There are few better ways to celebrate summer in the Mohawk Valley than with ice cream, and for our 2nd Annual Ice Cream Tour, RoAnn Destito and I traveled across the region tasting cones, sundaes, flurries, floats, waffles, Dole Whip, frozen yogurt, and a few creations that definitely required two spoons.
This has become one of my favorite annual features. Not just because of the ice cream, but because of the people we meet along the way. Every stop has its own personality, its own story, and its own loyal following.
Over the past year, RoAnn and I have made a habit of hitting the road together every couple of months, exploring different corners of the Mohawk Valley. Somewhere between the first stop and the last, we always end up talking about family, community projects, local news, old memories, and whatever else comes up along the way.
By the end of the day, we had sampled everything from homemade hard ice cream and frozen yogurt to Italian ice, Dole Whip, soft serve, and some incredibly creative specialty desserts. Needless to say, we brought our appetites.
Chunky Jay’s Chill n Fill
8200 Turin Road, Rome
Our first stop set the tone for the entire tour. Rather than asking us to choose just one item, Chunky’s served up an ice cream flight featuring four different creations, giving us the chance to sample a variety of flavors in one sitting. For two people trying to visit multiple ice cream stands in a day, it was the perfect solution. The standout for me was a combination of caramel, peanut butter, and Snickers. The warm caramel blended perfectly with the vanilla ice cream while the candy added just the right amount of crunch. RoAnn and I agreed that it was one of those combinations that sounds simple but absolutely delivers. We also sampled a Fruity Pebbles creation that was colorful, crunchy, and surprisingly addictive. Another featured cotton candy flavors that immediately brought back memories of summer fairs and carnivals. What impressed us most was the level of customization. Nearly every creation can be personalized, allowing customers to build exactly what they want. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, candy fanatic, fruit fan, or somewhere in between, there’s a combination waiting for you. The portions are generous, the toppings are plentiful, and the atmosphere is exactly what you want from a neighborhood ice cream stand. By the time we finished the flight, we were already talking about what we’d order on our next visit.
What’s the Scoop
604 Main Street, Sylvan Beach
Nestled near the water in Sylvan Beach, What’s the Scoop offers something that immediately puts visitors into vacation mode. With the lake breeze nearby and a menu that goes far beyond traditional ice cream, it quickly became one of our favorite stops of the day. What immediately stood out was the variety. Along with soft serve, they offer Perry’s hard ice cream, including non-dairy options, Dole Whip, lactose-free twist, frozen bananas, fruit smoothies, flurries, glacier floats, and hand-spun milkshakes. No matter what you’re craving, there’s something on the menu for everyone. Because it was one of the hottest days of the summer, RoAnn and I were immediately drawn to the orange Dole Whip and lactose-free twist. The combination was absolutely perfect for the weather. Light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, it felt more like a tropical treat than traditional ice cream. Neither of us had any trouble finishing it despite already knowing we had several more stops ahead. The Dole Whip had that smooth citrus flavor that instantly cools you down, while the twist added a creamy balance without feeling heavy. On a scorching summer day, it was exactly what we needed. As we sat enjoying our treats, the conversation drifted into familiar Mohawk Valley territory. RoAnn started recognizing names connected to local businesses and families we’ve known for years, and before long we were swapping stories about restaurants, bakeries, advertisers, and mutual friends. That’s what always happens when RoAnn and I hit the road together. Everywhere we go, there’s a connection, a story, or someone we both know. For those looking for dairy-free or lactose-free options, What’s the Scoop may be one of the most accommodating stops on our entire tour. It’s proof that today’s ice cream stands offer far more than the traditional cone and that everyone can find something to enjoy.
Coneheads
646 Lenox Ave, Oneida
Some ice cream stands are content to serve cones. Coneheads prefers to make memories.
Known for over-the-top creations, this stop is home to The Beast, a massive creation featuring 30 ounces of ice cream along with multiple toppings and candies. While we admired that challenge from afar, we opted instead for the Breakfast Sammy. The creation starts with two warm waffles layered around soft serve ice cream and topped with whipped cream, caramel, and hot fudge. The combination works beautifully. The waffles provide warmth and texture while the ice cream cools everything down. It’s rich, indulgent, and exactly the kind of dessert that makes you smile after the first bite. As soon as I tasted it, I was reminded of something my daughter has done for years at home. She’ll take waffles straight from the toaster and top them with ice cream. Apparently she was onto something all along. The Breakfast Sammy instantly reminded me why comfort foods never go out of style. It’s creative without being complicated and easily one of the most memorable items we sampled all day.
Jerry’s Place
6635 NY-28, Hartwick
Some places serve ice cream. Others have personality. Jerry’s Place has both. The moment you walk inside, you’re surrounded by nostalgia. Vintage lunchboxes line the walls and the atmosphere feels like a classic roadside stop that’s been welcoming families for generations. We ordered the peanut butter sundae, which featured warm peanut butter cascading over creamy vanilla soft serve. The sweet-and-salty combination was outstanding. Looking back, I might add Reese’s Pieces next time for a little extra crunch, but honestly, it was delicious exactly as served. The peanut butter remained warm and soft while the ice cream stayed cold and creamy, creating that perfect contrast in every bite. Jerry’s is also known for its extensive food menu. As we looked around, we couldn’t help noticing some of the loaded fries making their way to nearby tables. From classic fries to specialty creations piled high with toppings, the menu offers plenty of reasons to stay for lunch before ordering dessert. This is one of those places that feels like a destination rather than simply a stop along the way.
Parkside Drive-In
7485 NY-5, St Johnsville
If there was one stop that completely surprised us, it was Parkside. What started as an ice cream stop quickly became our lunch stop when RoAnn and I ordered burgers and shared waffle fries before sampling one of the most creative ice cream flights of the entire tour. Not long after we arrived, owner Samantha Manikas came out to chat with us, sharing a little about the business and the creativity behind many of the flavors. It didn’t take long to see why Parkside has developed such a loyal following. Samantha and her husband Aaron clearly love what they do, and that passion shows up in every flavor they create. Their creativity, attention to detail, and enthusiasm are reflected in every flavor they serve. Samantha recommended an ice cream flight, allowing us to sample four completely different homemade flavors side by side. The flavor board was filled with creative options, making the decision surprisingly difficult. After much debate, we chose Crème Brûlée, Pink Pineapple, Luxardo Cherry Chocolate Chunk, and Black Raspberry Chip frozen yogurt. The Creme Brulee immediately caught my attention. As someone who loves the classic dessert, I was curious whether the ice cream version would deliver. It absolutely did. The caramelized sugar pieces scattered throughout provided little bursts of sweetness and crunch that perfectly captured the flavor of a traditional Creme Brulee. The Black Raspberry Chip frozen yogurt may have been the biggest surprise. Neither of us could believe it was frozen yogurt. It was rich, creamy, and indulgent enough to rival any premium ice cream. In fact, if someone had handed it to me without telling me what it was, I would have assumed it was premium hard ice cream. The Luxardo Cherry Chocolate Chunk was a stand-out delivering deep cherry notes paired with large pieces of high-quality dark chocolate, while the pink pineapple offered a lighter, refreshing option that felt perfect for a warm summer afternoon. At one point I found myself digging through the Creme Brulee searching for more caramelized sugar pieces while RoAnn continued to rotate between the Luxardo Cherry and Black Raspberry. By the end, we agreed on one thing. Between the warm welcome, great conversation, delicious lunch, and one of the most creative ice cream flights of the entire tour, Parkside was worth the drive all by itself.
Suzy Q’s
105 W Main St, Mohawk
Sometimes the simplest things are the most satisfying, and sometimes it’s the people who make a stop memorable. From the moment we walked up to the counter at Suzy Q’s, a young man greeted us with a big smile and a warm welcome. We explained that we were traveling around the Mohawk Valley for our annual ice cream tour, and before we knew it, he disappeared for a moment and returned with Suzy herself. If you’re going to have a root beer float at Suzy Q’s, who better to make it than Suzy? She happily stepped behind the counter and prepared our float herself, adding a personal touch that made the experience even more special. Made with creamy vanilla soft serve, cold root beer, and topped with whipped cream, it delivered exactly what you’d hope for on a hot summer day. The combination of fizzy root beer and smooth vanilla ice cream is timeless, bringing back memories of old-fashioned ice cream stands and summer evenings. By this point in the day, sharing had become less about generosity and more about survival. After several stops, the small size proved perfect for the two of us, giving us just enough to enjoy without completely spoiling the rest of the tour. What stayed with us most, though, wasn’t just the float. It was the warm welcome. Throughout the day, we met wonderful people at every stop, but having Suzy come out to personally make our root beer float was one of those small moments that perfectly captures what makes local businesses so special. Refreshing, nostalgic, and served with a smile, it was a reminder that classics become classics for a reason.
The Knight Spot
264 E Main St, Frankfort
By this stop, one thing had become very clear. The day wasn’t just about ice cream. It was about the people, and The Knight Spot was a perfect example. While we sampled the Rice Krispie Treat Flurry, made with vanilla soft serve, marshmallow, and Rice Krispies cereal, we couldn’t help noticing two young girls enjoying bright blue cones of the stand’s popular Blue Goo soft serve. The vibrant color immediately caught our attention, and before long, RoAnn and I were asking if we could take their photo for the magazine. Their smiles said it all. Watching them enjoy their ice cream reminded us of what makes places like The Knight Spot so special. It’s not just the menu. It’s the families gathering after ballgames, the grandparents treating grandchildren, and the simple joy that comes with an ice cream cone on a summer afternoon. Of course, our Rice Krispie Treat Flurry was delicious. The marshmallow flavor blended perfectly with the vanilla soft serve while the Rice Krispies added just enough crunch throughout. It tasted exactly like the childhood favorite that inspired it. As we wrapped up our visit, we left with more than just another great dessert. We left with another reminder that some of the best moments of summer are often the simplest ones.
Tasty Treat
436 Coventry Ave, Utica
Joining RoAnn and me for the final four stops of this year’s Ice Cream Tour was Farmer Ben Simons. As a dairy farmer, Ben brought a unique perspective to the experience, and it was fun hearing his thoughts on some of the treats we sampled throughout the afternoon. Our next stop brought us to Tasty Treat in Utica, where we were ready for another round of ice cream. I ordered what I order almost every time I visit, a caramel sundae with whipped cream and a cherry. Mike Mancuso’s caramel is just so rich and thick that when it hits the cold soft serve, it creates that gooey, delicious combination that keeps me coming back. Some people like trying something different every visit, but this is one of those treats I simply can’t pass up.
RoAnn ordered a chocolate pineapple sundae, and after tasting it, we both agreed it was one of the most unexpectedly delicious combinations of the day. The sweetness of the pineapple paired perfectly with the chocolate and created a flavor combination that was both refreshing and indulgent. Farmer Ben went with a classic banana split featuring vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream with three different toppings. As someone who works in the dairy industry every day, he appreciated just how sweet and creamy everything was. Beyond the ice cream itself, one thing that always stands out at Tasty Treat is how clean everything is. The stand is absolutely immaculate, and Mike is friendly, welcoming, and genuinely appreciative of every customer who stops by. Another reason Tasty Treat has become such a summer favorite is that it stays open until 10:30 p.m. Sometimes after dinner you’re still in the mood for something sweet, and it’s nice knowing you can head over for a sundae or cone and still have plenty of time to enjoy it on a warm summer evening.
Bonomo’s Dari Creme
7589 NY-5, Clinton
Our next stop brought us to Bonomo’s Dari Creme, which is celebrating its 64th year in business. We were welcomed by Guy, Vinny, and Nick, who continue a family tradition that has become part of summer for generations of Mohawk Valley families. RoAnn decided to try the pistachio-vanilla twist, featuring their flavor of the week. Pistachio seems to be having a moment lately, and this one did not disappoint. The flavor was rich without being overpowering and paired perfectly with the creamy vanilla soft serve. RoAnn and Farmer Ben also sampled their Italian ice, including the lemon and watermelon flavor, so I decided to order that. It was refreshing, flavorful, and perfect for a warm summer day. It was exactly what I needed between ice cream stops. Farmer Ben chose the homemade Butter Pecan, and one look told us everything we needed to know. The ice cream was packed with pecans. Every spoonful seemed loaded with them, and Ben couldn’t stop talking about how much he enjoyed it. What stood out at Bonomo’s is that there is always something new to try. If you miss one of their featured soft serve flavors, they often have it packaged and available to take home, which is a great option if you want to enjoy it later or share it with family and friends. Like several stops on our tour, the stand was spotless, the service was friendly, and everyone made us feel welcome. After 64 years in business, it’s easy to understand why Bonomo’s Dari Creme continues to be a favorite summer stop for so many families.
Kookie’s Q
51 N Genesee St, Utica
Our final stop of the tour brought us to Kookie’s Q, where RoAnn and I decided to share the Crunchy Peanut Butter Sundae. Made with Peanut Butter Pie Ice Cream, Peanut Butter Cups, marshmallow sauce, hot fudge, and peanuts, it was everything a peanut butter lover could ask for. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate was rich and indulgent, while the peanuts added just the right amount of crunch. By this point in the day, sharing had become a necessity, but after one bite, we were both glad we ordered it. Farmer Ben went with the Patriot Sundae, created in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Made with Strawberry Ice Cream and Little Blue Panda Ice Cream, then topped with marshmallow sauce, brownies, and red, white, and blue sprinkles, it was as festive as it was delicious. The bright colors immediately caught our attention, and it was a fun way to celebrate this historic year while enjoying one last ice cream stop.
As we finished the final stop of the day, RoAnn, Ben and I started comparing favorites. Every stop brought something different to the tour. Some impressed us with creativity. Others reminded us why certain places have become summer traditions for generations of Mohawk Valley families. But what stayed with us most were the people. The owners, employees, and customers who welcomed us, shared stories, and made every stop memorable. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Ice Cream Tour such a success. We hope you’ll visit these local favorites for yourself and discover a few new favorites along the way. As for RoAnn and me, we’re already thinking about where the next Mohawk Valley Living adventure will take us.
More Great Ice Cream Stops Across the Mohawk Valley
While RoAnn and I couldn’t visit every ice cream stand across the region, there are plenty of other great places to satisfy your sweet tooth this summer. Whether you’re looking for a classic cone, homemade hard ice cream, soft serve, sundaes, milkshakes, or frozen treats, these local favorites are worth adding to your summer bucket list.
Oneida County
• Coneheads Ice Cream, Oneida
• Nicky Doodles, Rome, Verona & New Hartford
• Taylor’s Ice Cream, Rome
• Byrne Dairy locations
• Mercer’s Dairy, Boonville
Herkimer County
• Woody’s Ice Cream Place, Herkimer
• Jones Family Farm, Herkimer
• Stewart’s Shops locations
Fulton County
• Granny’s Ice Cream Shanty, Johnstown
• Zippy’s Ice Cream, Mayfield
• Lazy Bear Ice Cream, Broadalbin
• Summer’s Best Ice Cream, Johnstown
Montgomery County
• Lickity Split Ice Cream Shop, Amsterdam
• Dairy Bar, Fonda
• Stewart’s Shops locations
Otsego County
• Abner’s Cabin, Cooperstown
• Adaline Ice Cream, Oneonta
• Golden Guernsey Ice Cream, Oneonta
• Mister Shake, Richfield Springs
No matter where your summer travels take you, there is no shortage of great places to enjoy a cone, sundae, flurry, float, or milkshake throughout the Mohawk Valley. Get out, explore, support local businesses, and make a few sweet memories along the way.
