These 10 Ice Cream Shops In Maine Will Make Your Sweet Tooth Go CRAZY
By Michelle|Published July 26, 2016
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
In Maine, we have five seasons: fall, winter, mud season, spring and ice cream season. Some of you might call that last one “summer,” but not me. The moment the best ice cream places open their doors for the season, I start imagining new flavor combinations, new toppings and all the special occasions that exist for my ice cream habit. One special occasion that comes to mind is Tuesday. Another one is Wednesday. Actually, any day that ends in a “Y” seems to be special enough to warrant a trip for ice cream.
So, to help aid those of you who live your life like me, here are some of the best in Maine. But remember, in a state where we relish our summers, we know that ice cream is to be taken VERY seriously. As a result, we have LOTS of places that do it well. This list is, by no means, complete. So, when you’re done reading, let us know your favorite!
There are so many flavors here, you'll have the staff answering questions for hours if you want to understand every single one. Instead, try something unique and thank us later. The coffee oreo gets rave reviews, as does the Maine blueberry. And, if they have it, get the ice cream that comes packed with Needhams!
2 Bowery Beach Road, Cape Elizabeth / 207-799-3533
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2. Mount Desert Island Ice Cream, Bar Harbor (and Portland)
While we hate to play favorites, we can't help it. This place just might be our favorite. With an incredible variety of creative flavors and super friendly staff, Mount Desert is just a nice place to end a day. Our favorite is Restaurant Buttermint (get it with chocolate chunks and it's the best mint chocolate chip you've ever had!) and the Blueberry Streusel. Another can't-miss? The Dude, which is a little like a white russian for dessert!
325 Main Street and 7 Firefly Lane, Bar Harbor or 51 Exchange Street in Portland.
3. Rococo Artisan Ice Cream, Kennebunkport (and newly in Ogunquit!)
This place was basically invented for us. We love travel and we love ice cream, so naturally an ice cream shop that's meant to represent flavors across the globe is our dream. The ice cream combinations are totally unconventional - things like Spicy Rocky Road and Nutella Cranberry grace the menu - and the classics are perfectly...classic!
Toots is another favorite! If you've got kids with you, they'll love meeting all the cows that live on this working farm. The ice cream is made right on the premises and the flavors are as unique as the feeling of eating your ice cream with barn animals. Try the Candy Store Floor, which is exactly what it sounds like minus any actual floor.
137 Walnut Hill Road, North Yarmouth / 207-829-3723
This just might be the biggest sleeper on this list. If you're not looking for it, you might think it's simply a farm stand, but what waits for you inside is delicious! The setting is perfect for grabbing a cone and then walking around the off-the-beaten-path location means you won't be fighting off the tourists. (Note: Tourists, we still love you!)
Butterfield's only serves homemade goodness! The ice cream flavors are unique - Mint Katahdin Breeze anyone? And the setting is lovely. Prefer your ice cream liquefied? They'll make anything into a milkshake!
If you find yourself in The County, THIS is the place to stop. Sure, they've got lots of fun flavors, but the real treat is the fact that everyone is friendly and kind. Also, try to stock up on butter if you can! Bring cash, because they don't take credit cards.
This one needs no real explanation. If you're a Mainer, you know Gifford's. With locations all over the state, along with the original in Skowhegan, this place is pretty much synonymous with Maine. When you were in high school there's a good chance you worked here as well! If you don't live near one of the five locations, you can always pick up a pint at your local grocery store. We love Muddy Boots and Maine Lobster Tracks! Don't worry, there's no lobster included.
If you don't know any better, you might pass right by this Thomaston establishment that blends right in. Unless it's a summer night with one of their signature lines. Get any of the flavors hanging in the window, but be prepared for a full cone - the portions are generous!
A bit off the main strip in Rockland is Lulu's. This place is easy to miss, but we recommend you find it! They've got tons of creative flavors - things like Bourbon vanilla and gingery ginger - along with delicious sorbet and gelato. If you like enjoying your dessert outside, you'll love the shade trees and live music!
Oak Street, between Main and Union, Rockland / 207-226-1105