Still Screaming for Ice Cream

Usually by mid-September, we've accepted that cooler weather has set in and summer is almost a memory. But this week has been in the 80's and fairly humid. I'm glad we haven't removed our air conditioners because they're on tonight.

And I find that little is more satisfying in hot weather than ice cream. Actually, I like ice cream any time of year but it's particularly refreshing in hot weather.

The Monadnock Region has an abundance of ice cream shops, most of which we made it to this summer. We had 9-year old and 12-year old grandchildren living with us this summer so regular trips for ice cream cones was a priority. Local ice cream shops are listed below in no particular order; we liked them all or I wouldn't have included them in this post.

We went to Walpole Creamery on Main Street in Keene many times this summer for their "super premium ice cream." They offer a wide selection of traditional flavors plus some exotic flavors such as Fijan Ginger. Not only is Walpole Creamery ice cream available at their shop in Keene and in their Walpole parlor, but also in many grocery stores. Walpole Creamery boasts fresh ingredients "from Cow to Cone."

Another gem in the area is Kimball Farms in Jaffrey. There are three other Kimball's locations, but Jaffrey is the only one in the Monadnock Region. According to Kimball's website, "with over 50 fantastic flavors, ice cream is Kimball Farm’s claim to fame and it is as good as ice cream gets."

We also like Life is Sweet, located in Central Square the heart of downtown Keene, which specializes in candy, chocolate, cupcakes, and ice cream. The hard ice cream is available in many flavors and you can make your own custom flavor of soft serve ice cream.

Friendly's on West Street in Keene has many flavors of ice cream as well as sundaes and other ice cream treats.

Frozen yogurt, a lower calorie alternative to ice cream, can be found at Yolo Frozen Yogurt at 12 Gilbo Avenue in downtown Keene.

A newcomer to the region, Keene Confectioners Pastry Shoppe, located on 10 West Street in downtown Keene, offers ice cream in addition to other homemade desserts. We did not make it to this pastry shoppe this summer but hope to in the near future.

We also like Rick's Ice Cream on 58 Key Road in Keene. Their ice cream is delicious; they have a great assortment of cones and toppings galore.

Secord's on Route 10 in West Swanzey has numerous flavors of hard ice cream and soft serve ice cream. Located just over a mile from the inn, Secord's was an easy ice cream stop with the grandchildren.

For many years we have bought chocolates from Ava Marie Handmade Chocolates on 43 Grove Street in Peterborough but they have also gained quite a reputation for their ice cream. If their ice cream is as good as their chocolates, it's worth the trip.