From Audrey’s cone in “Roman Holiday” to Sarah McLachlan’s ode, ice cream has become an intrinsic part of American culture. Naturally, New Hampshirites have a hankering for good ice cream, and the parlors and shops in state will not disappoint. Whether you’re looking for a seasonal pumpkin pie flavored ice cream or a refreshing scoop of mint chocolate chip to cool off, New Hampshire’s best ice cream spots are sure to please.
This seasonal stand has been bringing handmade ice cream to the Nashua community since 1940. With a goal to bring business to New England farmers and smiles to New Hampshire faces, Hayward’s offers a variety of ice cream, vegetables, and flowers, and is worth a visit even if it means a drive.
There is something eternally enjoyable about enjoying an ice cream by the water, and Annabelle’s only improves on the experience. For 30 years, this Portsmouth institution has been serving up all natural ice cream with an eye towards customer service. Stop by for stunning seasonal flavors like the pumpkin pie, or every-day award winners like the loaded-with-nuts “Yellow Brick Road.”
With a second, seasonal location in Hampton, Memories has made quite a splash on the New Hampshire ice cream circuit. Set perfectly in a converted dairy barn, this Kingston location produces more than 35 flavors regularly, with additional seasonal selections.
Moo’s produces its wide variety of products on site, from hard frozen yogurt to soft serve ice cream. If you’re feeling adventurous, order a sundae topped with warm, fresh baked cookies or brownies, or a refreshing Super Slushy!
Lago’s is a family run joint with delicious original flavors and pristine customer service. In addition to the usual one-scoop-or-two, Lago’s offers up frappes, freezes, ice cream sodas, and Polar Joe’s, a magical ice coffee and ice cream combo.
The ice cream may be produced in Manchester, but there is worthwhile fun to be had at Beech Hills Farm and Ice Cream Barn. Visit for adorable farm animals, family-friendly activities, and seriously delicious ice cream.
An old fashioned seasonal outfit with a walk-up window, Jordan’s is the type of place to make you nostalgic, even on your very first visit. With inventive flavors (think salted caramel kettle corn), and an everyone-is-family attitude, Jordan’s is a delicious addition to any summer afternoon.
Dewey’s was born from a dream to produce impeccable ice cream, and to embrace all the joy that the lake’s region has to offer. If you can tear yourself away from the yummy assortment of ice cream flavors, Dewey’s also serves up delicious sandwiches and salads.
Happy Cow Ice Cream is open seven days a week in season, and it’s a fortunate thing because anything else would have customers breaking down the door to score a sweet treat. A neighborhood ice cream place with fresh product and great service make Happy Cow an easy add to our list.
Sanctuary Dairy Farm is ten generations deep in dairy farming, three in ice cream making, and does both extraordinarily well. The freshest product imaginable, served up on one of the most beautiful corners of the Granite State, make a visit to Sanctuary a necessity for any would-be ice cream connoisseurs.