Churning up an appetite: Favorite ice cream shops along the East Coast Greenway

Add ice cream to any occasion, whether it’s a ride around your neighborhood or a multi-state bike tour, and it becomes just that much sweeter. Check out these 30 ice cream spots along the Greenway and cool off after your next ride.

Because hours and locations can change, be sure to check the shop's website before heading out on the Greenway.

Maine

Ellsworth: Morton’s Moo Homemade Ice Cream 9 School St (0.04 mi from Greenway) Morton’s Moo has been in business near Acadia National Park since 2003 and serves 52 flavors of ice cream, some of which are inspired by Maine, like Maine blueberry. They also have ice cream cakes and pints and quarts available for carry-out.

Portland: Beal’s Ice Cream 18 Veranda St (0.01 mi from Greenway) Beal’s is a local chain in the Portland area, and their Veranda Street location is just steps from the Greenway route. Their extensive menu includes flavors like chocolate doughboy and whoopie pie, which can be ordered from their walk-up window and enjoyed outside at picnic tables.

Scarborough: Bayley’s Ice Cream (161 Pine Point Rd, 0.24 mi from Greenway), recommended by Tim L.

Biddeford: Sweetcream Dairy (40 Main St, Building 13 - Suite 138, 0.27 mi from Greenway), recommended by Silvia A., who says, "Not just made on site but so many local ingredients. You don't have to be vegan (I am not) to want that really rich dark chocolate ice cream." 

New Hampshire

North Hampton: The Beach Plum 16 Ocean Blvd (0.02 mi from Greenway) The Beach Plum is actually a restaurant, but in addition to lobster rolls and foot-long hot dogs, their menu also includes 78 flavors of ice cream. You can enjoy creations like banana splits and hot fudge sundaes in their outdoor seating across the street from North Hampton State Beach. The store’s hours change seasonally, so check ahead before you visit.

Massachusetts

Newburyport: Haley’s Ice Cream 168 Rte 1 Traffic Cir (0.04 mi from Greenway) Recently under new ownership, Haley’s is an institution in Newburyport, with its distinctive red, white and blue exterior. The store is rich with retro charm, with details like the checkerboard flooring, and is a great spot to enjoy a classic treat.

Boxford: Benson's Ice Cream 181 Washington St . (3 mi from Greenway) Benson's has been around since 1932, and it still has the feel & charm of an old-time ice cream stand, but makes its top-notch product in its high-quality creamery in the barn out back. It's popular among cyclists. -- Jay B

Boston: Emack & Bolio’s Ice Cream 290 Newbury St (0.28 mi from Greenway) Nestled in Boston’s charming Back Bay neighborhood in a historic brick rowhouse, Emack and Bolio’s has a space-age rock-and-roll vibe that’s reflected in several of their flavor names, like Space Cake and Cosmic Crunch. You can find Emack & Bolio’s across the U.S. and even globally, but it started here in Boston.

East Orleans: Sundae School Ice Cream Parlor 210 Main St (1.25 mi from Greenway) Sundae School has been on Cape Cod since 1976 and is a family favorite for vacationers and full-time residents alike, worth a slightly longer detour from the Greenway. The first location was built in a repurposed historic barn. The business still retains this old-time charm with ice cream memorabilia throughout their shops. Ice cream can be eaten in-store or taken with you to enjoy later.

Swampscott: O-Yo Frozen Yogurt 136 Humphrey St (0.01 mi from Greenway) With 15 flavors and dozens of toppings to choose from, O-Yo’s corner store is a landmark across the street from the Swampscott beaches. The beachy theme is also apparent in the decor inside, evidence of its popularity among vacationers. Hours change seasonally, though, so check before you visit!

Rhode Island

Riverside: Dari-Bee 240 Bullocks Point Ave., on the Greenway About 10 steps from the Greenway bike path! Great selection and atmosphere. -- Julie C. Keller

Barrington: Daily Scoop 230 County Rd (0.03 mi from Greenway) Open seasonally, Daily Scoop is a family friendly ice cream shop located in an old house with red shutters. Flavor offerings are extensive and range from apple pie to ginger. They also offer non-fat frozen yogurt, sorbet and no sugar added, low carb ice cream, along with sundaes, shakes, and smoothies.

Connecticut

Bolton: Fish Family Farm Creamery & Dairy (20 Dimock Ln, 0.56 mi from Greenway), recommended by Barbara A.

Simsbury: J Foster Ice Cream 849 Hopmeadow St ( 2 mi from Greenway) Ice cream is locally made. In business for decades. Huge assortment of flavors. Bike racks , shady outdoor tables -- Double L

Avon: J Foster Ice Cream 4 Bailey Rd (1 mi from Greenway) See above.

Plantsville: Zingarella 83 W Main St (0.01 mi from Greenway) Located right on the Farmington Canal Heritage trail, Zingerella is an Italian restaurant with a full-service, walk-up ice cream cafe. With outdoor picnic tables and bike racks, it’s a great stop whether you’re looking for a sundae or cannoli.

New Haven: Arethusa (1020 Chapel St, 0.19 mi from Greenway), recommended by Kim Lynn

New York

New York City: Cones Artisanal Ice Cream 272 Bleecker St (0.38 mi from Greenway) Cones is famous for its Argentinian-inspired unique flavors - think corn, sweet potato and brie - and customers are encouraged to sample multiple flavors. The interior of the restaurant is no-frills, but the West Village shop, just a couple of blocks from Washington Square Park, has a dedicated following.

New Jersey

Jersey City: Ample Hills Creamery (200 Greene St, 0.09 mi from Greenway & other locations near the Greenway in Manhattan), recommended by Silvia A.

Princeton: The Bent Spoon 35 Palmer Square W (0.05 mi from Greenway) Located across the street from Princeton University, the Bent Spoon is a favorite among students, locals and visitors alike. The shop serves treats like ice cream and hot chocolate made from organic ingredients in a cozy, downtown shop.

Princeton: Thomas Sweet Ice Cream 183 Nassau St (on the Greenway) Blend-ins!! Around for decades. Gotta have a blend-in : pick your flavor and what you'd like blended in (e.g., Chocolate Moose ice cream with heath bars). -- GMan Original flavors, better tasting except for chocolate peanut butter (the peanut butter isn't smoothed in.)  A tad expensive. -- Dan Rappoport

Trenton: Halo Farm 970 Spruce St (0.34 mi from Greenway) Touting itself ironically as the world’s largest micro-dairy, Halo Farm is a landmark with its large, photogenic silos and herd of plastic cows. You can witness them turn local dairy products into ice cream at their Lawrenceville, Trenton store and purchase over 40 flavors of ice cream, in addition to milk, juice, and iced tea.

Pennsylvania

Levittown: Dairy Delite 972 Woodbourne Rd (0.05 mi from Greenway) Family owned and operated since 1953, Dairy Delite is a local ice cream stand, offering 25 flavors of ice cream and 8 flavors of water ice, made fresh each day, served on cones also made on premises.

Philadelphia: Weckerly’s Ice Cream 9 W Girard Ave (0.17 mi from Greenway) Creating French-inspired ice cream in Philly’s Fishtown neighborhood, Weckerly’s purchases most of their ingredients locally. One of these vendors, Camphill Village Dairy, provides opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. Their rotating menu of ice creams, sorbets and ice cream sandwiches is inspired by both French traditions and these local ingredients.

Delaware

Wilmington: UDairy Creamery 815 N Market St (0.02 mi from Greenway) UDairy makes ice cream from the products created at the University of Delaware College of Agriculture & Natural Resources’ dairy farm. The creamery serves 36 flavors inspired by the area, university, and state. The operations of the creamery help teach students principles of dairy production, food science and safety, business management and finance, and sustainable agriculture.

Maryland

Aberdeen: Keyes Creamery (3712 Aldino Rd, 0.81 mi from Greenway), recommended by Bruce K.

Havre de Grace: Bomboy's Homemade Ice Cream 329 Market St (0.01 mi from Greenway) A branch of Bomboy’s Homemade Candy, Bomboy’s Homemade Ice Cream is open seasonally with a lengthy ice cream menu with flavors including Salty Dawg and Mississippi Mud Pie. In the off-season, pints of select flavors can be purchased in the nearby candy shop.

Severna Park: Froyo House 550 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd (0.02 mi from Greenway) Froyo House has a strong commitment to sustainability and furthers this mission in everything from using non-toxic cleaning products to catering to Greenway users by providing seating on the B&A Trail. They offer over a dozen flavors, including low calorie, low sugar, and dairy free options, and toppings including chocolate sauce, fruit, and candy.

Washington, D.C.

Ice Cream Jubilee 301 Water St SE #105 (0.3 mi from Greenway) Located just steps from the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and adjacent to the Washington Navy Yard, Ice Cream Jubilee was founded by a federal government civil servant who enjoyed making ice cream in her spare time. The menu rotates often, and fresh flavors range from Thai Iced Tea to Chocolate Matzo Crack.

Virginia

Alexandria: The Dairy Godmother 2310 Mt. Vernon Ave. (.86 mi from Greenway) This shop is open year-round and serves super yummy Wisconsin frozen custard and other sweet treats. It is located in the charming and very bike friendly neighborhood of Del Ray in Alexandria, VA. -- Jennifer B

Richmond: Stoplight Gelato Cafe 405 Brook Rd (0.25 mi from Greenway) The original owner opened this cafe to honor her son, who passed away from cancer, and the new owners have continued to honor his legacy. Stoplight is located in Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward and serves a wide variety of gelato flavors. In addition to gelato, find sandwiches and pizza.

North Carolina

Durham: Dulce Cafe 5826 Fayetteville Rd, Suite 106 (0.09 mi from Greenway) A favorite of East Coast Greenway Alliance staff, who work just upstairs, Dulce is also located steps from the American Tobacco Trail. In addition to cafe fare like sandwiches and salad, Dulce offers a number of flavors of house-made gelati, including non-dairy options.

Durham: The Parlour, (117 Market St, 0.04 mi from Greenway), recommended by Jack Dennis, who says, "Very unique flavors. Less than .5 miles from the beginning of the American Tobacco Trail."

Durham: Bruster's Real Ice Cream (8200 Renaissance Pkwy #1002, 0.14 mi from Greenway), recommended by Meg Mc, who says, "Creamy ice cream. Wide variety of yummy flavors. You can get two flavors in even a small size cup/cone. In shopping center adjacent to American Tobacco Trail near Southpointe."

Durham: Goodberry’s Frozen Custard 3906 N Roxboro St (0.36 mi from Greenway) Popular custard creations from this Triangle favorite include Carolina concretes - custard with mix-ins like Heath Bar and brownie - malt shakes, and a cup of whatever the flavor of the day is, particularly if it’s Jamocha.

Raleigh: treat ice cream & coffee 305 S Blount St (0.12 mi from Greenway) This cozy shop serves ice cream from Maple View Farm in nearby Hillsborough in an urban locale just across Moore Square park - currently closed for renovation but reopening in August - from the Hargett Street on-road Greenway route through Downtown Raleigh. Their outdoor sidewalk seating is a great place to enjoy a treat and peoplewatch.

Greenville: Simply Natural Creamery (317 East Arlington Blvd, 1.9 mi from Greenway), recommended by Steven Hardy-Braz, who says, "They do not have a bike rack here (yet) but their Arlington location still serves some decent rich ice cream."

Carolina Beach: Squigley’s Ice Cream & Treats 208 S Lake Park Blvd (0.01 mi from Greenway) This beachy shop is a must-see in Carolina Beach. It’s withstood many hurricanes, most recently Florence, but continues to serve dozens of ice cream desserts including sundaes and their signature Squigley cone. The store’s operations vary by season so be sure to check their hours before you stop by.

South Carolina

Myrtle Beach: Mad Myrtle’s Ice Creamery 918 Ocean Blvd (0.99 mi from Greenway) Mad Myrtle’s is an old-school ice cream establishment with a diner feel - and banana splits, ice cream sandwiches and funnel cake. Located on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk near the SkyWheel, Mad Myrtle’s is in the thick of things on the beach road.

Charleston: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams 501-A King St (0.51 mi from Greenway) Located in historic downtown Charleston, this location of Jeni’s is conveniently located in a bustling shopping and dining district. Their menu of ice creams includes classic flavor favorites as well as several dairy-free options.

Georgia

Savannah: Leopold’s Ice Cream 212 E Broughton St (0.36 mi from Greenway) A popular institution in Savannah's historic district, Leopolds’ menu features 22 classics available year-round and a rotating menu of seasonal flavors such as blueberry cheesecake and mint lime sorbet. They also have a small menu of sandwiches and salads and a soda fountain. Lines can be long but locals swear it’s worth the wait.

Florida

Deland: Sweet Spot 1200 N Woodland Blvd (0.88 mi from Greenway) Sweet Spot was a fixture in downtown Deland for nine years, and a recent move north of downtown has them drawing a new customer base with their unique flavors like black mission fig. Customers can suggest new flavors for consideration.

Stuart & Jupiter: Kilwins (201 N. US Highway One, Jupiter, 0.13 mi from Greenway, and 31 SW Osceola Street, Stuart, 0.06 mi from Greenway), recommended by MMM

Dania Beach: Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor 128 S Federal Hwy (0.19 mi from Greenway) Jaxson’s has been in business for 63 years, and their impressive collection of vintage license plates and other techniques, as well as their loyal customer base, proves it. In addition to serving a variety of traditional ice cream flavors with fat free and sugar free options, Jaxon’s also has a full restaurant menu with favorites like burgers, chicken fingers, salads, and ice cream floats.

Pinecrest: ChillN Nitrogen Ice Cream 5957, 8271 SW 124th St (0.1 mi from Greenway) This trendy shop makes their ice cream to order using liquid nitrogen to ensure smoothness and quality, using a technique that was, until recently, confined to science class demonstrations. When you order, you create a “formula” of ice cream flavors and mix-ins from a menu that resembles the periodic table of the elements, and then watch as your dessert is made.

Key West: Flamingo Crossing 1105 Duval St (0.23 mi from Greenway) Flamingo Crossing is a small shop in a cute, light teal house that screams “Key West.” It has a front porch that encourages you to take your ice cream, which is made on premises, outside and relax, taking your time while you enjoy it.