If you’re visiting Vermont during the summer, there’s one thing you absolutely cannot miss: grabbing a creemee. That’s not a typo. It’s not just soft serve. And it’s definitely not your average ice cream.
Creemees are a Vermont institution. As a local, I can tell you they’re woven into the fabric of small-town summers, Sunday drives, lake days, and maple season celebrations. They’re sweet, cold, and a little magical. But what actually makes a creemee different from regular ice cream or soft serve? And why does every Vermonter get a little misty-eyed talking about them?
Let’s dig into the creamy truth behind Vermont’s favorite summer treat.
What Is a Creemee?
First things first. A creemee is Vermont’s version of soft serve ice cream, but it’s richer, smoother, and often made with local dairy. The term “creemee” is thought to come from the idea that it’s creamier than other frozen desserts.
You’ll only hear the term in Vermont and a few parts of northern New England. Ask for a creemee in New York or Massachusetts and you might get a blank stare. Ask for soft serve in Vermont and you’ll get a polite correction.
It’s not just a matter of vocabulary. A true creemee has a distinct texture and flavor that sets it apart from its soft-serve cousins across the country. You can thank the local milk, maple syrup, and generational know-how for that.
Creemee vs Ice Cream vs Soft Serve: What’s the Difference?
To an outsider, a creemee might look like soft serve, but there are a few key differences that make it uniquely Vermont.
Butterfat Content
- Creemees typically contain more butterfat than traditional soft serve, making them richer and, well, creamier.
- They usually land somewhere between soft serve and regular hard ice cream in terms of fat content.
Texture
- Creemees are smoother and denser than typical soft serve. They don’t melt as fast and have a silkier mouthfeel.
- The base often includes higher-quality ingredients, which creates a thicker consistency.
Flavor
- Soft serve often tastes more artificial or overly sweet. Creemees, especially maple creemees, have a natural flavor thanks to local ingredients.
- Vermont creemee stands often use real maple syrup instead of maple-flavored syrups or extracts.
Serving Temperature
- Creemees are usually served slightly warmer than hard ice cream, which brings out the flavor more.
Appearance
- Expect the same swirled presentation you’d find with soft serve, but often in a locally made cone with maple dust or chocolate sprinkles.
Why It Matters in Vermont
Creemees aren’t just a dessert. They’re a tradition.
Vermont takes its food seriously, especially when it comes from local farms. That includes milk, cream, and maple syrup. Most creemee stands use dairy sourced right from Vermont cows. That freshness translates into a richer, fuller flavor that can’t be mass-produced.
Creemee stands also double as community gathering spots. Whether it’s a roadside stand near the lake or a family-run shop next to the hardware store, these places are often passed down through generations. They represent everything people love about Vermont: local pride, simple pleasures, and flavors that speak for themselves.
And then there’s the maple angle. Maple syrup is a cornerstone of Vermont’s identity. When it’s added to ice cream, it becomes something sacred. A maple creemee isn’t just popular — it’s iconic.
Must-Try Creemee Flavors
Yes, maple is king. But there’s more variety than you might expect.
Maple
- Made with real Vermont maple syrup
- Rich, earthy, and just the right amount of sweet
- A must-try for any first-time visitor
Black Raspberry
- Fruity, refreshing, and surprisingly decadent
- Often available as a twist with vanilla
Coffee
- Bold and smooth
- Sometimes made with locally roasted beans
Chocolate and Vanilla
- Staples for the traditionalists
- Usually offered alone or as a swirl
Seasonal and Specialty
- Maple and apple in the fall
- Pumpkin spice creemee in October
- Lavender, strawberry, and even bourbon-infused varieties in summer
Vegan and Dairy-Free Options
- More stands are adding coconut milk or oat milk bases
- Still creamy, still delicious, and great for those with allergies or dietary restrictions
Best Places to Get a Creemee (Local Favorites)
There are creemee stands all over the state, but a few are extra special. These are some of the top picks from locals and tourists alike.
1. Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks (Montpelier)
- Home of the maple creemee
- Topped with maple dust for extra crunch
- Great family-friendly stop with views and a gift shop
2. Canteen Creemee Company (Waitsfield)
- Known for gourmet flavor twists and creative toppings
- Think black sesame, local honeycomb, and even baked goods on top
- Instagram-worthy presentation without sacrificing quality
3. Village Scoop (Colchester)
- Lakeside favorite
- Classic flavors and generous portions
- Ideal for a creemee after a swim or bike ride
4. Island Homemade Ice Cream (Grand Isle)
- Small-batch creemees in the heart of the Champlain Islands
- Worth the drive for a lakeside treat
- Often uses island-grown ingredients
5. The Creemee Stand (Hardwick)
- Tiny stand with a big reputation
- Best maple creemee in the Northeast Kingdom, according to many locals
- Often has unique limited-time flavors
Hidden Gem: Bayley Hazen Country Store (West Glover)
- Not just a store, it’s a creemee stop worth detouring for
- Great stop if you’re headed to Hill Farmstead or Crystal Lake
Creemee Etiquette and Tips (From a Local)
Want to blend in with the locals? Here’s how to order and enjoy your creemee like you’ve been doing it your whole life.
Don’t Call It Soft Serve
- It’s a creemee. Just go with it.
- Locals will instantly know you’re from out of town if you say otherwise.
Cash Is King
- Many creemee stands are seasonal and don’t accept cards
- Bring a few bucks — some even offer a discount for paying in cash
Ordering Lingo
- “Kiddie” is the smallest size, and it’s still pretty big
- “Twist” means a swirl of two flavors
- Ask for “maple dust” or “sprinkles” for extra texture
Timing Matters
- Go mid-afternoon for the best lines and shade
- Many stands close early, especially in small towns
Creemee + Adventure = Perfect Vermont Afternoon
- Pair your creemee stop with a local hike, lake visit, or scenic drive
- Some great combos:
- Morse Farm + Hubbard Park in Montpelier
- Village Scoop + Colchester Causeway Bike Path
- Canteen Creemee + Mad River swimming holes
Make a Maple Creemee at Home
Can’t wait until your next trip to Vermont? Here’s a simple way to recreate the flavor at home.
Easy Maple Creemee (Soft Serve) Recipe
You’ll need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup real Vermont maple syrup (Grade A Amber or Dark)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Steps:
- Whisk all ingredients together until smooth
- Chill the mixture for at least 2 hours
- Pour into an ice cream maker and churn until soft-serve consistency
- Serve immediately or freeze for a firmer texture
Tips:
- Use fresh maple syrup from a Vermont producer
- For a dairy-free version, substitute with coconut milk and oat cream
Taste the Tradition
There’s something about a creemee that just hits different. Maybe it’s the fresh dairy. Maybe it’s the maple. Or maybe it’s just the Vermont air. Whatever it is, it turns a simple cone into a memory.
If you’re visiting Vermont, make sure a creemee is on your list. Try the maple. Try the twist. Go to that little roadside stand with the long line — it’s worth it.
This is only the beginning of Vermont’s frozen treasures. There’s a whole lot more to explore beyond the creemee cone. Stay tuned for more sweet adventures coming soon.
Whether you’re a creemee newbie or a seasoned swirl chaser, one thing’s for sure: once you’ve had one, summer will never taste the same again.
🍦📍Find the best local creemee shops here!
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