10 Best Ice Cream Shops in the U.S.

In the world of delectable sweet treats, ice cream reigns supreme. Old-fashioned parlors and modern shops throughout the country are touting their creamy concoctions as the best of the best. While every ice cream shop brings their own unique twist to the table, these out-of-this-world spots are standouts. Here are 10 of the best ice cream shops in America.   

Moomers, Traverse City, MI

This small family-owned business has been serving the Traverse City community since its doors opened in 1998. Moomers boasts more than 160 incredible homemade flavors of ice cream. Some highlights include the much-loved "Cherries Moobilee" which is a black cherry ice cream made with chunks of black sweet cherries, a chocolate fudge swirl, and chunks of brownies. Make sure to order yours in a waffle cone and if the weather is nice, sit outside overlooking the beautiful dairy farm. 

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The Parlour, Durham, NC

Head on over to downtown Durham to experience everything the Parlour has to offer. This local ice cream shop crafts with only the freshest of ingredients, inspired by the seasons. The masterminds behind the Parlor also take creative inspiration from "favorite well-worn cookbooks" and "childhood ice cream memories." You can practically taste the nostalgia in this wonderful place. Be sure to try their salted butter caramel flavor. It is to die for. Have dietary limitations? No worries. The Parlour has plenty of great vegan options to choose from. 

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Bi-Rite Creamery, San Francisco, CA

This San Francisco ice cream shop is kind of a legendary destination. Awarded countless accolades for its delightful flavors and sustainable approach to ice cream making, Bi-Rite Creamery has people flocking from all over the country to try it out. Do not—we repeat—do NOT miss out on trying the honey lavender ice cream. You truly won't find this unique flavor anywhere else. If you're into the more unconventional flavors, try out the black sesame ice cream. If you're looking for something a little more traditionally sweet, get the salted caramel or roasted banana!  

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Woodside Farm Creamery, Hockessin, DE

The cozy and simple Woodside Farm Creamery is churning out some of the most decadent ice cream in the country. Using fresh milk from their over 30 Jersey cows, freshness is ensured at Woodside Farm. Folks rave about their flavor "Chocolate Thunder," which is described as "a thunderous roar of chocolate." If chocolate isn't so much your thing, try their fantastically sweet cotton candy flavored ice cream.  

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Island Creamery, Chincoteague Island, VA

Chincoteague Island is a dreamy little island town located off of Virginia's shore. It's the ultimate summertime destination. It's famously known for the wild Chincoteague ponies roaming its beaches. It's also famous for the incomparable Island Creamery. Open since 1975, this shop crafts its ice cream using an all-natural premium butterfat mix. And fresh local fruits to boot! People rave for days about this place. Try their banana split. It'll be the best you've ever had in your life. 

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Toscanini’s, Boston, MA

The New York Times crowned Toscanini's with the title of "world's best ice cream." That's no small feat. Take a trip to Cambridge and get a taste of Toscanini's spectacularly gourmet flavors, ranging from burnt caramel to ginger snap molasses. Toscanini's isn't afraid of trying out something unique and the end result is a delicious treat for its customers. Make sure to grab a cup of coffee while you're there, too.

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Ferris Acres Creamery, Newtown, CT

The history of Ferris Acres runs deep. The farm was initially purchased by William David Baldwin Ferris in 1703. It wasn't until 2003 that family members established the Ferris Acres Creamery. Ever since then, Ferris Acres has been serving Newtown and surrounding communities some of the best ice cream in the country. When you visit, try their "Bada Bing" flavor which is chocolate almond ice cream with dark chocolate chunks and Bing cherries. Kick back, enjoy your ice cream, and soak up the idyllic sights of cows grazing in the distance. 

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Salt & Straw, Portland, OR

Portland's Salt & Straw is one of the must-visit foodie spots in the Pacific Northwest. Seasonal fruits inspire flavors, so you always know you're getting something wonderfully fresh. Classic flavor favorites include almond brittle with salted ganache. If you want to get a little experimental, try the pear and blue cheese flavor. This may sound a little crazy, but customers rave about this one.  

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Morgenstern’s, New York, NY

New York is brimming with some of the best food destinations in the country (and the world) so choosing just one ice cream place from this bustling city is a challenge. But Morgenstern's is something special. Flavor favorites range from Madagascar vanilla to banana curry to crème brulee. You're sure to find a flavor you'll love at Morgenstern's. 

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Kelley Country Creamery, Fond du Lac, WI

Described as "the best ice cream in the middle of nowhere," it shouldn't come as a shock that some of the best ice cream in the country comes out of one of America's largest dairy-producing states. Situated on a 200-acre dairy farm with 65 Holstein cows, Kelley's is dedicated to sustainable agriculture and providing their cattle with a high quality of life. Flavors that customers love include butter pecan and Irish cream, but you really can't go wrong with any of your choices. 

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