Raeona

Okay -- it's the 4th of July; it's 87 and reeeeelly humid where I am, and thoughts just naturally turn to that all-American treat. What's your favorite place? Who really knows how to "dish"? In Chicago, there's a neat place on the north side - rather deco-ish - called Zephyr. They know how to build a sundae! There are authentic, old-fashioned ice cream parlors in Columbus, Ind, and Manitowoc, WIS, but neither one has very good ice cream. Door County, Wis, prides itself on "single-scoop" cones that practically take two hands to hold. There's an ice cream parlor in Ludington, MI (a few steps from the ferry dock) that serves EXCELLENT, made on the premises, ice cream. Let's hear some favorites from across America, eh?

Paul Rabe

It's been fourteen years since I left Texas, but I still remember the taste of Blue Bell Cookies and Cream. I don't miss the July heat of Texas, but I SURE miss the Blue Bell ice cream!!

Al

If your supermarket carries Kemp's "Chocolate Monster" ice cream, you are in for a monster treat. Chocolate with caramel and chocolate bits and peanuts all blended together into one smooth treat. Almost makes summer in Arizona bearable...almost.

Ozzie

The best is Deitch's in Findlay Ohio. All homemade. All intoxicating. Out of the way, but worth the trip.

Meredith

Two places come to mind:
1) King's Ice Cream in Lewes, DE
2) The Creamery on the University Park campus of Penn State

Jess

Good question!
Nothing beats homemade, but Mayfield Ice Cream in Athens, Tennessee comes close! Just off of exit 49 on Interstate 75 makes it easy for all to visit the place were it all started. Mayfields distribution area has grown from East Tennessee to the tri-state area. Taste a scoop and see! Enjoy..

Charlie

The world stops with Breyers Butter Almond here in Pennsylvania !!!!!!!

Raeona

Mmmmmmmmmm-mmmmmmm! These sound great!
Jess: Is Athens anywhere near Johnson City or Jonesborough? I've got family down that way I can send on a scouting mission.

One thing, though: Ice cream from the supermarket that comes out of your freezer just isn't the same kind of treat (at least to my mind) as some decadent thing that is hand-scooped for you. For one thing, ice cream consumed at home has calories -- whereas that which is acquired outside is curiously exempt. Another one of life's little mysteries.

Dick

I grew up in New England, where ice cream is eaten year round...and it's a safe bet that any ice cream from a super market can always be bested by the right homemade shop. (even Ben & Jerrys)

Owen O'Neill

In my former hangout of Ithaca NY the best is Purity Ice Cream, a local concern right on Meadow Street. Here in the current environs of Syracuse NY it would have to be Gannon's in the valley area but the best I've EVER had anywhere was last summer in Toronto. On the main drag in Toronto's little Italy (can't remember the street but it runs east - west)is an Italian dessert joint/gelato parlor. They're on a northwest corner and sell only desserts and do have some outdoor seating. We had tiramisu gelato and it was incredible! It made Ben & Jerry's (which I like) taste like ordinary supermarket ice cream... this was the real thign and I can't wait to go back.

Nikole

Was just discussing this last night with my husband. The two best ice creams in Portland oregon are: Tillamook Ice Cream made from the dairy in Tillamook and...Cold Stone. Cold Stone is an ice cream shop that makes their own ice cream fresh daily in a variety of basic flavors (chocolate, vanilla, amaretto, cheesecake, etc). Then you order whatever mix ins you want from fresh fruit to candy. They scoop the ice cream out onto a cold marble slab and mix in your choices. YUMMMY

Linda

If you can't have gelato at Vivoli's in Florence, Italy; then it has to be Blue Bell's Vanilla Bean--all natural ingredients from Brenham, Texas, but sold in most grocery stores.

lynn

Our votes go to:

1. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard on Route 66 in St. Louis -- the Vanilla Concrete is the thickest, richest ice cream I've ever tasted.

2. Merlino's Orange Freeze in my hometown of Sacramento. I really miss those during the summer months. The ice is so finely crushed it melts in your mouth and the juice tastes fresh squeezed. Yum.

Ruth

Durham, NH

The Dairy Barn...part of UNH's agriculture dept.
Cheap, homemade and wonderful!

Steve's in Boston area

Roberto's in Portland, Oregon...the folks here copied Steve's in Boston. Mix - ins and home made.


The Univ. of Wisconsin Dairy Bar was incredible back in 1972...is it still as decadent and cheap?

Raeona`

Ruth....Re the UW/Dairy Bay...I 'sume yer talkin' Madison, and I'm a ways from there. But will dispatch some friends to check it out...

dan woodlief

Babcock Hall ice cream which is made right in the dairy state at the University of Wisconsin. Maybe this is the ice cream Ruth was referring to. I left Madison three years ago after being there for over 7 years. I don't remember the prices, but it sure was good. Also, to go outside the country, Berthillon in Paris is tres magnifique.

Kim

In Minneapolis, Sebastian Joe's can't be beat. I remember it well.

raeona

Not to be a contrarian, Dan, but I found Berthillon a disappointment. But I'm sure looking forward to copying this and visiting as many places as I can.

Paul Revere

The best ice cream has always been in New England in general, Boston in particular beginning with Bailey's and Brigham's (more milk fat according to the owner). Herrell's and Steve's (same guy) are mostly gone, but really, Ben & Jerry's just can't be beat, especially right out of the container (with a paper towel wrapped around it) in one's pajamas in front of TV--or better yet, go to their factory in Vermont. All those cows have done their job...

D.B.

Choco-tacos from the supermarket.