Massachusetts loves its ice cream. Year after year, the state top the charts for ice cream consumption.
It's not hard to understand why. After long, snowy winters, the sudden burst of sunshine and warm weather has everyone breaking out their flip flops and swimsuits. And the best accessory to match this summer ensemble? An ice cream cone, of course. Add to that the fact that quality and freshness are top priorities for Cape Cod ice cream parlors, and you'll see why a visit to Cape Cod isn't complete without a fix (or two) of these yummy frozen treats.
Here are some of our best bets:
While probably not intentional, the exterior of Polar Cave Ice Cream Parlour in Mashpee resembles a vintage Snoopy Snow Cone Machine, and the inside is filled with the aroma of freshly baked waffles. They make waffle cones and bowls continuously throughout the day to serve as generous vessels for dozens of homemade ice cream flavors, ranging from peanut butter cup and death by chocolate, to fresh ginger and orange-pineapple. Customers can also carry out freshly made ice cream cakes and pies. If you're feeling extra decadent, indulge in one of the signature sundaes including bananas foster or s'mores.
If you have a hankering for cookie dough, Cherry Garcia, Chunky Monkey, or just about any other flavor, Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop in N. Eastham is the place to satisfy your cravings. In addition to the flavors you know and love from grocery stores, the Scoop Shop offers up seasonal variations that can't be found in supermarkets. They also carry several varieties of their new, non-dairy flavors, which can be savored in cones or bowls. If you want an ice cream cake, you'll need to order ahead.
Kandy Korner in Hyannis is a sweet tooth's dream. Here you'll find homemade taffy, fudge, chocolates, and dozens of flavors of ice cream served up in heaping portions in cones and sundaes. Stand by the window and watch them pull fresh taffy, or linger inside and browse through rows of souvenirs, postcards, and tee shirts, which they sell in addition to all the sweet treats.
The big pink building that houses Katie's Ice Cream in Hyannis signals scoop upon scoop of sweet goodness inside. Line up for an ever-changing list of flavors that range from chocolate and coffee to salted caramel or rosemary fig. While their specialty is small-batch, hard ice cream, Katie's also carries a large selection of soft-serve, frozen yogurt, and dairy-free options. For those that would rather drink their dessert, choose from extra-thick frappes, ice cream sodas or fruit smoothies.
Looking for an ice cream shop with a side of old-fashioned charm? The Cape Cod Creamery in South Yarmouth (also now in Hyannis) is located in a converted Victorian-style house with a wrap-around porch and plenty of comfy Adirondack chairs in which to sit and savor your cone or sundae. Sink a spoon into mint chip, mud pie or grapenut ice cream while watching the sunset in the distance. You can also take home a pint or two to savor later.
On Cape Cod, fried seafood and ice cream make the perfect summer pairing. Kream 'n Kone of Cape Cod in West Dennis has been dishing up this savory and sweet combo since the 1950s to locals and tourists alike. Eat inside when the temps rise or take in the views of the Swan River from the outdoor patio. The soft serve is a favorite for folks up and down the Cape -- with many opting for the classic chocolate and vanilla swirl.
And after a long beach day, ice cream is often the best dinner. Four Seas of Centerville serves up homemade scoops, shakes & savory sandwiches in a former blacksmith shop. The ice cream is loaded with fruit, high-end chocolates and nuts, and have locals forming lines outside on hot summer nights. For a flavor that's not readily available elsewhere, try the penuche - a brown butter caramel concoction. Enough said.
