Maine’s Best Ice Cream
As the weather warms up in Maine, there’s one thing most people look forward to. Yes, they also love to swim, boat, hike, and hang out on the beach — but one of the greatest summer activities, for children and grown-ups alike, is the chance to check out Maine’s incredible ice cream stands. All through the state, the little roadside stands begin to take the shutters off their windows around the middle of May. On opening day at some of Maine’s best ice cream shops, it’s common to see three hundred people waiting in line for a scoop. After a long, cold winter, it’s worth the wait for this delicious summer treat.
Photo by LINEALEQUATION
So where should you go to get your fix? Here are some of the state’s best places to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Located in the tiny town of New Gloucester, Hodgman’s Frozen Custard may be a little off the beaten track for some people, but don’t let that stop you — it’s worth driving a long way to taste the creamy confections from this 60-year old establishment. Unlike modern chains like Cold Stone Creamery, Hodgman’s keeps things simple, letting the quality of their homemade frozen custard speak for itself. You’ll only find three flavors here — chocolate, vanilla, and a special of the day. The frozen custard has a rich, pure flavor, and a silky texture somewhere between hard ice cream and soft-serve. It’s even better in a hot fudge sundae, with rich chocolate sauce, chunks of roasted peanuts, real whipped cream, and a cherry on top; the hot fudge royale adds fresh slices of ripe bananas. You won’t find tables inside, but there’s a large covered pavilion with picnic tables, and a big grassy plain if you’d rather spread out a blanket on the lawn and take in the sunshine. If you stop in on a weekend, be prepared to spend some time waiting in line — on a sunny day, you’ll find the whole town congregating here.
Hodgman’s Frozen Custard
1108 Lewiston Rd.
New Gloucester, ME 04260
Open From Mother’s Day to Labor Day, Wednesday – Sunday
Even if you’re not a Red Sox obsessive, you’ll be a fan of the Ice Cream Dugout, where all the menu items are named for Sox players past and present. The Dugout has two locations — a small stand in Gray, and a larger location with outdoor seating in the nearby town of Windham. The family-owned establishment uses all-natural Shain’s of Maine ice cream from nearby Sanford, and features a wonderful variety of unique ice cream concoctions, though you can’t go wrong with a simple hot fudge sundae — the fudge itself is as decadently rich and chocolatey as brownie batter. Feel free to bring your dog along, too. The pet-friendly place offers Doggie Sundaes, with vanilla ice cream and a dog biscuit on top. If you ever wanted to treat your dog to something special, this is the way to his heart.
Ice Cream Dugout
Gray: Route 26
Windham: Route 302
www.icecreamdugout.com
Right in Portland’s historic Old Port district, you’ll find some of the state’s best ice cream and other treats at Fuller’s Gourmet Chocolates & Ice Cream. The shop has a great selection of handmade flavors, including classics like Rum Raisin and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, along with many types of fudge, chocolates, and other decadent treats. With outdoor tables facing the Old Port’s cobblestone streets right near the harbor, this is a great place to share a sundae, people-watch, and enjoy the ocean breeze.
Fuller’s Gourmet Chocolates & Ice Cream
432 Fore Street
Portland, ME 04101
Written by Kathy Hawkins on June 5, 2007
Filed Under Maine, Food
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