When the temperature rises, suburbanites all rush to one spot: their local ice cream shop
Welcome to the first post in our new series, A Taste of the Towns, a look at suburban life one bite at a time. From family-run pizzerias and Saturday morning coffee shops to farmers markets and festive food trucks, the food scene you find in a town tells a big part of its story.
And what better way to kick things off than with ice cream?
When spring hits the suburbs, you feel it—and taste it. Baseball games fill the fields. Sidewalks buzz with bikes and strollers. And local ice cream spots become the heartbeat of the community. For many families, an ice cream shop is more than a place to grab a cone, it’s a meeting place. A post-game tradition. A Friday night ritual. It’s where kids walk from school, teens hang after practice, and families gather when the temperatures climb.
Whether you’re touring towns with kids in tow or just want a taste of the local flavor, check out these beloved suburban scoop shops. Grab a cone, do a little people-watching, and see what life could look like in your next potential community.
FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT
Gofer Ice Cream – Greenwich, CT
A family favorite since 2003, Gofer is beloved for its classic hard and soft-serve options, plus milkshakes and frozen yogurt. The Cos Cob location draws families, students, and weekend cyclists, all looking for a post-activity pick-me-up. They even offer dairy-free and vegan scoops.
If you’re looking for ultra-trendy, look no further. Milkcraft flash-freezes every scoop with liquid nitrogen and serves it in bubble cones with toppings like torched marshmallows and honeycomb candy. This is the perfect stop for a sweet treat and an even sweeter Instagram post.
Craving a sweet spot with serious neighborhood charm? MOMU Ice Cream in Westport is scooping up small-batch, locally sourced goodness—from fresh-from-the-farm ingredients to creative flavors like French toast-inspired “Kneads Bread” and a killer rhubarb elderflower sorbet. Add in house-made waffle cones, milkshakes, and a cozy community vibe, and you’ve got your new go-to treat stop.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream – Darien, CT
Craving a scoop that’s anything but ordinary? Van Leeuwen Ice Cream started as a humble NYC truck and now churns out flavors that range from the refined—like Earl Grey Tea and Sicilian Pistachio—to the interesting and unexpected, including Kraft Mac & Cheese and Hidden Valley Ranch.
Gelatissimo Artisan Gelato – New Canaan, CT
Gelatissimo Artisan Gelato is a local favorite serving up authentic Italian gelato made fresh daily from imported Italian ingredients. With a rotating selection of over 18 flavors—including classics like stracciatella and pistachio, as well as seasonal offerings like goat cheese and figs or blackberry and basil—there’s always something new to try.
NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
Applegate Farm – Montclair, NJ
With roots dating back to 1848, Applegate Farm is a true NJ landmark. Their classic red barn storefront, wide front lawn, and full lineup of homemade ice creams (and ice cream cakes!) make this a spring and summer staple. Bring a blanket—it’s the kind of place where families linger.
Van Dyk’s Homemade Ice Cream – Ridgewood, NJ
A tiny spot with a huge following, Van Dyk’s regularly lands on “best of” lists. The lines start early in spring and stretch into fall. Known for rich classics like butter pecan and chocolate chip cookie dough, this shop sits tucked away on a quiet residential street, giving it a true neighborhood feel.
The Chocolate Bar – Westfield, NJ
The Chocolate Bar on Quimby Street is the spot for hand-dipped French and Belgian chocolates, delicious gelato, and rich espresso drinks. Whether you’re treating yourself to a scoop of their signature Chocolate Works gelato or picking up a box of assorted truffles, this cozy spot is as charming as the town itself.
This beloved local spot is known for its rich, creamy soft-serve ice cream and generous portions that keep families and ice cream lovers coming back for more. With a variety of flavors and signature sundaes, it’s the perfect place to indulge your sweet tooth.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK
Blue Pig – Croton-on-Hudson, NY
This eco-conscious scoop shop uses local dairy and seasonal ingredients to craft small-batch flavors like lavender honey, strawberry basil, and salted caramel pretzel. With a cozy porch and community vibe, Blue Pig is a local favorite that keeps things creative and fresh.
Penny Lick Ice Cream Company – Hastings-on-Hudson, NY
Everything at Penny Lick is nut-free and made from scratch in small batches. The result? Classic flavors that are rich, creamy, and thoughtfully made. Located right in the heart of downtown Hastings, it’s the perfect post-park or post-library stop.
Longford’s Own Made Ice Cream – Rye, NY
Serving Westchester since 1992, Longford’s is a small-batch ice cream maker known for inventive, high-quality flavors like pumpkin, cappuccino crunch, and black raspberry chip. They supply many of the top restaurants in the area, but the Rye storefront is where the magic really happens.
Paleteria Fernandez – Port Chester, NY & Mamaroneck, NY
A hidden gem for anyone who loves paletas and Mexican-style ice creams, Paleteria Fernandez serves up bold, fresh flavors like tamarind, mango chili, and coconut. It’s a taste of something different—and a great example of the diversity and flavor that defines life in many NYC suburbs.
NASSAU COUNTY, LONG ISLAND
Five Pennies Creamery – Rockville Centre, NY
With over 130 rotating flavors and 30+ toppings, Five Pennies is pure ice cream fun. Think rainbow cookie, peanut butter brownie, Nutella banana swirl—all made in-house. The shop also offers Italian ices, milkshakes, and ice cream cakes. Grab a cone and head to nearby Village Green for a springtime stroll.
This Instagram-worthy hotspot is all about creativity, offering build-your-own ice cream sandwiches with homemade cookies and small-batch scoops. Whether you’re diving into a classic vanilla-stuffed snickerdoodle sandwich or trying one of their over-the-top seasonal specials, Smusht is a crowd-pleaser. Expect lines out the door on warm weekends and lots of families and teens grabbing dessert after a stroll along the waterfront.
Moo Moo’s Creamery – Cold Spring, NY
Moo Moo’s Creamery serves up fresh, homemade ice cream daily, offering a rotating selection of 16 flavors—from classics like Black Raspberry to inventive options like Mexican Chocolate . Located right on the Hudson River, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a scoop while soaking in the scenic waterfront.
The Final Scoop
Every ice cream shop tells a story. It’s the after-school hangout, the summer job, the place where neighbors catch up and kids try their first cone. So when you’re touring towns this season, make a pit stop for a scoop. Take in the vibe. Talk to people. Watch who’s lining up and what the energy feels like. Ice cream might not make or break your decision—but it can tell you a lot about what life could look like in your next town.
Ready to explore the suburbs? Let our local strategists help you find your perfect-fit town. Schedule your free initial strategy call today and start your search—ice cream cones encouraged.
