It’s hard
not to love all the great stuff that makes up July when the list includes fireworks,
barbecues, sunny skies, and … National Ice Cream Month!
If you’re
craving the best ice cream the Hudson Valley has to offer, have we got the
guide for you!
Jillian Pecoraro, 2.5, loves her ice cream from
Richard’s Dairy Shed in Montgomery.
ULSTER COUNTY
62 Oneil St.
Kingston
Talk about a Hudson Valley staple — Boice Brothers Dairy is
celebrating 100 years this summer. Their century-long presence in the community
is no accident, as their fresh, locally-sourced treats have satisfied
generation after generation.
72 Main St.
Saugerties
Sometimes a gigantic dessert is the only dessert that will do. Luckily,
Mickey’s Igloo has a colossal-size sundae special to lift you up when it’s been
one of those days. If you can’t stomach a treat quite that hefty, you can
always get a specialty sundae, shake, shaved ice, malt, hard ice cream, and
much more in a regular size.
730 State
Route 208
Gardiner
The ice
cream stand section of this seasonal farmer’s market sells treats with fresh
fruit toppings grown right on site. You can opt for a classic dessert, like a
malt or a banana split, or sample the fruits of the farm with a hot apple crisp
sundae, strawberry shortcake sundae, or peach melba sundae. All the food is
kosher and gluten-free, so those dietary restrictions won’t hold you back.
78 Main St.
New Paltz
Lifelong New
Paltz resident Patty Walker had always heard people wondering where they could
get ice cream in New Paltz, so three years ago she opened Huguenot Creamery and
solved their problem. The chic little parlor serves super popular milkshakes
and classic ice cream flavors to enjoy as you stroll around town. You can also
buy cannolis and other desserts to cap off your dinner (or lunch or
breakfast!).
ORANGE COUNTY
Weir’s Ice Cream
2159 New York 94
Salisbury Mills
Hudson Valley residents have all different experiences, but chances are
if they’ve lived in the area for a while, they’ve been to Weir’s. The stand has
all the treats you could want — hard and soft ice cream, shakes, floats,
sherbet, yogurt, Italian ice, slush drinks, and more — and often runs
specials and promotions to support teams and organizations in the community.
5334 Route
9W
Newburgh
You can’t go
wrong with this classic ice cream shop. Whether you’re looking for a homemade
ice cream sundae, a cup of creamy soft serve, or a refreshing Italian ice, Mary
Jane’s has comfort desserts you can count on. They also offer a huge selection
of food, so you can take the full night off from cooking if you’d like!
1390 Route
17A
Warwick
This
creamery is located at the top of Mt. Peter and is most certainly worth the
hike on the Appalachian Trail. But if you’re not up to hoofing it (we don’t
blame you — it’s advanced!), you can drive instead. The view from the top is
spectacular. Just don’t get so into the sights that you forget to order ice
cream. The specialty flavors feature fresh ingredients grown right on the farm.
1103 State
Rt. 17K
Montgomery
This
family-owned Montgomery staple never disappoints. Richard’s offers a vast menu
(including food) that spans the ice cream spectrum, from classic chocolate and
vanilla to birthday cake to brownie sundaes. The scoops are quite generous, so
be sure to bring your appetite.
655 New York
17M
Middletown
Fresh
homemade ice cream, Italian gelato, and sorbet provide a range of options at
Blueberry Mountain. Hand-dipped waffle cones offer another layer of indulgence,
and gluten-free cones make sure no one misses out on the fun. The mini golf
course next door makes a trip to Blueberry Mountain a fun family evening out.
949 Route 32
The gigantic
ice cream sundae on top of the building will pull you in, but the ice cream
will keep you! Soft-serve flavors of the week offer constant variety, and if
you’re having trouble picking just one favor, you can swirl two together.
Located just off Route 32, you can easily make Cherry Top “on the way” during
your Hudson Valley travels.
DUTCHESS COUNTY
7270 S. Broadway
Red Hook
Even in the dead of winter, Holy Cow is hoppin’. Whether it’s January or
July, people flock here to enjoy generous portions of all sorts of treats. The
affordable prices ensure people who take advantage of the yearlong schedule
don’t have to sacrifice their wallets.
Holy Cow in Red Hook. Photo submitted by Beth Rose.
141 Overlook
Rd.
Poughkeepsie
Located next
to Overlook Drive-In, you can enjoy a pre-movie dessert (and dinner!) for a
night out on the town, or just swing by for a sundae. A playground sits right
behind the café’s patio, so the kids can indulge their sugar high while you
relax nearby.
550 Route 82
Hopewell
Junction
Another
local family-owned staple, Joe’s has options for everyone in the family’s
tastes — ice cream sandwiches, hard ice cream, slush puppies, soft-serve
yogurt, and even chili from a secret family recipe on the savory food side. Be
on the lookout for a family movie night featuring “Frozen” on July 10. The
grill will stay open late and waitress service ensures you won’t miss out on a
great film or great ice cream.
201 Main St.
Beacon
Most people
have fond memories of enjoying a popsicle on a hot summer day, but we bet you
don’t recall ones flavored like mojitos, peanut butter and jelly, arroz con
leche, or cucumber mint chili. These fun spins on the frozen classic are a huge
hit, and they are made in small batches with fresh, Hudson-Valley grown
products.
PUTNAM COUNTY
32 West
Street
Cold Spring
If you give
Moo Moo’s a try and love it, you don’t have to worry about getting bored of it
quickly — the 16 available flavors change daily. The ice cream is homemade from
a family recipe, so it won’t taste quite like the big-brand tubs you have in
your freezer. Plus, Moo Moo’s porch overlooks the Hudson River, making it the
perfect spot for a peaceful evening treat.
Twin Cone in Bloomingburg. Photo submitted by Joyceann Partridge-Viola
Dairy O in Westtown. Photo submitted by Marisa Newman.
More honorable mentions from our readers:
“2 Smiles in Poughkeepsie. All homemade with lots of
variety and really nice ice cream cakes, too!” — Isabelle Dichiara
“Twin Cone in Bloomingburg ... two thumbs up!” — Joyceann
Partridge-Viola
“We love chocolate soft serve from Adam’s in
Poughkeepsie!” — Jessica Schaefer
“Mary Janes in Middlehope.” — Brigette Anne
“The Beacon Creamery in … Beacon.” — Danielle
Ricciardi
“Jolly Cow in Lake Katrine. Not only is it amazing ice
cream, but the owner is very community-oriented man. It’s a great family place,
too.” — Ethel Resso
“Ron’s Ice Cream in Beacon! It's a town staple.” — Loren Michelle
“Café a la Mode in Warwick. Love their handmade ice cream
cones!” — Krystal Torres
“Frozen Caboose in
Highland.” — Danielle Dapp
“Wally’s
in Monroe. Hands down! I travel there from Chester.” — Gillian Farrell
“The Dairy O in Westtown.
Family owned and super delish stuff. I love the cookie ice cream sliders.” — Marisa Neuman
"The IceMother mobile ice cream stand in Monroe! You text, they
deliver!" — Samantha Klinger
Elora Tocci is a freelance writer born and
raised in Newburgh. She currently works as a communications assistant at Teach
For America in New York City.