What Is The Best Ice Cream In Every State Travel And Leisure?

Are you dreaming of a delightful escape to Vietnam and craving the best ice cream experience? SIXT.VN is here to guide you through the ultimate ice cream journey across all states, offering you insider tips and convenient travel solutions. Discover hidden gems and local favorites, ensuring your trip is filled with sweet memories.

Planning your trip? SIXT.VN offers reliable airport transfers, hotel booking assistance, and unforgettable Hanoi tours.

1. What Makes an Ice Cream “The Best” in a State?

The “best” ice cream in a state isn’t just about taste; it’s an experience. Factors such as unique flavors, local ingredients, and community reputation all contribute.

• Unique Flavors: Does the ice cream shop offer innovative and exciting flavors?
• Local Ingredients: Are the ingredients sourced locally, supporting local farmers and businesses?
• Community Reputation: Is the shop a beloved local institution with a strong community presence?
• Customer Reviews: What do customers say about the ice cream and the overall experience?
• Awards and Recognition: Has the shop received any awards or recognition for its ice cream?

2. Alabama: Big Spoon Creamery

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/alabama-big-spoon-creamery-FT-BLOG0721-efc8804a049a42f2ac7298144135c79f.jpg)

Big Spoon Creamery, founded by Geri-Martha and Ryan O’Hara in 2014, began as a trike venture and evolved into a beloved storefront in Birmingham.

Partnerships with local farms and inventive flavors define their offerings. The ice cream sandwiches are a must-try.

3. Alaska: Wild Scoops

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/alaska-wild-scoops-FT-BLOG0721-b016339a9f974781a9251738ed0a2537.jpg)

Wild Scoops in Anchorage, established in 2015 by Elissa Brown and Chris Pike, focuses on being the most Alaskan ice cream company.

They source local ingredients like birch syrup, spruce tips, and wild berries. This dedication sets them apart.

4. Arizona: Sweet Republic

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/arizona-sweet-republic-FT-BLOG0721-28d64a4df1f94b60923d11c87338e9f7.jpg)

Sweet Republic in Scottsdale, founded in 2008 by Jan Wichayanuparp and Helen Yung, is known for its wild and inventive flavors.

The coconut cashew curry remains a popular choice, blending crunchy brittle with creamy coconut ice cream.

5. Arkansas: Loblolly Creamery

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/arkansas-loblolly-creamery-FT-BLOG0721-8a7ad2087d33411fa2b7b5943d38b70b.jpg)

Loblolly Creamery in Little Rock, situated in the historic Quapaw Quarter, is deeply connected to the local community.

Their coffee & cream flavor uses beans from Fidel & Co., while the bourbon pecan incorporates Rock Town Distillery’s bourbon.

6. California: Gunther’s

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/california-gunthers-FT-BLOG0721-06dd520880d64b82b891e8d5f927db77.jpg)

Gunther’s, a Sacramento institution for over 75 years, is celebrated for its classic ice cream.

Locals flock to this bright shop for flavors like black walnut and lemon custard, and their popular fruit freezes.

7. Colorado: Little Man Ice Cream

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/colorado-little-man-ice-cream-FT-BLOG0721-992613a848e94c059c9e40591cd238c4.jpg)

Little Man Ice Cream, housed in a 28-foot-high milk can in Denver, has been a local favorite since 2008.

The Salted Oreo flavor is an iconic Denver treat, drawing crowds late into the night.

8. Connecticut: Arethusa Farm

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/connecticut-arethusa-farm-FT-BLOG0721-9672590870234a96a017f73f752f4e6d.jpg)

Arethusa Farm in Bantam began as a land preservation effort and evolved into a mini-empire with scoop shops across Connecticut.

They serve plush, high-butterfat ice creams in classic New England flavors like rum raisin and coffee.

9. Delaware: Woodside Farm Creamery

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/delaware-woodside-farm-creamery-FT-BLOG0721-f156746575a740229da0e5c8bf221997.jpg)

Woodside Farm Creamery, one of Delaware’s longest-running family farms, produces exceptionally rich ice cream.

Their Motor Oil flavor, a coffee base with fudge and green caramel swirls, is both intense and essential.

10. Florida: Dasher & Crank

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/florida-dasher-crank-FT-BLOG0721-590219b0468d43b29402cf44d0c6b3b7.jpg)

Dasher & Crank in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood offers a diverse range of over 400 flavors since opening in 2018.

Their Ube Macapuno, a vegan coconut ice cream made with Filipino purple yams, is a top seller.

11. Georgia: Cremalosa

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/georgia-cremalosa-FT-BLOG0721-9e5486044451492799a8658e918db646.jpg)

Cremalosa, an Atlanta gelateria in Decatur, offers very fine gelato in classic Italian and American flavors.

The shop features flavors ranging from stracciatella to banana pudding, providing a wide variety.

12. Hawaii: Black Sheep Cream Co.

Black Sheep Cream Co. is shaking up the O’ahu scene with four shops, offering youthful branding and excellent ice cream.

Their flavors include pistachio and rocky road, alongside affogatos for a caffeine boost.

13. Idaho: The STIL

The STIL (The Sweetest Things In Life) in Boise offers traditional, vegan, and boozy ice creams under one roof.

They are known for their adult ice creams, such as the Scotchy, Scotch, Scotch with scotch ale and butterscotch cookies.

14. Illinois: Lagomarcino’s

Lagomarcino’s in Moline offers one of the country’s finest hot fudge sundaes.

The century-old chocolatier pairs beautifully balanced hot fudge with housemade vanilla ice cream.

15. Indiana: Lick Ice Creams

Lick Ice Creams in Indianapolis is celebrated for its curious and wonderful flavor combinations.

They offer flavors like Earl Grey peppermint and salted caramel with sage.

16. Iowa: Wilton Candy Kitchen

The Wilton Candy Kitchen, one of the finest old soda fountains in Iowa, offers a trip back in time.

They serve homemade ice cream, a vast selection of sodas, and all the local gossip you can handle.

17. Kansas: Sylas and Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream

Sylas and Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream in Lawrence offers a rotation of more than 150 flavors.

The shop has become a staple of KU life, luring in students with classic and modern flavors.

18. Kentucky: Louisville Cream

Louisville Cream turns out some of the most immediately likable flavors of any Southern producer.

Their flavors range from sweet potato pie to honey cornbread bourbon.

19. Louisiana: Creole Creamery

Creole Creamery in New Orleans celebrates local flavor with options from café au lait to creole cream cheese.

They have multiple locations, including one in the Garden District and suburban Metairie.

20. Maine: Gelato Fiasco

Gelato Fiasco offers authentic gelato in exuberantly New World flavors.

They insist on adhering to a high standard, resulting in wholly authentic gelato.

21. Maryland: Dumser’s Dairyland

Dumser’s Dairyland in Ocean City offers crowd-pleasing, well-executed ice cream flavors.

The ever-popular soft-serve and Hawaiian Delight are must-try flavors.

22. Massachusetts: Toscanini’s

Toscanini’s in Cambridge is a legendary scoop shop scooping up the punch-in-the-schnoz burnt caramel and nostalgic cocoa pudding.

Christina’s Homemade Ice Cream is another essential piece of American ice cream history.

23. Michigan: Moomers Ice Cream

Moomers Ice Cream on their dairy farm in Traverse City does great work with Michigan’s iconic summer crop.

Their Cherries Moobilee is made with chunks of black sweet cherries, freshly-baked brownies, and chocolate fudge swirl.

24. Minnesota: Bebe Zito

Bebe Zito in Minneapolis offers a joyful blend of expected and experimental flavors.

Spangler’s expertise in the flavor department is on full display here.

25. Mississippi: Oxford Creamery

Oxford Creamery features ice cream with a distinct sense of place, that place being the South.

Think lemon cake, banana pudding, and ice creams rammed full of freshly-baked seasonal fruit cobbler.

26. Missouri: Crown Candy Kitchen

The Crown Candy Kitchen in St. Louis is a Norman Rockwell-level bit of Americana.

They mix batches of ice cream in the antique copper kettle, where people come for chocolate malts and BLTs.

27. Montana: Big Dipper Ice Cream

Big Dipper Ice Cream in Missoula serves up scoops of bright purple huckleberry ice cream.

One of the state’s most iconic shops has branched out to Helena and Billings as well.

28. Nebraska: Coneflower Creamery

Coneflower Creamery in Omaha brings their wealth of combined experience to create farm-to-cone ice cream.

This commitment comes through in every scoop, from a coffee collaboration with local roaster Archetype to butter brickle.

29. Nevada: Luv-It Frozen Custard

Luv-It Frozen Custard in Las Vegas transports you back to the Midwest with their classic custard.

A treasured fixture since 1973, you can order a cup of vanilla or chocolate for $1.95.

30. New Hampshire: Annabelle’s Natural Ice Cream

Annabelle’s Natural Ice Cream in Portsmouth is a local favorite with rich and creamy ice creams.

The essential is maple walnut, made with one of New Hampshire’s most treasured exports.

31. New Jersey: The Bent Spoon

The Bent Spoon in Princeton offers lots of very unique flavors.

Garam masala, cardamom ginger, and avocado lemon are just a few of the flavors they rotate through.

32. New Mexico: Caliche’s Frozen Custard

Caliche’s Frozen Custard in Las Cruces is a local icon serving up a Green Chile sundae.

Called The New Mexican, it begins with creamy vanilla custard, topped with roasted chiles and salted pecans.

33. New York: Fortunes Ice Cream

Fortunes Ice Cream in Tivoli makes some of the most exacting ice creams in the Northeast.

They serve bold and beautifully executed flavors like labneh sour cherry and rosewater pistachio.

34. North Carolina: Two Roosters Ice Cream

Two Roosters Ice Cream in Raleigh spotlights local artists by enlisting them to create their own unique flavor.

Look for the memorable Roasted Strawberry and Honey, made with North Carolina berries and local honey.

35. North Dakota: Pride Dairies

Pride Dairies ships comforting classics and unexpected flavors like black licorice and strawberry rhubarb all around the state.

36. Ohio: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in Columbus is known for both classic and wildly experimental flavors.

Pair that skill with a commitment to using only the finest milk available in the region.

37. Oklahoma: Roxy’s Ice Cream Social

Roxy’s Ice Cream Social in Oklahoma City serves up a roster of comforting, classic flavors, accompanied by some unique surprises.

Their lemon poppyseed is one of a wide selection of deceptively rich vegan offerings.

38. Oregon: Salt & Straw

Salt & Straw is one of the most consistent and consistently exciting artisanal makers out there right now.

The shop helped mainstream everything from olive oil ice cream to collaborations with top local producers.

39. Pennsylvania: Bassett’s

Bassett’s in Philadelphia has been serving up the city’s favorite ice cream since the mid-1800s.

This is still some of the country’s finest ice cream, boasting a luxurious 16.5% butterfat content.

40. Rhode Island: Wright’s Dairy Farm

Wright’s Dairy Farm in North Smithfield is a bakery as well as the state’s best scoop shop.

One of the finest flavors here is the Compost Cream, a vanilla ice cream ribboned with chocolate ganache and stuffed with cookies.

41. South Carolina: Off Track Ice Cream

Off Track Ice Cream in Charleston uses ingredients that tend toward the obsessively local.

Ingredients start with the milk, of course, alongside orange blossom honey and flaky sea salt.

42. South Dakota: Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Memorial offers Thomas Jefferson’s own vanilla ice cream, made from the original recipe.

The ice cream is rich, sweet, with pods sourced from France.

43. Tennessee: Cruze Farm

Cruze Farm sells creatively-flavored soft serve made from high-quality Jersey milk.

Flavors range from kid-pleasing Fruity Pebbles to summery lavender honey.

44. Texas: Lick Honest Ice Creams

Lick Honest Ice Creams in Austin and San Antonio provides the most civilized kind of relief from the Central Texas heat.

The seasonally-inspired ice creams here are made with high-quality milk and cream.

45. Utah: Rockwell Old Fashioned

Rockwell Old Fashioned in Provo is known for their classic, high butterfat, low overrun ice creams.

They’ve been stealing hearts with flavors like honeycomb and carrot cake.

46. Vermont: Little Gordo Creemee Stand

Little Gordo Creemee Stand in Burlington makes their mixes from scratch and experiment with some very unusual flavors.

47. Virginia: Island Creamery

Island Creamery in Chincoteague has been a peak-season staple on the Delmarva Peninsula since 1975.

It’s always worth a trip for rich and creamy ice creams from local cows.

48. Washington: Molly Moon’s

Molly Moon’s in Seattle offers America’s most flavorful salted caramel ice cream.

Launched in 2008, their progressive operation sources nearly all ingredients locally.

49. West Virginia: Austin’s Ice Cream

Austin’s Ice Cream has been an essential part of life in little Ceredo since the 1940s.

A cone piled high with grape pineapple ice cream is a tart-sweet dream.

50. Wisconsin: Leon’s

Leon’s in Milwaukee offers some of the country’s finest frozen custard.

You come straight here for one of the richest, smoothest, most perfect examples of Wisconsin’s favorite frozen dessert.

51. Wyoming: Shumway Farms

Shumway Farms in Afton offers a huckleberry cone and a visit to the resident bovines.

Dairy farming is a big deal here and has been for a very long time.

52. What are the current trends in ice cream flavors?

Current trends in ice cream flavors include:

• Exotic Fruits: Using fruits like guava, dragon fruit, and lychee.
• Floral Infusions: Incorporating floral flavors like lavender, rose, and elderflower.
• Savory Combinations: Blending sweet and savory elements such as olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs.
• Vegan Options: Expanding the range of plant-based ice cream using ingredients like coconut milk, oat milk, and cashew cream.
• Local and Sustainable Ingredients: Emphasizing the use of locally sourced and sustainably produced ingredients.

53. How can SIXT.VN enhance my ice cream travel experience in Vietnam?

SIXT.VN can enhance your ice cream travel experience in Vietnam by providing:

• Convenient Airport Transfers: Start your trip stress-free with reliable airport pick-up and drop-off services.
• Wide Selection of Hotels: Choose from a variety of hotels that fit your budget and preferences, ensuring a comfortable stay.
• Customized Tour Packages: Explore Hanoi and other regions with tailor-made tours that include the best local ice cream spots.
• Local Expertise: Get insider tips and recommendations on the best hidden gems and local favorites for ice cream.
• 24/7 Customer Support: Enjoy peace of mind with round-the-clock customer support, ready to assist you with any needs during your trip.

54. What are some unique cultural experiences I can combine with my ice cream tour in Hanoi?

Combine your ice cream tour in Hanoi with these unique cultural experiences:

• Water Puppet Show: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese art form with captivating stories and performances.
• Hanoi Old Quarter Exploration: Wander through the historic streets, sampling street food and visiting local shops.
• Temple of Literature: Explore Vietnam’s first university and learn about its rich educational history.
• Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Visit the scenic lake and temple, steeped in local legends and traditions.
• Traditional Cooking Class: Learn to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes, adding a flavorful dimension to your cultural experience.

55. What are the top attractions to visit while exploring Hanoi?

Top attractions to visit in Hanoi include:

56. What essential travel tips should I know before visiting Vietnam?

Essential travel tips for visiting Vietnam:

• Visa Requirements: Check visa requirements based on your nationality and plan accordingly.
• Currency: The local currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND). Exchange currency at banks or authorized exchange counters.
• Transportation: Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps like Grab for convenient and safe transportation. SIXT.VN also offers reliable airport transfer services.
• Bargaining: Bargaining is common in markets and street stalls. Negotiate prices respectfully.
• Local Customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites. Show respect for local customs and traditions.
• Health Precautions: Consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations and health precautions before traveling.

57. How does SIXT.VN ensure a hassle-free travel experience for international tourists in Vietnam?

SIXT.VN ensures a hassle-free travel experience by:

• Airport Transfers: Providing timely and comfortable airport pick-up and drop-off services.
• Hotel Booking: Offering a wide range of accommodations to suit various budgets and preferences.
• Customized Tours: Creating personalized tour packages that cater to individual interests and schedules.
• Multilingual Support: Offering customer support in multiple languages to assist international tourists effectively.
• Reliable Information: Providing up-to-date and accurate travel information, including visa requirements, local customs, and health precautions.
• 24/7 Assistance: Ensuring round-the-clock customer support to address any concerns or emergencies during your trip.

58. How do I book services with SIXT.VN?

To book services with SIXT.VN:

1. Visit the SIXT.VN website.
2. Select the service you need: airport transfer, hotel booking, or tour package.
3. Enter your travel details, such as dates, destinations, and preferences.
4. Browse available options and choose the one that best fits your needs.
5. Review your booking details and proceed to payment.
6. Receive a confirmation email with all the necessary information for your booking.

59. How does SIXT.VN handle airport transfers in Hanoi?

SIXT.VN ensures smooth airport transfers in Hanoi by:

• Punctual Pick-Ups: Drivers are always on time, tracking flights to adjust for any delays.
• Comfortable Vehicles: Offering a range of vehicles to suit individual and group needs.
• Professional Drivers: Employing experienced and courteous drivers familiar with Hanoi routes.
• Meet and Greet Service: Providing a meet and greet service at the airport, assisting with luggage and guiding you to your vehicle.
• Fixed Pricing: Ensuring transparent pricing with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what to expect.

60. FAQ Section: Best Ice Cream in Every State Travel and Leisure

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the best ice cream in every state:

1. Q: What makes an ice cream shop qualify as the “best” in a state?

   • A: Factors include unique flavors, local ingredients, community reputation, customer reviews, and awards.

2. Q: Are the ice cream shops listed here only in major cities?

   • A: No, the list includes shops from various locations, including small towns and suburban areas.

3. Q: How often is this list updated?

   • A: The list is updated periodically to reflect new trends and changes in the ice cream scene.

4. Q: Can I find vegan or dairy-free options at these ice cream shops?

   • A: Many of the listed shops offer vegan or dairy-free options to cater to different dietary preferences.

5. Q: Do these ice cream shops offer seasonal flavors?

   • A: Yes, many shops feature seasonal flavors based on locally available ingredients.

6. Q: How can I provide feedback about an ice cream shop on this list?

   • A: You can contact SIXT.VN through the website or social media channels to provide feedback.

7. Q: Are these ice cream shops suitable for families with children?

   • A: Yes, most of the listed shops are family-friendly and offer a variety of flavors that appeal to children.

8. Q: Do I need a reservation to visit these ice cream shops?

   • A: Reservations are generally not required, but it’s a good idea to check the shop’s policy, especially during peak seasons.

9. Q: Can SIXT.VN arrange a customized tour to visit multiple ice cream shops in Hanoi?

   • A: Yes, SIXT.VN can create customized tour packages that include visits to the best local ice cream spots in Hanoi and beyond.

10. Q: What health precautions should I take while visiting these ice cream shops?

    • A: Follow standard hygiene practices, such as using hand sanitizer and avoiding crowded areas if you have any health concerns.

Ready to embark on a sweet adventure? Let SIXT.VN take care of your travel needs. Visit SIXT.VN today to explore our exclusive tour packages, book airport transfers, and discover the best hotels for your perfect Vietnamese getaway.

Address: 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hotline/Whatsapp: +84 986 244 358
Website: SIXT.VN