Support New York Dairy for National Ice Cream Month
It's National Ice Cream Month! What better way to celebrate than by supporting local New York dairy farms? Each of these ice cream businesses is committed to the cow-to-cone mission, ensuring that your ice cream is packed with delightful flavor and produced with the freshest dairy. You're bound to have an unforgettable summer experience at any of these destinations. Here's a guide to some must-visit ice cream shops and farms!
Zoe's Ice Cream Barn
In LaGrangeville, NY, Zoe's Ice Cream Barn epitomizes freshness and ensures their ice cream goes from Cow to Cone in just three days! Owned by Katie Heinz, who grew up on the family farm and attended the Culinary Institute of America, Zoe's crafts ice cream with milk sourced from Hudson Valley Fresh Dairy. Visitors can enjoy flavors like the June Shake of the Month, Peach, and special sundaes such as cinnamon bun and coconut pineapple in a family-friendly atmosphere that includes a Farmall tractor display and locally sourced meals. Check out this video spotlight to learn more about Katie Heinz and Zoe's Ice Cream Barn.
Zoe's Ice Cream Barn goes beyond just offering delicious ice cream; it's a community hub where families can gather and create lasting memories. The barn's dedication to supporting local farmers and providing high-quality, fresh ingredients makes it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. With its charming rural setting and commitment to excellence, Zoe's is a must-visit destination for anyone in the Hudson Valley area. Visit Zoe's Ice Cream Barn and follow them on Instagram.
Del's Dairy Farm
In New York's Hudson Valley, Del's Dairy Farm prides itself on small-batch ice cream made with fresh milk directly from their cows. Known for its iconic Rhinebeck roadside stand, Del's offers unique flavors such as Lavender Honey Blueberry and Maple Snickerdoodle, making it a perfect relaxing spot for families to enjoy delicious ice cream and fresh smash burgers.
Del's Dairy Farm is more than just a place to get ice cream; it's like a cow spa with a big backyard. Situated on 300 acres in Red Hook, New York, the farm is equipped with the latest technology to ensure the cows are happy and healthy. Their automated barn allows cows the freedom to choose when to go out to pasture, get milked, take a nap, or even get their backs scratched. Happy, healthy cows produce the freshest milk, resulting in amazing ice cream. Visit Del's Dairy Farm and experience the difference that comes from their dedication to animal welfare. And follow them on Instagram here.
Stewart's Shops
Since 1945, Stewart's Shops has been a beloved family-run business, now with over 350 locations across New York and southern Vermont. Their award-winning ice cream is made from fresh, local milk with no middleman, ensuring top quality; or as they like to say at Stewart's, 'We MOO (Make Our Own) ice cream for you!' There are dozens of flavors, such as Boston Cream Dream and Hip! Hip! Churr-ay! and varieties for you to choose from including pre-packaged pints and cones to milkshakes, banana splits, and smoothies.
Stewart's Shops not only excels at making delicious ice cream but also plays a significant role in strengthening local communities. Their rotating flavors and weekly emails with updates on the latest offerings make it exciting for everyone. Plus, their generous contributions to local non-profits and community programs demonstrate their dedication to giving back, making every purchase at Stewart's Shops a way to support local initiatives. Visit Stewart's Shops and follow them on Instagram.
Ronnybrook Farm
Located 90 miles north of NYC, Ronnybrook Farm offers old-fashioned ice cream made with milk and cream from their own cows. Known for their beyond organic farming practices, Ronnybrook ensures humane treatment of animals and quality dairy products. Enjoy flavors like Ginger Crème Brûlée and Chocolate Hazelnut, all made with 16% butterfat for a rich and creamy experience. At Ronnybrook, you can even find KVC Kosher ice cream and gluten-free ice cream flavors such as Vanilla and Lola's Mint Lace.
Ronnybrook Farm's commitment to minimal processing and natural ingredients ensures their ice cream is both delicious and wholesome. Their glass bottle packaging not only preserves the freshness of their milk but also highlights their dedication to sustainability. Whether you're enjoying their products at New York's Greenmarket or visiting their farm store in Pine Plains, NY, Ronnybrook Farm offers a taste of dairy the way nature intended. Visit Ronnybrook Farm and follow them on Instagram.
King Brothers Dairy
In Upstate New York, a fifth-generation farm, King Brothers Dairy, offers a true farm-to-table experience. Their on-farm ice cream parlor features over 80 rotating flavors, including the seasonal favorite Strawberry Shortcake. In the parlor, you will also find homemade vanilla and chocolate soft serve, as well as ice cream cakes and pies. King Brothers' commitment to quality and tradition ensures every scoop is made with the freshest milk from their own cows.
King Brothers Dairy not only serves delicious ice cream but also sells award-winning milk, beef, and an assortment of local goods. They strictly follow a mission of pure farmstead and pure tradition. The King Family believes in the importance of controlling the entire process, from the crops they feed their animals to the bottling of milk right on their farm. The farm store represents their dedication to quality and local agriculture. Visiting King Brothers Dairy is a delightful way to connect with the farming heritage of New York. Visit King Brothers Dairy and follow them on Instagram.
Davey's Ice Cream
Based in Brooklyn, Davey's Ice Cream is known for its high-quality, homemade ice cream. With a four-day production schedule using local ingredients, Davey's offers unique flavors like Strong Coffee and a brunch flavor with brioche french toast pieces, cinnamon-maple syrup, and coffee-glazed bacon all folded into a sweet-cream base. Their dedication to freshness and collaboration with local businesses makes each scoop a delightful experience.
Davey's Ice Cream is committed to supporting other local businesses, from sourcing fresh seasonal ingredients from farmer's markets as they are available throughout the year to collaborating with local restaurants to create exciting limited-edition flavors. However, what really makes Davey's stand out is their custom-made ice cream wedding cakes and full-service catering ice cream sundae bar. Whether you're in the mood for a classic flavor or something entirely new, Davey's Ice Cream is the place to go. Visit Davey's Ice Cream and follow them on Instagram.
Seneca Farms
Located near Keuka Lake in Penn Yan, NY, Seneca Farms has been a favorite spot for both locals and tourists since the 1950s. It offers a nostalgic ice cream experience with over 50 homemade flavors. Known for hand-stirring every ingredient, Seneca Farms offers treats like ice cream sandwiches, ice cream tacos, and ice cream cakes. Recently, they've added vegan ice cream flavors to their long list of choices, and they do their best to always have at least one option available at all times.
Seneca Farms is bustling all summer long, with visitors often lined up to the sidewalk and cars wrapped around the building. All the locals know that they must catch this gem while they can, as Seneca Farms is only open from March to October. But don't let the crowds deter you; their dedicated staff knows how to ensure quick, efficient, and friendly service. Seneca Farms combines tradition with quality, only using the freshest ingredients. Visit Seneca Farms and follow them on Instagram.
Conclusion
This summer, celebrate National Ice Cream Month by supporting New York's dairy farms. Whether you're indulging in a classic flavor or trying something new, each scoop supports local agriculture and the cow-to-cone mission. These farms provide fresh, healthy, and delicious dairy products, and they rely on your support to keep their businesses thriving. Enjoy the freshest ice cream while contributing to the sustainability of the New York dairy industry.