Summertime means it’s ice cream season in the Hudson Valley. Nothing is more satisfying on a scorching summer day than a sweet frozen treat, and the Valley is full of incredible ice cream shops, from Bona Bona to Zoe’s (and more!). When a scoop of your favorite flavor just isn’t enough, upgrade to an ice cream sandwich to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Here are our picks for places around the Valley to enjoy this classic summer dessert.
P.S. Did we miss a spot? Email us at edit@hvmag.com so we can add it.
Bona Bona Ice Cream
Port Chester
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Look no further, Instagram foodies – Bona Bona is the destination for decadent sweets that are almost too stunning to eat. The massive ice cream sandwiches come in inspired flavors like Italian rainbow cookie and b-dough, which includes a rich brownie on one end and edible cookie dough on the other (yes please!). As if this wasn’t already ice cream heaven, pair your sammie with one of the boozy milkshakes to really treat yo’ self.
Culture Cream
Hudson
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Hudson is known for fun, eclectic eateries – no wonder it’s home to one of the best spots for ice cream sandwiches in the Valley. Culture Cream serves one-of-a-kind, vibrant sweets that will have you coming back again and again to try every unique flavor. With imaginative menu items like orange ginger white chocolate chip cookie with orange olive oil kefir ice cream, there’s something to satisfy everyone.
Holy Cow Ice Cream
Red Hook
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Holy Cow is a staple for frozen treats in Dutchess County. The ice cream shop is famous around the Valley for its low prices and classic flavors, but don’t sleep on the sandwiches! Embrace your inner child with a chocolate chip cookie sandwich that’ll bring you back to chasing down the neighborhood ice cream truck in summers past.
Joe’s Dairy Bar & Grill
Hopewell Junction
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This ice cream joint is an absolute gem for creative confections, perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. Here, the sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing flavors to make a sweet sandwich tailored to your cravings. Joe’s offers massive ice cream sandwiches and flying saucers available in any of the Perry’s ice cream flavors it offers, with cookies made from scratch in-house. Enjoy them as is or roll them in toppings for an added level of sweetness.
The Jolly Cow
Lake Katrine
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What’s the only thing better than Jolly Cow’s soft serve? Jolly Cow’s soft serve between two chocolate cookies, of course! This family-focused shop offers these delicious treats in any of its twist ‘em, stack ‘em soft serve flavors like strawberry, orange creamsicle, and black raspberry, so your tastebuds will never be bored. Flavors change daily, so spend the rest of the summer trying as many as you can.
Kelly’s Creamery
Dover Plains
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Kelly’s brings flavor and fun as both an ice cream shop and a mini golf course. After a round on the green with friends or family, chow down on a pack of yummy flying saucers to beat the summer heat. If you’re feeling adventurous, try to conquer one of the jumbo sandwiches with huge scoops of artisanal ice cream between homemade cookies.
Spoons Ice Cream
Poughkeepsie
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It’s impossible to think about ice cream confections without immediately thinking about Spoons. This gourmet sweet shop is famous for its “freak shakes” – colossal milkshakes overflowing with sugary toppings like cookies, brownies, and more. Whether you enjoy a tasty ice cream sandwich atop one of these masterpieces or eat it à la carte, you’re guaranteed to leave with a big smile and a full stomach.
Zoe’s Ice Cream Barn
LaGrangeville
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Last, but certainly not least: Zoe’s Ice Cream Barn is the heart and soul of Hudson Valley ice cream. With dairy from Hudson Valley Fresh and locally sourced ingredients, Zoe’s serves up delicious flavors that cool you down while warming your heart. Indulge in this timeless treat with classic offerings like chocolate chip and Oreo cookie sandwiches.
