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Summer in Connecticut is always a good time to plan a road trip. And what better reason than to find the best ice cream in CT?
Many ice cream shops occupy working farms that have been around for generations. These places are a slice of local life, complete with:
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Cows
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Gorgeous views
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And that unmistakable farm-fresh flavor
It doesn’t matter if you’re after classic flavors or feeling a bit more adventurous. And of these creameries are unique and tasty spots. Keep an eye out, though: some are seasonal, open just for the warmer months. That said, many others are scooping year-round, so your sweet tooth is always satisfied.
Ready to discover the best ice cream shops in CT? Let’s get into it:
Quick Scoop
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Connecticut has a ton of ice cream shops. They serve everything from classic flavors to wild new creations.
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Don’t miss out on seasonal specials and unique combos—you’ll never get bored.
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Out with the family or exploring a solo destination, these spots are memory makers.
Top Ten Best Ice Cream Places in Connecticut
CT is loaded with ice cream shops that blend the traditional with the new. Whether you’re into farm-fresh scoops or prefer an urban vibe, you’ve got so many options! Here are ten must-visit places, each with its own charm and irresistible flavors.
Arethusa Farm Dairy | Bantam
Tucked away in the charming Litchfield Hills town of Bantam, Arethusa Farm Dairy is a full-on dairy farm experience. They churn out everything from cheese to yogurt. That said, the star of the show is definitely the ice cream. Made with fresh, farm-sourced ingredients, every scoop here is a taste of quality. They’re open daily from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM, with longer hours on weekends, making it perfect for a family trip or a solo indulgence. Don’t miss their seasonal flavors—they’re the cherry on top.
Rich Farm Ice Cream Shop | Oxford
Rich Farm Ice Cream Shop in Oxford is all about keeping it fresh. Since 1994, David and Dawn Rich have been whipping up small-batch ice cream right on their family farm. This ice cream business has been in the family for five generations, so they know a thing or two about making great ice cream. From classic vanilla soft serve to bold flavors like German chocolate brownie and espresso explosion, there’s something for everyone. And with rotating specials like bananas Foster, coffee ice cream, and icebox cake, each visit feels like a new adventure.
Honeycone Craft Ice Cream | Chester
Honeycone Craft Ice Cream in Chester, CT, is a hidden gem run by a mother-daughter team, Tula McDougal and Christiana Barabe. Opened in 2020, this spot is all about unique flavors and top-notch quality. With a menu that ranges from the tried-and-true to the totally unexpected, there’s something for everyone. Each scoop is a little scoop of happiness.
Dave’s Gourmet Paletas | Fairfield
Head to Dave’s Gourmet Paletas in Fairfield, CT, for something a little more unique. These aren’t your average ice cream treats—these are Mexican ice pops, or paletas, handmade daily with the freshest ingredients. The flavors are fun, the taste is authentic, and there are no preservatives in sight. On a hot summer day, Dave’s is the perfect place to cool down with a tasty, refreshing twist.
Plasko’s Farm | Trumbull
Plasko’s Farm in Trumbull is the place to be if you love variety. From homemade ice cream to sundaes and milkshakes, this spot has it all. And if you’re a coffee lover, you’re in luck—they’ve got a cozy café with fresh brews and baked goods to match.
UConn Dairy Bar | Storrs
Since 1953, the UConn Dairy Bar of Storrs in Northeast CT has been serving up ice cream that’s practically a local legend. Made from the UConn Creamery’s original recipe, it’s a hit with both students and visitors alike. If you stop by, you’ve got to try their signature Husky Tracks—it’s a flavor that’ll have you howling for more.
Ferris Acres Creamery | Newtown
If you’re cruising through Newtown, a stop at Ferris Acres Creamery is a must. This spot has been serving up waffle cones since 2003, but the Ferris family has been farming at 144 Sugar Street since 1864—talk about tradition! Their flavors range from classics to fun creations like Elvis Dream, Bada Bing, and Campfire. Whether you’re a fan of the familiar or like to mix it up, Ferris Acres has something to make your taste buds dance. It’s the perfect summer stop, and trust me, you won’t want to leave without trying a scoop or two.
Grassroots Ice Cream | Granby
Grassroots Ice Cream in Granby has been the go-to spot for New England ice cream lovers since 2013. They keep it fresh—literally—with flavors like Banana Graham and Strawberry Cheesecake rotating in and out. It’s the kind of place where every visit feels like a brand-new treat.
Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream | Mystic
Right on the scenic Mystic drawbridge, Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream offers more than just a sweet treat—it’s an experience. With premium ingredients like real cane sugar and pure Bourbon vanilla, each batch is carefully crafted for maximum flavor. A stroll by the river with a cone in hand? Doesn’t get much better than that in Mystic, CT.
We-Li-Kit Ice Cream | Pomfret
We-Li-Kit Ice Cream in Pomfret, CT, is all about rich, creamy goodness. With a butterfat content of 16%, you know you’re in for something special. The farm-to-scoop approach means the freshest ingredients, and their rotating seasonal flavors keep things interesting. Plus, quirky names like ‘purple cow’ and ‘roadkill’ add a fun twist to every visit.
Even More Fantastic Ice Cream Shops in Connecticut
I ran out of lines in the top list before I ran out of great ice cream shops. So, here are a few more:
Buttonwood Farm | Griswold
Buttonwood Farm in Griswold is where ice cream meets heartwarming tradition. Since 1998, they’ve been crafting small-batch ice cream with a rich, smooth flavor that keeps folks coming back. Their flavors range from everyday indulgences like Jungle George (banana, walnuts, and chocolate chips) to limited-edition flavors like lemon raspberry cheesecake and peanut butter Oreo. Buttonwood is also famous for their annual “Sunflowers for Wishes” fundraiser. Each year, they plant over 14 acres of sunflowers to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It’s a sweet spot with a big heart.
Collins Creamery | Enfield
Over on the “quiet side of town” in Enfield, Collins Creamery has been dishing out delicious ice cream since 1997. This farm creamery is all about mixing the traditional with the unique, like their best-seller, Collins Compost, which blends brownie batter and Oreo cookies. Each summer, they roll out special flavors like watermelon chocolate chip and Cowabunga, a chocolate ice cream packed with brownie chunks and peanuts. And if you’re a fan of red velvet, their red velvet sundae, topped with hot fudge and marshmallow, is a must-try. Stick around after your treat to say hi to the friendly cows—it’s all part of the experience.
Salem Valley Farms | Salem
Salem Valley Farms is a cozy, little, red barn packed with flavor—literally. With over 80 rotating ice creams, all made on-site, you’ll have a tough time picking just one. They’ve got everything from fruity favorites like blueberry and strawberry cheesecake to bold choices like key “Lyme” pie and brownie explosion. Feeling adventurous? Try their small-batch basil ice cream, a surprising blend of vanilla and basil puree. And don’t forget your pup—they offer “pup cups” with vanilla soft serve and a dog biscuit on top. It’s the perfect spot for a sweet treat with the whole family, including the four-legged members!
Best Ice Cream in CT: Vegan and Dietary Options
Got dietary restrictions or just looking for something a little different? Connecticut’s got you covered with some top-notch vegan and dietary-friendly ice creams. Divine Treasures in Manchester, CT is the go-to for vegan and gluten-free soft serve, offering flavors like limoncello and orange creamsicle that’ll make you forget you’re missing out on anything.
Over at Heibeck’s Stand in Wilton, CT, they make sure there are always at least two vegan or non-dairy options every day. Whether you’re into coconut, almond, or oat milk-based treats, there’s something here for you, no matter your dietary needs.
Frozen Yogurt Alternatives
Looking for a lighter option? Frozen yogurt is having its moment in Connecticut. Froyo Shoppe in Simsbury, CT, offers a variety of flavors, from classic vanilla to the more adventurous Tiger’s Blood.
With a huge selection of toppings like boba, cookie dough, and fresh fruit, you can customize your frozen yogurt just the way you like it. It’s a refreshing twist on the traditional ice cream experience, perfect for when you want something a little different.
Tl;dr
Exploring Connecticut’s ice cream scene is like going on a sweet treasure hunt, where every scoop is a new discovery. From old-school classics to wild new flavors, there’s a little something for everyone. The top ten spots we’ve shared each bring their own unique vibe, whether you’re hanging out on a charming farm, grabbing a cone in the city, or stumbling upon a hidden gem.
As you work your way through these spots, don’t miss out on the must-try flavors, seasonal specials, and those quirky options that make Connecticut’s ice cream shops so special. With plenty of vegan and dietary choices, family-friendly places, and rotating specials, there’s always a new reason to grab another cone. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your cone, hit the road, and treat yourself to the best ice cream Connecticut has to offer this summer!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some must-try ice cream flavors in Connecticut?
You’ve got to try ‘Peanut Butter Cups,’ ‘Black Raspberry,’ and ‘Forbidden Silk Chocolate’—they’re like little bites of happiness!
Are there any vegan ice cream options in Connecticut?
You bet! Check out Divine Treasures and Heibeck’s Stand—they’ve got some seriously tasty vegan options.
Where can I find unique and fun ice cream flavors?
Head to Milkcraft or We-Li-Kit Ice Cream for flavors like ‘milk and cereal’ or ‘purple cow.’ They’re as fun to eat as they are to say!
Which ice cream places are family-friendly?
Salem Valley Farms and Milkcraft are perfect for families, with pup cups for your furry friends and cool liquid nitrogen ice cream for the kids to watch being made. Fun for everyone!
Are there any hidden gem ice cream shops in Connecticut?
Absolutely! Cowlick’s Creamery and Main Street Creamery & Cafe are hidden gems that you’ll want to add to your must-visit list.
