the area.
Honorary Mentions: Rock Hill Creamery and Dancing Dog Ice Cream are also noteworthy in West Virginia, each offering their own unique takes on ice cream and contributing to the state’s vibrant dessert landscape.
Wisconsin: Purple Door
In a state renowned for its dairy, Purple Door stands out as a premier ice cream destination. With locations in Milwaukee and Mequon, the shop uses local milk from Wisconsin’s Holstein cows, along with ingredients from local purveyors like Anodyne Coffee Roasters and Growing Power farms. Known for its rich and creamy texture, the ice cream features over 20 flavors, including Cinnamon Roll and Salted Caramel. A standout option is the Purple Moon, a blend of blueberry and raspberry purees.
Honorary Mentions: Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream and Kelley Country Creamery are also celebrated for their exceptional ice cream offerings in Wisconsin, each with its own unique flavors and loyal customer base.
Wyoming: Cream + Sugar Scoop Shop
Cream + Sugar Scoop Shop, a recent addition to Jackson’s Town Square, has quickly become a favorite in Wyoming. Opened in 2023 by Gavin Fine and the Fine Dining Restaurant Group, the shop offers handmade frozen treats with flavors like Mint Chocolate Chip, Huckleberry, Fresh Banana, and Vegan Coconut Vanilla. The adorable ice cream sandwiches, such as the huckleberry version with sweet cream ice cream and warm chocolate chip cookies, are not to be missed.
Honorary Mentions: The Bigg Chill and Farson Mercantile are also key players in Wyoming’s ice cream scene, each offering delightful frozen treats and a memorable experience.
Washington, D.C.: Everyday Sundae
Everyday Sundae, located in D.C.’s Petworth neighborhood, is a community cornerstone known for its playful and whimsical flavors. Owned by Charles Foreman, the shop offers creative options like Super-Kid (a blend of strawberry, banana, and blue birthday cake), Fruit Loops, Oatmeal Cookie, and Vanilla Moose Tracks, which features vanilla ice cream with peanut butter cups and fudge. Celebrated as some of the best ice cream in the city by the Washington Post, it’s a must-visit for anyone in the area.
Honorary Mentions: The Dairy Godmother and Ice Cream Jubilee are also renowned for their delicious offerings in Washington, D.C., each bringing their own unique flair to the city’s ice cream landscape.
