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Dutchess County truly is a place that experiences all seasons, from those cold, snowy winters, to the hot, humid summers. As things start to heat up one thing is for sure, people flock to their local ice cream shop to cool off. It’s time to share the wealth and fill in visitors on where the best spots are! Here’s our updated list of Top 10 Ice Cream Shops in the area:
Owned by two Bard alumni with a passion for ice cream and entertaining, Fortune’s aims to bring people together to enjoy fresh, quality ice cream! Named 'Best Ice Cream in New York' by Food and Wine, each cone is made from scratch with Hudson Valley dairy, and the flavors are always seasonal and often unique! Think chamomile raspberry, malted milk chocolate pretzel, and even vegan options like coconut passionfruit.
You know it’s going to be good the minute you find out this ice cream spot is owned by a CIA grad. Using local ingredients that promise cow-to-cone in three days (including hyper-local Hudson Valley dairy), and whipping up fresh waffle cones, Zoe’s has become a quick favorite among locals and out of towners alike. Their shake of the month program often yields delicious results, while experiemental flavors like sweet corn, spicy Mexican hot chocolate and peach strawberry crumble will have you coming back for new specials. Stop by to try one of the best sundaes in the country named by Food Network!
With its unassuming appearance, people may be likely to drive right by, but locals know what’s good – look past the unpaved parking lot and chipping ice cream cone that tops this building, because their soft serve, shakes and sundaes are no joke! Make sure you try a twist soft serve cone dipped in the flavor of your choosing.
Adding Kelly’s Creamery to your eastern Dutchess road trip itinerary is a must! You can’t miss the teal umbrella’s outside, and inside you’ll be met with a variety of flavors including death by chocolate, blueberry cheesecake and cookie monster. Hungry? Hit Kelly’s Husband’s Food Truck on site for delicious bites, ranging from loaded dogs, brats and burgers to vegetarian fare. And with a new mini golf course and bocce court, they have everything you need to stick around for some family fun. Plus, a selection of gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan ice creams mean everyone can enjoy!
This ice cream shop is one locals have been flocking to for years, and they’ve kept things old-school - you can tell by the frequent long lines. Nothing quite says the unofficial start of summer like a good old-fashioned soft serve cone! In addition, Holy Cow's ice cream sandwiches are truly mouthwatering.
Related: Family Fun 3-Day Itinerary
Stroll down Main Street in Fishkill and find your way to the Fishkill Creamery! Treat yourself to local ice cream, coffee and even dog treats. Nothing says an afternoon pick-me-up quite like their Cold Brew Milkshake! They also offer a curated selection of sundaes, with more than enough toppings to spark your creative side.
Not your typical ice cream scoop shop, Zora Dora’s is pumping out unique and delicious ice cream and sorbet popsicles. With flavor combinations like orange cookie crush, passion fruit sunburst and pineapple mango ginger, you’ll have a tough time deciding which one to devour! Adventurous foodies, Zora Dora's concoctions are truly one of a kind. Recent creations include avocado with jalapeno, strawberry and Tanjin spice, strawberry with black garlic and matcha latte.
Owners Kellie and Alyssa take pride in their Poughkeepsie scoop shop. Sourcing ingredients from local farms and supporting their community is a big part of their business, and with flavors like cannoli, cappuccino explosion and banana cream pie we’re more than happy to support them too! Want the ultimate ice cream treat? Try one of their colossal milkshakes! Plus, they feature a robust gluten-free menu, with options like pistachio, peach and black raspberry.
Using dairy from their very own farm and creamery, Del’s is committed to combining the values of old-fashioned farming and state of the art technology to bring you the freshest ice cream. Offering favorites like peanut butter dark chocolate, lavender honey blueberry and maple snickerdoodle, each cone is sure to please!
If you're visitng Beacon via MTA Metro-North train, chances are the Beacon Creamery will be one of your first stops in town. At the gateway of Main Street, this local staple upholds a tradition of tasty frozen sweets. Freshly-made waffle cones and bowls, wine ice cream (made from New York State vino) and "tipsey" shakes are a few highlights of their creativity. Score a few scoops and enjoy them at picnic tables outside, or walk down to Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Park for dessert riverside.
Related: Top 10 Ways to Enjoy the Hudson River in Dutchess
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No animal products here! The Vegan Stuff scoops incredible combinations, including black currant, cucumber vodka mojito, bourbon burnt caramel, dark chocolate almond joy, Thai tea and cereal milk. Craving a sundae? Toppings like whipped oat crème, banana chips and plant-based hot fudge make for an indulgent treat. Oatmeal peanut whoopie pies, ice cream cakes, pops and other frozen treats are also more than worth a try.
In addition to fine confections, The Chocolate Studio also makes super tasty vegan ice cream. Be sure to stop in for gluten-free baked goods and plant-based scoops.
As mentioned above, Kelly's Creamery, Beacon Creamery and Fortune's Ice Cream offer vegan flavors.
This may just be the ice cream spot for music lovers. Bringing more than 100 amazing flavors from a popular ice cream shop in Long Island, Dan Levine has a new home at the Hudson Valley Food Hall on Main Street in Beacon. His store name is inspired by a film, The Five Pennies, about jazz singer Red Nichols. Come grab a few scoops after a meal at the Food Hall, or pick up a cone right from the takeout window on Main Street.
A classic neighborhood ice cream stand, equipped with soft serve and specialty sundaes, cool off at the Village Creamery if you’re visiting Wappingers Falls!
With over 24 soft serve flavors it’s no surprise this is a popular spot for families. Create your favorite concoction and then enjoy your sweet treat on their outdoor patio!
An unlikely but satisfying duo of savory and sweet can be expected when you visit Tacos & Cones! Mix and match any unique flavor or ice cream, from apple pie, toasted almond coconut or french roast coffee with endless toppings like cotton candy rocks, whipped cream, and brownie brittle. Any day of the week you can enjoy your sweet treat in the newly added outdoor patio with string lights!
If you find yourself driving along US-44 this summer, keep your eyes peeled for this shop. With a large selection of flavors, it's one that families love.
Related: Top 10 Destinations for the Perfect Kids' Summer Vacation
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