1. Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream

Okay, so we may be a little biased here, but did you know that Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream uses only local dairy with no added hormones or preservatives in their ice cream? Or that they sweeten their products with real cane sugar? Or that they import authentic Dutch chocolate?

The store’s iconic location by the river (down the street from Just Mystic—grab one of our collab t-shirts!) has been an ice cream shop since the 1800s, and the family who owns it today has kept the tradition of “ice cream excellence” alive. With house-roasted nuts and fresh fruits folded into a variety of unique flavors—including non-dairy options—a visit to Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream is sure to bring a smile to your face. Try the Mystic Mud flavor!

Visit them at 2 W Main St. Mystic, CT.

2. Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream

What began as a dairy farm in 1975 has grown into so much more. Buttonwood Farm in Griswold, CT (about 30 minutes north of Just Mystic) has been using the freshest ingredients to feed their cattle for over forty years—so why would their ice cream be any different? 

Surrounded by acres of sunflowers and historic stone walls, this multigenerational family farm is committed to preserving the land around them, with the farm operating on 100% solar energy since 2016. Buttonwood uses premium, farm-fresh ingredients to make their ice cream, whipped cream, and homemade waffle cones. Top your favorite flavor (ours is Almond coconut) with hot fudge, caramel, pineapple, strawberry, marshmallow, peanut butter, sprinkles, and more! Stop by with the whole family to see this picturesque pastoral landscape, say hi to the cattle, and enjoy an ice cream cone!

Visit them at 473 Shetucket Tpke. Griswold, CT.

3. Brickley’s Ice Cream

Brickley’s Homemade Ice Cream has been awarded the “Best Ice Cream in South County” by the readership of Rhode Island Monthly every season since they opened—and for good reason. 

With over 45 flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet to choose from—including apple pie, bubble gum, and salted caramel with chocolate chips—this family-owned ice cream shop is committed to great tasting, creamy, homemade ice cream that customers truly enjoy. Stop by their Wakefield or Narragansett locations for an ice cream cone you won’t soon forget!

Visit them at 322 Main St. Wakefield, RI.

4. Dairy Made Ice Cream

If you’re on your way to Cape Cod, or “the Cape” as locals call it, make a pit stop in New Bedford—not just for the whaling history, but also for the ice cream! Situated on the water’s edge, Dairy Made is a family-owned ice cream shop that gives 1950s vibes (think: DQ meets Sonic meets…a diner?) and offers a variety of soft-serve, hard-serve, and specialty sundaes. Get your ice cream cone dipped in one of their homemade dip flavors, such as chocolate, strawberry, or caramel, and dress it up with sprinkles or jimmies—whichever terminology you prefer. If you’re in a hurry, check their website…they have online ordering!

Visit them at 1517 Cove Rd New Bedford, MA.

Headed north to the Green or White Mountains? Perhaps to the Berkshires? Or maybe to Saratoga, NY for the horse races? Wherever you’re going, don’t miss Wilcox Ice Cream on the way. Another family-owned New England Ice Cream gem, this shop has roots dating back to 1892, when southern VT was mostly a patchwork of dairy farms. In addition to their delicious homemade ice cream, Wilcox offers a variety of pre-made specialty foods including breads, muffins, smoothie ingredients, frozen pizzas, dinners, and more. While their flagship location is on “Sweet Street” (really!) in East Arlington, you can find Wilcox Ice Cream in a variety of stores throughout Vermont, with gluten and dairy-free options abound!

Visit them at 116 Sweet St. East Arlington, VT.