Vermont is known for a lot of things: stunning fall foliage, maple syrup, winding dirt roads, and, of course, Ben & Jerry’s. Tourists line up at the Waterbury factory each summer for a scoop of Cherry Garcia or a tour of the flavor graveyard. And while there’s nothing wrong with grabbing a pint of Half Baked, there’s so much more to Vermont’s ice cream scene than one famous brand.
Ask any Vermonter where to get ice cream and you’ll get a dozen different recommendations. That’s because we’re spoiled with local scoop shops that churn out some of the best ice cream in the country. From small-town creameries to gourmet counters with inventive flavors, Vermont’s independent ice cream makers are worth seeking out.
Here’s your guide to the best ice cream shops in Vermont, beyond Ben & Jerry’s. Whether you’re road tripping through the Green Mountains or just looking for a family-friendly cone after a hike, these spots deliver big flavor and small-town charm.
What Makes Vermont Ice Cream So Good?
Vermont’s ice cream scene stands out for a few key reasons:
1. High-quality dairy
- Vermont’s farms produce some of the best milk and cream in the country
- Many shops source directly from local dairies
2. Small batch production
- Ice cream is made in small quantities, often by hand
- Shops experiment with unique flavors you won’t find at a grocery store
3. Real ingredients
- Expect local maple syrup, wild blueberries, fresh basil, and even honey from nearby hives
- No artificial flavors or mystery additives
4. A strong local food culture
- Vermonters care about where their food comes from
- Supporting small businesses is just part of life here
Northern Vermont
Island Homemade Ice Cream (Grand Isle)
Right in the heart of the Champlain Islands, this scoop shop is as fresh as the lake breeze. Small batch ice cream is made on-site, with rotating seasonal flavors. It’s a perfect stop after a bike ride on the Island Line Trail or a sunset picnic by the lake.
Must-try flavor: Maple Crème or Strawberry Rhubarb (when in season)
Local tip: Grab a cone and walk across the road to watch the boats go by
Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks (Montpelier)
Best known for its legendary maple creemees, Morse Farm also serves creamy, locally made ice cream. The sugarhouse store is a great spot for families, with trails, exhibits, and plenty of picnic space.
Must-try flavor: Maple Walnut Ice Cream
Local tip: Don’t skip the maple dust topping
Scoops (Barre)
A no-frills, old-school scoop shop with generous portions and local pride. Scoops is beloved by central Vermont families and always has classic flavors alongside seasonal surprises.
Must-try flavor: Peanut Butter Cup
Local tip: Cash only — bring a few bucks and an appetite
Central Vermont
Lu-Lu (Vergennes)
This small-batch, farm-to-cone shop punches way above its weight. Lu-Lu sources cream from local farms and isn’t afraid to play with flavors. Think everything from local basil and berry to sweet corn and chocolate flake.
Must-try flavor: Lemon Basil or Honey Lavender
Local tip: Check their social media for flavor updates and weekend specials
Village Creeme Stand (East Montpelier)
This seasonal roadside stand is a local favorite for both hard ice cream and creemees. It’s the kind of place where kids run barefoot in the grass while parents sip maple milkshakes.
Must-try flavor: Coffee Oreo
Local tip: Bring a blanket and stay for golden hour
Southern Vermont
The Village Peddler (East Dorset)
Part chocolate shop, part ice cream stand, and fully Vermont. This cozy spot feels like stepping into a postcard. Expect homemade fudge, maple candy, and rich ice cream to take with you.
Must-try flavor: Chocolate Maple Swirl
Local tip: Pair your cone with one of their chocolate-dipped treats
Dorset Rising (Dorset)
Famous for its bakery, this upscale café also scoops high-quality ice cream in the summer. The ingredients are top-notch, the cones are hand-rolled, and the flavor combos are thoughtful.
Must-try flavor: Salted Caramel Pecan
Local tip: Go early for pastries and stay for the scoop
Western Vermont
Silver Lake Scoops (Barnard)
Tucked beside Silver Lake State Park, this quiet seasonal stand serves Vermont-made ice cream in big, satisfying scoops. It’s the go-to after a swim or kayak session.
Must-try flavor: Mint Chip or Maple Cream
Local tip: Bring your cone down to the water’s edge
The Mill (South Londonderry)
Set in a historic mill building along the West River, this small shop dishes out Wilcox Ice Cream in a cozy, scenic setting. It’s a peaceful place for a post-hike treat.
Must-try flavor: Vermont Maple
Local tip: Enjoy your cone on the covered bridge nearby
Bonus: Vermont’s Oldest Ice Cream Maker
Wilcox Ice Cream (Arlington)
Family-owned since 1928, Wilcox is a Vermont legacy. They’ve been making ice cream with fresh, local ingredients for nearly a century. You’ll find Wilcox served at general stores, scoop shops, and creemee stands all across the state.
Must-try flavor: Black Raspberry
Local tip: Call ahead if you want to buy a pint directly from the creamery
Unique Flavors to Try
Vermont’s ice cream makers don’t shy away from creativity. Some flavors are hyper-seasonal and only available for a few weeks each year. Keep your eyes open for:
- Maple Walnut (with real syrup, of course)
- Apple Cider Donut
- Honey Lavender
- Wild Blueberry
- Basil & Strawberry
- Sweet Corn & Sea Salt
- Chocolate Beet or Carrot Cake
If you see something unfamiliar on the flavor board, go for it. Chances are it’s a local ingredient experiment that just might become your new favorite.
Kid-Friendly Picks and Local Tips
Bringing the whole family along? Vermont’s scoop shops are made for it. Here are some helpful tips:
- Kiddie size is plenty: A small in Vermont is often bigger than a medium elsewhere
- Cash is still common: Especially at roadside or seasonal stands
- Outdoor seating is the norm: Many shops have picnic tables, lawn games, or fields for kids to run around
- Go early or late: Mid-afternoon lines can get long at popular spots
- Check hours ahead of time: Some rural shops close early or aren’t open every day
Pair your cone with a local activity:
- Morse Farm and Montpelier’s Hubbard Park
- Silver Lake Scoops and a swim at Silver Lake
- Lu-Lu and a walk along Vergennes Falls
- The Village Peddler and a stop at Emerald Lake State Park
Why Support Local Ice Cream Shops?
Visiting local ice cream shops isn’t just about delicious scoops. It’s about:
- Supporting Vermont’s small businesses and family farms
- Keeping money in local communities
- Encouraging seasonal, sustainable food practices
- Experiencing the real flavor of Vermont, one cone at a time
Many shops use milk from nearby dairies, fruit from local orchards, and herbs grown in their own gardens. That kind of freshness doesn’t come from a factory. And when you visit these shops, you’re also investing in the people who keep Vermont’s food culture alive.
Skip the Factory Line – Taste the Real Vermont
There’s no denying that Ben & Jerry’s put Vermont on the map for ice cream lovers. But if you’re looking for something that feels more personal, more grounded, and more local, these scoop shops offer an unforgettable experience.
Every region has a hidden gem. Every town has its favorite flavor. And every Vermonter has a strong opinion about where to get the best cone.
So go explore. Taste something new. Support a local shop. And keep an eye out – there’s more ice cream fun coming soon for those ready to take their cravings on the road.
Whether you’re here for the weekend or the whole summer, these ice cream shops are proof that the best flavors in Vermont are often the ones found off the beaten path.
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