Ice Cream Tour of Connecticut

There's truly nothing like a delicious scoop of ice cream on a hot summers day. My sister-in-law and her family roamed America's third smallest state in search of yumminess last summer... and this is what they found, and how they rated...



So, What's with all the Spoons?

The Ratings




Don't bother...




Getting better... but factor in the cost of gas before you go.




That's what I'm talkin' about!


If this establishment were ever taken over by a foreign power and the invaders erected a 20-foot electrified barbed-wire fence AND posted sharp-shooters all around the perimeter AND dug a 30 foot moat AND stocked it with piranha... I would die trying to liberate it.


Hartford County


Tulmeadow Farms
255 Farms Village Road, West Simsbury, Connecticut
Phone: (860) 658-1430
Map and Directions
Sweet nectar of life... man this is good stuff.
I love the SWEET CREAM flavor the best, but be advised that it's not sold by the scoop, you have to go into the attached store and buy it by the pint or the quart. If you just want what's at the stand... go for the PUMPKIN. Remember though, this is a working farm so interesting smells abound. Be prepared to jump in your car and leave after you score your ice cream.


Fairfield County

Cafe Cogolulu
991 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897

Phone: (203) 544-6000

Map and Directions
I gelato-ed my way through 5 different cities in Italy, and this place beats 3 of them. WHIPPED CREAM... need I say more? If it's available, try the GRAPE. It doesn't have that artificial flavor more accurately described as PURPLE. It looks and tastes like, well, grapes!



Dr. Mike's Ice Cream Shop

158 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, CT

Phone: (203) 792-4388
Map and Directions

If you accidently drive past Dr. Mike's, don't worry about it... but make sure to turn around and go back. Tucked in the back of a plaza, this tiny place serves up some of the best ice cream. Try the FRENCH SILK.


Timothy's Ice Cream

2974 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT

(203) 366-7496
Map and Directions

The ice cream was good... but not great. I was more impressed with their waffle cones, made right behind the counter.



Sweet Ashley's

248 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06855

Phone: (203) 866-7740
Map and Directions

The best CAKE BATTER ice cream I've ever had... and believe me, my experiments in this area have been thorough! Just a great all-around ice cream place.



New Haven County


Big Dipper Ice Cream & Yogurt Parlour

91 Waterbury Road, Prospect, CT 06712

Phone: (203) 758-3200
Map and Directions

The only place I've ever been to that sells the ice cream by weight, which is great when you have small children. Go for the TOASTED ALMOND if you get the chance.



Rich Farm Ice Cream Shop

691 Oxford Rd, Oxford, CT

Phone: (203) 881-1040
Map and Directions
Livestock and ice cream... what a combination! Throw the kids into the car, bring 'em here, then let 'em run wild. If you venture in on a day when MANNY'S BANANIE is available, go for it. The kids will love COOKIE MONSTER.



Wentworth Homemade Ice Cream

3697 Whitney Ave, Hamden, CT

Phone: (203) 281-7429
Map and Directions

Warm peanut butter available... how dreamy. Go in, grab yourself a waffle cone full of S'MORES, then cut your guilt in half by walking it off at the Sleeping Giant State Park right down the street.




New London County

Hall Mark Drive In

113 Shore Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371

Phone: (860) 434-1998
Map and Directions

Tasty flavors like GINGERBREAD and RASPBERRY OREO COOKIE await you at this long shack near the beach. Be advised... this place is packed during the summer months.


Litchfield County, Tolland County, Windham, and Middlesex Counties

Nothing to report from these necks of the woods... check back later. Do you have anything to add? Have you found a fabulous scoop and want to share the secret? Email me at linzi at thisisct dot net.

See Related posts about Ice Cream in Connecticut.