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There’s nothing better than sitting in the sunshine with silky soft serve or artisanal ice cream scoops from the region’s top creameries.
Oh ice cream, how we adore thee! That’s why we couldn’t be more excited for the return of ice cream season in the Hudson Valley. It’s a time when roadside dairy bar parking lots beckon us to stop for a scoop and quaint creameries become the coolest places in town. From Albany to Westchester, our Hudson River region is blessed with an abundance of local shops to satisfy sweet cravings on scorching (or even mildly warm) days.
This summer, make it a point to plan a pitstop to each and every one of the region’s decadent dairy shops. Not only will you explore new corners of the Hudson Valley, but you’ll get your just desserts, too.
P.S. Are we missing a spot? Email us at edit@hvmag.com so we can add it. Be sure to check hours at each location before visiting.
Alleyway Ice Cream
Saugerties
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Tucked quietly down an alley in Saugerties, Alleyway is a veritable hidden gem in the village. Each trip is an adventure, since flavors change weekly. As for the scoops, look to flavors like the ultra-rich Belgian chocolate and creamy buttermilk strawberry, available by the pint. For those with an adventurous streak, the neon-bright ube Heath Bar flavor is a show-stopping treat and one of Alleyway’s most popular offerings.
Bellvale Farms Creamery
Warwick
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Located at the top of Mount Peter in Warwick, Bellvale is a welcome reprieve for hikers in need of sweet refueling. Bellvale opens daily at noon and features signature homemade scoops in fun flavors like Bellvale bog (dark chocolate with brownie dough and fudge swirl) and strawberry-rhubarb pie. You can get your scoops in a traditional cone or sundae bowl, but Bellvale’s homemade waffle cones are the only way to go for locals in the know!
Because Bellvale is a family creamery, favorite flavors can run out throughout the day. Call ahead to confirm if your top scoops are onsite before you make a visit. By the way, the homemade ice cream pies are just as excellent as the scoops.
Ben’s Fresh
Port Jervis
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A go-to sandwich and scoop shop in Port Jervis, Ben’s Fresh offers an extensive selection of ice cream, milkshakes, and zany desserts. The soft ice cream is made with local Jersey cream and real bourbon vanilla, while the hard ice cream uses New York State milk. Scoops are wonderful on their own, in an ice cream soda, or on a sandwich, though they are extra-special when swirled into a homemade milkshake (with a creamy consistency courtesy of Ronnybrook Farm milk). The parfaits, including the cannoli, banana cream, and Oreo waffle chip, are just as exquisite.
The Blue Pig
Croton-on-Hudson
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This shop is as homemade as it gets. The milk and cream come from Hudson Valley Fresh, giving the ice cream—well—freshness. The Blue Pig’s got all your niche tastes covered; for example, try the grapefruit Campari sorbet or the fresh ginger ice cream with candied lemon. Vegan chai teas and fresh-baked cookies made with artisan flours can be found in colder weather. If you’re looking for specialties, the ice cream cakes, root beer floats, and orange soda floats are where it’s at.
Boice Bros. Dairy
Kingston
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Celebrating more than 100 years in business, Boice Bros. is a low-key legend in the Hudson Valley dairy scene. When it comes to ice cream, the local business is bar none. Swing by its Milk House headquarters in Kingston to dive into loaded brownie sundaes, custom ice cream cakes, and—when it’s in season—maple Dole Whip.
Bona Bona
Port Chester
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Attention all phone-eats-first enthusiasts: the delectable, sweet treats at Bona Bona are as appetizing as they are aesthetically pleasing. The fun, imaginative flavors shine through in menu items from massive ice cream sandwiches to elaborate sundaes to gorgeous boozy milkshakes. Immerse yourself in their colorful ambience with amazing confections like holy cannoli, carrot cake baked Alaska, and the salty & spiked milkshake made with bourbon. Vegan ice cream and desserts are also available. Ice cream, alcohol, and accommodating dietary options—what more could you ask for?
B-Side Grill
New Paltz
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Anyone order a side of nostalgia to go with their ice cream? With walls covered in records and music memorabilia, B-Sides is a blast from the past, specializing in classic American comfort food. Stop in for one of the famous burgers, all-day breakfast, and, of course, ice cream. You can have your dairy in a cone, milkshake, or atop a waffle with whipped cream and strawberries.
Cherry Top Dairy Bar
Newburgh
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This ice cream stand located near the Ulster County and Orange County line is a local favorite. They constantly rotate fun and creative flavors throughout the season, including cookie butter, red velvet, and maple soft serve.
Chester Ice Cream
Chester
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Named the “Coolest Place In Town,” this joint is brought to you by the Post/Meir family, who’ve been serving ice cream in Northern New Jersey since 1958. This ice cream shop serves both classic and new flavors alike. The cannoli cream and banana Oreo ice cream will have you begging for just one more scoop.
The Conery
Hudson
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This ice cream stand teams up with Jane’s Ice Cream to provide the Hudson Valley with sweet reprieves during the warmer seasons. Enjoy a scoop with the handmade waffle cones (which also come gluten-free) or the donuts. What better way to enjoy a frozen treat than with mountain views and a playground?
Culture Cream
Hudson
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Culture Cream is a vibrant spot serving ice cream and sorbet out of a rainbow-painted, neon-decorated stand. The frozen treats are full of personality, with flavor options like miso with honey-roasted strawberries and coffee kombucha. The shop uses fresh herbs from local farms along with products that contain probiotics, as the ice cream is made from kefir and sorbet from kombucha. Get “cultured” with up to three scoops or a tepache popsicle to fend off the summer heat, enjoy a treat at a picnic table under umbrellas, or get it shipped or delivered daily to your door.
The Dairy O
Westtown
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This dessert café has a little bit of something for everyone. The Dairy O offers a wide variety of flavors while providing dairy-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free options for customers. However, the standout stars are the ice cream pies, which come in caramel sea salt, apple crisps, and many more—including your own custom flavor!
Del’s Roadside
Rhinebeck
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A longtime Rhinebeck institution, Del’s sports a retro look and a hyperlocal list of purveyors like Del’s Dairy Farm and Dutchess Creamery. As for the menu, it’s all about Americana nostalgia with farm-fresh scoops such as double Dutch chocolate and mint brownie. If you wish to dabble in more unique flavors, be sure to try gingersnap & marmalade or even Santa’s night cap, a year-round non-alcoholic rum ice cream with sprinkles, sugar cookies, and chocolate chip cookie dough. P.S. Can’t decide? Try a little bit of everything in a tasting flight.
The Dutch Udder
Troy
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You’ve heard of farm-to-table…but what about desk-to-table? What started as a fifth-grade social studies project has evolved into a renowned ice cream business known especially for its vanilla bean ice cream (which won big at the 2017 World Dairy Expo). If you’re looking for something a bit more exciting than vanilla, The Dutch Udder offers a rotation of more than 150 other innovative flavors made with local dairy and served in pints, cones, and cups. Be on the lookout for the pop-ups from this women-owned shop throughout the Capital Region.
Emack and Bolio’s Ice Cream
Albany
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This Albany establishment is one of many Emack and Bolio’s ice cream shops which span the globe, and the flavors are exhilarating regardless of geographical location. Want to to try something out of this world? Get your hands on the space cake (vanilla cake-flavored ice cream with chunks of red velvet cake dispersed throughout). Emack and Bolio’s also offer vegan alternatives such as goa mango and raspberry chocolate krispy rice.
Fishkill Creamery
Fishkill
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For customers with a leg in the long-standing debate over soft serve or hard ice cream, there’s no need to choose—Fishkill Creamery has both. Customers can look forward to tasting local brands like Jane’s Homemade Ice Cream from Kingston and Victory Ice Cream from Wappingers Falls. The creamery sports over 20 flavors from Reese’s to vegan Smirnoff vodka mojito, and customers have their choice between waffle or gluten-free cones, sundaes, banana splits, shakes, and decadent specials.
Fortunes Ice Cream
Tivoli
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A charming little shop in Tivoli, Fortunes offers a regular rotation of seasonal craft ice cream in Dutchess County. Go for standard scoops like mint chip or maple walnut, or perhaps go the experimental route with flavors like ricotta candied orange or coconut hibiscus. For true Hudson Valleyites, the apple cider donut ice cream is a must.
Four Brothers Drive In
Amenia
A true blast from the past, Four Brothers Drive In is one of the best places to enjoy a cold cone and a hot flick. Roll up to the big screen and order online via the theater’s outdoor kiosk, or do so by phone and pick it up at the shack. Prepare your taste buds, as the menu boasts a premium selection of locally sourced ice creams. If you’re in the mood for something different, there are a few specialty sundaes like the bubby bubs, which comes with Nutella and a waffle. If you’re more of a milkshake connoisseur, Four Brothers has a unique menu of flavors, such as baklava, espresso, and even wine flavors (take your pick: cabernet or pinot grigio).
Frozen Caboose Ice Cream
Highland
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Salty caramel pretzel and pink grapefruit sorbet are just two flavors you might find at this family-run shop. Grab a shake, float, cone, or cup and head to the Walkway Over the Hudson—located less than a mile away—to top off an amazing day in the Valley.
Guptill’s Ice Cream
Albany
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The self-proclaimed “Absolute King of Soft Serve” prides itself on being the capital’s ice cream destination, offering 82 flavors alongside frozen yogurt and shakes. If that doesn’t quite satisfy you, create your sundae masterpiece with an equally extensive assortment of toppings.
Holy Cow Ice Cream
Red Hook
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Holy Cow is iconic. If you grew up in or around Dutchess County, chances are you made multiple trips to the Red Hook sweet spot during the dog days of summer. Inside the shop, prices are low and offerings are ample. Get an old-school sundae with hot fudge sauce and a cherry, or keep it classic with a twisty chocolate and vanilla cone. You may have a tough time deciding between hard and soft serve—not to mention chocolate chip cookies sandwiches and parfaits—but we promise that whatever you ultimately choose will be nothing short of divine.
Homestyle Creamery
Cold Spring
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Homestyle Creamery pairs Homestyle Desserts’—its sister shop—pastries with locally made Jane’s Ice Cream. Whether you get a scoop of vanilla sandwiched between two fresh-baked oatmeal raisin cookies, fresh vegan Dole whip, or an ice cream cake packed between two layers of cookie dough, you won’t walk away hungry here.
Jane’s Ice Cream
Kingston
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Discover the charming storefront of Jane’s Ice Cream, an award-winning family business that’s wowed ice cream lovers since 1985 with decades-old family recipes. Using only natural, local ingredients and hormone-free milk from New York State cows, Jane’s luxurious, velvety texture indulges the hedonists. The inventive and vibrant flavors will titillate even the most adventurous eaters. Try fan favorites like killer chocolate and vanilla bean, or test your wild side with damson plum and mango lassi. By the way, all flavors (except for those with cookies or cookie dough) are gluten-free.
Joe’s Dairy Bar
Hopewell Junction
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This family-focused ice cream joint has specialized in making memories with creative treats since 1960. Joe’s has it all: soft serve, hard ice cream, sundaes, hot food, and Instagram-famous freak shakes. These made-to-order monsters are piled high with more toppings than you could imagine. For one example, look to the unicorn freak shake: a milkshake flavor of your choice filled with colorful marshmallow drizzle, surrounded by edible confetti, and topped with whipped cream, more marshmallow drizzle, edible dust, and a cupcake impaled on a lollipop.
The Jolly Cow
Lake Katrine
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We won’t mince words—the Jolly Cow’s ice cream sandwiches are the star of the show. If you stray away from your typical vanilla and chocolate ice cream sandwiches, The Jolly Cow offers the chilled confections in banana, salted caramel, pistachio, and watermelon sorbet, just to name a few.
Kelly’s Creamery
Dover Plains
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Kelly’s is here to feed everyone’s creamy cravings with its substantial stock of 34 artisanal flavors. “Ooh” and “aah” over varieties like death by chocolate and graham slam cracker, then top the scoops with berries, candies, nuts, or sprinkles. A word to the wise: don’t forget to pick up a pack of ice cream sandwiches for the road.
Kurver Kreme
Albany
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This stand has been serving up soft ice cream since 1952. Kurver has a weekly rotation of fun flavors to enjoy in cones, banana splits, shakes, flurries, and homemade ice cream cake. The specialty sundaes like fruit salad and toasted coconut in a homemade waffle bowl are musts if you crave something a little different.
Lakeside Licks
Highland
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Located in Highland, Lakeside Licks is a classic summertime stop for soft and hard serve, sundaes, and shakes. The soft serve selection is extensive here, which means you’ll have a difficult time choosing between flavors like amaretto, cheesecake, cinnamon, peanut butter, raspberry, and rum. Mix them into a make-your-own sundae or order one of the staff’s specialty inventions. And don’t forget to order a homemade donut from Hole In One Donuts to pair with your scoops.
Mapleview Café
Poughkeepsie
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A community go-to in Poughkeepsie, Mapleview is a must for homemade ice cream that’s just about as creamy as it gets. Flavors change daily, but may include anything from Mary Lou’s raspberry and strawberry cheesecake to cannoli cream and pumpkin cheesecake. Sugar-free vanilla and chocolate flavors are on the menu, too.
Mary Jane’s Dairy Bar
Newburgh
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As if Girl Scout cookies weren’t irresistible enough, Mary Jane’s Dairy Bar give them a chilling twist in the way of cookie-themed ice cream. And if you’re obsessed with everything chocolate, death by chocolate—a dark chocolate ice cream with brownies, chocolate cake crunch, chocolate chips, and fudge swirl—may be your new go-to flavor.
Moo Moo’s Creamery
Cold Spring
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A fan favorite, Moo Moo’s offers nearly 100 flavors of hard ice cream. From strawberry Oreo to s’mores, it has everything you might want, even if you don’t know what that is yet. Stop by after a hike for cool refreshers like caramel cashew, mint fudge Oreo swirl, chocolate walnut, and more.
The Original Mickey’s Igloo
Kingston
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The Original Mickey’s Igloo has been serving Kingston for over 65 years. Thanks to its sheer popularity, this shop branched out, opening another establishment in Saugerties. Mickey’s offers an abundance of hard serve, soft serve, and vegan options. Are you feeling for amaretto? Irish cream? Crème de menthe? The choice is yours!
Nana’s Ice Cream and Grille
Hyde Park
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The name and retro aesthetic definitely arouse feelings of nostalgia. Nana’s offers an assortment of fun flavors and “stacks”—cups piled high with creamy soft serve, candy, and other sweet treats—including the peanut butter explosion and the brownie stack, which comes topped with rich, homemade brownies. The top-selling flavor, “Trash Can,” is more delectable than disgusting, despite the name; it’s vanilla ice cream combined with a plethora of treats including cookie dough, brownies, Heath Bar, M&M’s, caramel, and fudge.
Nancy’s of Woodstock Artisanal Creamery
Woodstock
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No trip to Woodstock is complete without a visit to Nancy’s creamery. Nancy’s sits on the quieter end of Tinker Street, making it an ideal destination for a sweet bite away from the summertime crowds. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional, vegan, or sorbet scoops, you’ll find them all inside the pretty little shop. Go for the sour cream cherry or the lemon lavender if you’ve a hankering for hard serve. Vegans, meanwhile, will love daily rotation of delicious dairy-free flavors.
Penny Lick Ice Cream Co.
Hastings-on-Hudson
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If you’re heading down toward Westchester, don’t pass up a trip to Penny Lick. The Hastings creamery has been scooping up its signature custard-based recipe, using locally sourced whole milk, eggs, and sugar, since 2013. Nowadays, it serves artisanal options like vegan dark chocolate coconut, lemon bar, white bourbon caramel, and raspberry lime sorbet. Planning a birthday party? Call ahead to order a custom cake that is so much better than any run-of-the-mill Carvel cake.
Quickway Twin Cone
Bloomingburg
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This family-owned ice cream shop has been a staple in the Hudson Valley for over 34 years. While it offers soft serve in many flavors, the parfaits and ice coolers (soft serve ice cream layered with Italian ice) are definitely worth checking out.
Ron’s Ice Cream
Beacon
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Situated just outside Beacon proper, Ron’s is a fan-favorite spot for quirky options like blue panda, which is indeed very blue, and cinnamon bun, a heavenly cinnamon ice cream with luscious cinnamon swirls and sugar dough bites. Of course, hard ice cream is far from the only chilly delight you’ll find at Ron’s. If you want to switch things up, try picking and choosing between flurry flavors.
Scoups Homemade Ice Cream
Loudonville
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For Scoups, presentation goes a long way. The frozen desserts are almost too aesthetically pleasing to devour, but the satisfaction afterward is totally worth it. Be sure to check out the current flavor of the week.
Shmuck’s Sweet Stuff
Beacon
One of the Valley’s more recent additions to the artisanal ice cream scene is owned and operated by “just a couple of Shmucks with a sweet tooth” who were born and raised in Beacon—they translated their friendship into a business at Hudson Valley Food Hall. Their love for the region is seen in their ingredients, all sourced fresh and seasonally from local outputs; all flavors are nut-free; and vegan options, like the house favorite vegan dark chocolate coconut, are always on hand. Indulge in popular summer flavors like fresh mint chip, or go all out with the signature loaded waffle, a freshly pressed liege waffle topped with cinnamon sugar, a “shcoop” of ice cream, a topping of your choice, and more fixings.
Sleeping Giant Ice Cream
Kerhonkson
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Named after the legendary mountains of Shawangunk, Sleeping Giant Ice Cream in Ulster County serves up classic treats. Whether it be a crisp sugar cone with a dollop of soft serve or a waffle cone layered with a myriad of scoops, customers can’t go wrong at this sweet shop. Find candy toppings for both soft serve and hard scoops like gummy bears, Butterfingers, and Reese’s Pieces.
Snowman Ice Cream
Troy
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Snowman has been serving soft and hard ice cream to the city of Troy since the mid-20th century. It offers specialty sundaes, hard ice cream flavors like orange pineapple and coffee Oreo, and vegan options. If you give the shop advance notice, it will even bake ice cream pies. With options like grasshopper (mint chocolate chip, crushed mint cookies, and hot fudge) and Samoa (vanilla, caramel, hot fudge, and toasted coconut), how could anyone resist?
Spoons Ice Cream
Poughkeepsie
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Located in Eastdale Village—one of the top foodie destinations in the Valley—Spoons specializes in gourmet sundaes, ornate ice cream cakes, and colossal milkshakes (known as “freak shakes”) that feature fan-favorite treats from local small businesses. Beyond its hard and soft serve ice cream, the shop offers gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free, and dairy-free options to accommodate all who love to lick an ice cream cone.
Stewart’s Shops
Throughout the Hudson Valley
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What would a list of Hudson Valley ice cream spots be without a mention of Stewart’s? The beloved convenience chain is best known for its ice cream, which has something of a cult following among locals in the know. Everyone has a favorite flavor, but top picks include the brownie cookie sundae, peanut butter pandemonium, and mint cookie crumble. Take home a half gallon or hand-packed pint to go or just stop by the closest Stewart’s near you for a cone, brownie sundae, milkshake, or—if you’re really feeling it—a banana split.
Twistee Cone Inc.
New Paltz
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This seasonal ice cream joint, a favorite among SUNY New Paltz students and year-round residents alike, offers new flavors every week with toppings to match. While this spot is revered for its homemade soft and hard ice cream, the scrumptious lava cookie sundae may just send your tastebuds to cloud nine.
Weir’s Ice Cream
Salisbury Mills
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Founded in 1956, Weir’s is the retro roadside stand of Instagram dreams. The shop is open from April to September and is locally famous for its homemade hard scoops and unique soft serve flavors. Order the perfect twist of whatever soft serve options are on the menu for the day (vegan strawberry oat milk, anyone?) or get a sky-high stack of limited-edition flavors like Irish coffee or midnight on the Moodna (that’s rich chocolate ice cream with mint chocolate cookies and mint swirl).
Wally’s Ice Cream Parlor II
Monroe
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Beat the scorching summer heat with a treat from Wally’s Ice Cream Parlor. This Monroe establishment has been faithfully serving its customers for almost 30 years with homemade classic flavors. Try the signature Wally Pop, ice cream on a stick dipped in melted chocolate or cherry syrup.
Zoe’s Ice Cream Barn
LaGrangeville
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Zoe’s is the place to go for a true Hudson Valley ice cream experience. With dairy supplied by Hudson Valley Fresh and seasonal ingredients straight from local farms, Zoe’s scoops are the real deal. Go for classic varieties like cookie dough and birthday cake if you’re feeling nostalgic, or test out farm-fresh flavors like strawberry cheesecake or lavender honey.
Zora Dora
Beacon
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While this ice cream spot is famous for its unique and fruity paletas or ice pops, Zora Dora’s frozen dairy treats hit the mark as well. Handcrafted in small batches daily with Hudson Valley dairy, they have a multitude of flavors that tickle your fancy, including the creamy citrus and sunset sorbet and maple walnut ice cream.