10 Upstate New York Ice Cream Stands Locals Flock To Every Summer
There’s nothing that screams “summer in Upstate New York” quite like standing in line at a beloved local ice cream stand, the warm evening air filled with the sweet scent of waffle cones and nostalgia.
I’ve spent countless summer nights with my family, patiently waiting our turn after a long, sun-soaked day at the lake.
These iconic spots are more than just places to grab a cold treat, they’re cherished community hubs where stories are shared, laughter echoes, and traditions are passed down through generations. Each visit is a reminder that sometimes, the simplest moments become the sweetest memories of all.
1. Martha’s Dandee Creme: The Lake George Legend
Last summer, I watched the famous rotating cone sign at Martha’s Dandee Creme hypnotize my kids just like it did me decades ago. Since 1947, this Route 9 landmark has been serving mountain-high soft-serve that somehow defies gravity.
The secret to their staying power? Impossibly creamy texture and generous portions that make first-timers gasp.
My family’s tradition involves ordering their black raspberry twist after a day of splashing in Lake George. Pro tip: Despite the inevitable line stretching through the parking lot, Martha’s moves customers through quickly. Their famous butter pecan is worth every minute of the wait!
2. Seneca Farms: The Finger Lakes Classic
Stepping into Seneca Farms feels like time-traveling back to simpler days. My grandpa first brought me here in the ’80s, and the recipe hasn’t changed since the 1950s, thank goodness!
The homemade hard-packed ice cream comes in those perfect little paper cups with wooden spoon-sticks that somehow make everything taste better. Their black cherry vanilla sends my taste buds to heaven every time.
What makes this Penn Yan treasure special isn’t just the ice cream, it’s watching multiple generations of families sharing the same experience I had with my grandpa. No wonder they’ve earned their spot in the Ice Cream Stand Hall of Fame!
3. Purity Ice Cream: Ithaca’s Frozen Time Capsule
“Meet me at Purity” has been the rallying cry for Cornell students and Ithaca locals for over 85 years. My freshman orientation wouldn’t have been complete without trying their legendary Mint Chip in that retro-cool parlor.
The place feels wonderfully stuck in time with its checkered floors and chrome fixtures. What’s thoroughly modern, though, is their inclusive menu featuring delicious soy-based and gluten-free options that taste just as decadent as the original recipes.
Coolest historical tidbit? Ithaca claims to be the birthplace of the ice cream sundae, and Purity honors this heritage with spectacular creations topped with homemade hot fudge that’s thick enough to stand a spoon in!
4. Spotted Duck Creamery: Farm-Fresh Duck Egg Magic
Who knew duck eggs could create such extraordinary ice cream? I certainly didn’t until stumbling upon this Penn Yan gem during a Finger Lakes tour. The owners’ clever use of their farm’s duck eggs creates custard so rich it made me weak in the knees.
Their seasonal Blueberry Streusel, made with berries picked that morning, tastes like summer incarnate. The Caramelt flavor combines salted caramel with chocolate chunks that dissolve on your tongue in the most satisfying way.
The pastoral setting adds to the charm, with picnic tables overlooking the very ducks responsible for your dessert. Talk about farm-to-cone authenticity that puts ordinary ice cream to shame!
5. Lake Effect Ice Cream: Erie Canal’s Artisan Delight
Remember that time I drove 45 minutes just for ice cream? Totally justified when it’s Lake Effect’s Paula’s Donuts flavor, actual glazed donut pieces folded into creamy vanilla base. Small-batch perfection!
The Lockport shop sits near the historic Erie Canal locks, making for postcard-worthy cone-licking while watching boats navigate the 19th-century engineering marvel. Their commitment to local ingredients means flavors change with what’s fresh and available from nearby farms.
My personal obsession? Their Loganberry, a Western NY specialty that tastes like the county fair and summer vacation rolled into one purple scoop. The artisanal approach means slightly higher prices, but one taste explains why locals consider it an essential summer splurge.
6. Stewart’s Shops: The Convenient Childhood Classic
Growing up, my baseball team always celebrated wins (and softened losses) with a trip to Stewart’s. This convenience store chain might seem an unlikely ice cream destination to outsiders, but Upstaters know better!
Their half-gallon containers of Crumbs Along the Mohawk became my college apartment staple. The thick shakes, mixed with any flavor from their ice cream counter, require serious straw strength and patience, but reward you with creamy bliss.
Stewart’s brilliance lies in its ubiquity across Upstate New York, ensuring you’re never more than a short drive from their signature Peanut Butter Pandemonium or seasonal Adirondack Bear Paw. For many of us, these familiar flavors taste like hometown nostalgia in a cup.
7. Alleyway Ice Cream: Saugerties’ Hidden Treasure
Blink and you might miss it! Tucked away in a literal alley in Saugerties, this tiny stand has become my secret weapon for impressing out-of-town guests with Hudson Valley’s culinary creativity. The owner crafts each small batch with an artist’s attention to detail.
My taste buds still haven’t recovered from experiencing their lavender honey scoop, floral without tasting like soap, sweet without being cloying. Their maple pecan makes me consider moving permanently to this charming town.
Limited production means flavors sell out quickly, creating a “get it while you can” excitement. The narrow alleyway location forces strangers to chat while waiting, creating a community vibe that perfectly complements their community-sourced ingredients.
8. Fortunes Ice Cream: Tivoli’s Weekly Flavor Adventure
My weekend ritual last summer involved checking Fortunes’ Instagram every Thursday to see what mind-blowing flavors they’d dreamed up. This Tivoli gem keeps locals on their toes with weekly rotating specials that push the boundaries of what ice cream can be.
Their labneh-black raspberry creation, tangy, sweet, and impossibly smooth, converted me to the cult of cultured dairy desserts. The caramel popcorn crunch somehow maintains the perfect textural contrast between buttery crunch and velvety cream.
The shop’s minimalist aesthetic (think Scandinavian café meets upstate barn) provides the perfect backdrop for their sophisticated flavor profiles. I’ve witnessed heated debates among friends about whether their savory-sweet combos or pure fruit varieties reign supreme.
9. Spoons Ice Cream: Poughkeepsie’s Inclusive Scoop Shop
My vegan niece nearly cried tears of joy discovering Spoons’ dairy-free dark chocolate was creamier than most regular ice cream. This Eastdale Village hotspot has mastered the art of inclusive indulgence without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
Their commitment to accommodating dietary restrictions means everyone in your group finds something spectacular. The gluten-free brownie sundae converted my skeptical brother-in-law who normally scoffs at “alternative” desserts.
Beyond their conscious menu, Spoons creates a welcoming community space. Summer evenings find the outdoor tables packed with diverse groups enjoying everything from classic vanilla to adventurous cardamom-pistachio. Their staff remembers regulars’ favorites—they started scooping my usual (maple walnut) when they spotted me in line!
10. Sweet Jenny’s: Williamsville’s Historic Mill Creamery
First date with my now-husband? Sweet Jenny’s in the historic Williamsville Water Mill. The romantic setting inside the 1800s stone building, complete with working water wheel, adds a magical quality to their already exceptional ice cream.
Their signature butter almond, studded with house-candied nuts, remains our anniversary tradition. The scoops come perfectly rounded in those crisp waffle cones that somehow never get soggy, even on the steamiest August evenings.
What makes Sweet Jenny’s extraordinary is how they balance innovation with tradition. While they experiment with trendy flavors, they never abandon the classics that have made generations of Buffalo-area families return summer after summer. The sound of the mill’s water wheel provides nature’s soundtrack to the sweetest moments of summer.