The top 10 places to get ice cream in New Hampshire
“Without ice cream, there would be darkness and chaos.” – Don Kardong
If you’re anything like me, you love ice cream. But if you’re TRULY anything like me, you are an ice cream connoisseur! Or just desserts all together! When it’s a hot summer day with temperatures above 85 degrees, you will, without a doubt, find me at the nearest and coolest ice cream parlor checking out the places new and most popular flavors, all while having some of my own. My favorite is either a soft chocolate and vanilla twist with rainbow sprinkles or hard blackberry chocolate chip on a vanilla cone. I’m currently writing this article while I eat a sugar cookie and I’m beginning to believe it was a terrible idea because it’s late (11PM) and no ice cream shops are open near me. Gah! Anyhow, if you’re in New Hampshire and want some ice cream, but are unsure of where to find a spot, have no fear, I am here to save the day and give you the top ten places to eat ice cream.
Dairy Twirl
Located in the Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee region, Dairy Twirl is directly in Lebanon, New Hampshire. I have been going here since I was a young and it never disappoints—it always hits the spot and there are amazing selections and plenty of options for your palate. My favorite you ask? Butter Pecan. It is to die for! It’s a definite must try if you are in the Lebanon/Hanover area since you are surrounded my small towns. There is also shopping as you heads towards West Lebanon and Dartmouth College in Hanover which is just a ten-minute drive.
Moo’s Place Homemade Ice Cream
Welcome to Derry where Moo’s Place is located! There is a nice, fresh variety of ice cream flavors and toppings with a bunch of other cold treats to help your dessert craving. Perks? The service is great, so having a great conversation with employee will almost be there the second you walk through the door. Only downside? Parking as sometimes it difficult to find a parking spot especially during the summer months. If you’re going here with a group people, try your best and carpool as it will save you a ton more time and frustration as you arrive.
Stillswells Ice Cream
In a small town of New Hampshire is Stillswells. There is indoor dining and heated outdoor seating which is perfect in the summer months and you’re too hot to sit outside. The portions are HUGE, there is a good selection of hard ice cream and the service is quick and friendly. The best bonus of all? They’re open in winter. Whether you’re an ice-cream lover or not, this place is for you!
Lago’s Ice Cream
Oh Lago’s, you have my heart! This place is located in Rye on the coast of New Hampshire. Open since 1981, it’s open during the summer-time, but cash only is usually the payment of choice. The employees are amazingly friendly and the best of all? The ice cream is top notch and the sizes are gigantic! There’s also a variety of flavors including dairy free flavors! Some near flavors include Cookie Monster, Monkey Mess and Salty Sailor!Haywards Ice Cream
Haywards
Located in Nashua is Haywards! There is a good quality of ice-cream with friendly employees to boast and people always have a enjoyable experience while there are here. Whether you are alone or with a group of friends, this is the spot to be! Some famous flavors include banana fudge cream and bubblegum. Best part? It is all high quality of ice cream and special flavors on the menu daily. Haywards is also near the University of New Hampshire which makes it a great place explore campus while having a great taste of ice cream.
LLsley’s Ice cream
Located in the beautiful area of Weare holds one of the best ice cream parlors in New Hampshire. It’s an off the beaten path place that is a must stop if you’re wanting ice cream on a hot summer day. Not only do they have the best homemade chocolate and maple ice cream around, but a variety of flavors if you don’t want something too sweet. Perk? The lines are quick so you don’t’ have to wait in the exhausting heat and the staff is some of the sweetest people you will ever meet. If you don’t stop here while you’re visiting New Hampshire in August, you surely are missing out!
Sanctuary Dairy Farm Ice cream
Located in the Lakes Region between Newport and Sunapee is The Sanctuary. I have also been going to this place for years and it’s some the best ice cream you will ever have. Family owned, “the core of this family business is to provide a gathering place for families young, and old to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.” The ice cream is homemade and farm fresh, always with a variety of flavors. My go-to’s are Chocolate Peanut Butter and Coffee. One of the best parts of all? There is fridge full of other nutritious foods such as honey, maple syrup and veggies, that you are able to purchase. Who wouldn’t want to take home some home-made jams? I know I would!
Memories Ice Cream
Lastly, we have Memories Ice Cream located in Kingston! It’s a classic ice cream parlor with picnic tables and petting pen which make it an enjoyable experience for families who come to have a delicious treat. There is a variety of flavors with not only vegan, but dairy-free, gluten-free flavors. The soft serve vegan flavor does change every other week, so almost every time you visit, a new one will appear for your trying! I went there in the summer of 2020 and my favorite flavors were orange pineapple, peanut butter cup, coffee heath bar and cotton candy! Whichever one you pick, I promise that you will not regret it!
What’s your favorite flavor of ice-cream? Have you been to one of these places above? If so, please comment below as we can’t wait to read your answers!
