Groton, Connecticut and the surrounding area has the some of the best ice cream spots in New England. Check out these top ice cream spots to add to your list this summer for you and your family:
Michael’s Dairy (New London)
Michael’s Dairy is New London’s delicious gem! This ice cream parlor has been open for 80 years. This parlor offers hand scooped ice cream with over 35 flavors. They offer different ice cream treats as well perfect for the whole family. This ice cream parlor is seasonal, and they are open April- October. Try the fan favorite, Coconut Almond Bar.
Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream (Mystic)
Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream is in the heart of downtown Mystic. This ice cream parlor serves traditional old fashioned, hard ice cream. It is open year around so don’t worry if you are enjoying New England in the winter, this parlor will be open. With over 13 different ice cream flavors including limited vegan flavors, this parlor also offers coffee, milkshakes, teas and baked goodies. If you get a chance check this place out!
Cowlick’s Creamery (Waterford)
Cowlick’s Creamery is perfect spot for the kids to burn some energy off. This place not only has soft serve ice cream, but every child loves the big boat you can sit on and enjoy a sweet treat. The menu has traditional soft serve and hard ice cream with toppings. They also have specialty sundaes and milkshakes that are so tasty you will want to keep coming back for more. We asked one of TheSubmergedLife kiddos what favorite specialty ice cream they love, they said “Shark Attack”. This ice cream shop is seasonal and have summer hours only.
Millie’s Ice Cream Stand (Norwich)
Millie’s Ice Cream Stand is a small ice cream stand that is next to a golf course called Malerba’s Golf Driving Range. The ice cream stand has outside seating. They serve hard old fashion ice cream and frozen yogurt. Soft served is also an option as well. This stand is open during the summer only with limited hours. A popular flavor is Cowabunga Crunch with a choice of your own topping. This place is small, and seats are limited. This place has a long wait sometimes so make sure you get your spot before the crowd comes.
Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream (Griswold)
Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream is located on a beautiful, sprawling farm. This family-owned business makes over 50 flavors of homemade, old fashioned hard ice cream right on the farm. They have vegan options as well. As you grab a scoop of ice cream during the summer you can enjoy the sunflowers while in bloom or check out the produce or meats they have for sale. They have seasonal hours so make sure you check the website before making the trip. A popular flavor everyone seems to enjoy is the Mint Oreo. Don’t miss their “Sunflowers For Wishes” festival July 22-30! To learn more, check out our blog post from last year.
The Ice Box (Brooklyn)
If you feel like taking a day trip up to the border of Massachusetts, stop and check out The Ice Box. They also serve lunch as well. Ice Box is a local ice cream place that serves small batches of old fashioned ice cream. You can order it in a waffle cone, cup or make it into an ice cream sandwich. You can follow then on Facebook to check out new flavors they have each week. They are dog friendly! Don’t forget your furry friends for special doggy ice cream treats!
For more of our favorite duty station ice cream shops, click here. For our favorite Groton-area candy and sweet shops, click here.