If you are an ice cream lover like me, you are always on the look out for a good spot to grab an ice cream cone when you are visiting a new place. In Saratoga Springs, there are a few places to satisfy your cone craving including Ben and Jerry's, Kilwin's and Saratoga Gelato. But if you want to know where the locals usually go to get their ice cream fix, this blog is for you!
You may be surprised to discover that the best ice cream in Saratoga Springs can be found at a gas station/convenience store called Stewart's Shops! I should disclose that Stewart's is not a Saratoga specific gem, but Stewart's Shops can only be found in eastern upstate New York and southwestern Vermont. So, if you find yourself in this little corner of the world, you will want to take the opportunity to try Stewart's ice cream.
How Stewart's Shops Ice Cream Came to Be:
Stewart's Shops are family owned convenience stores (which sometimes also sell gas). In 1917, two brother's teamed up to buy the family dairy farm from their father. From there, they began to sell their dairy products at local markets, but discovered there was a big demand for ice cream. They started making ice cream in 1921 and sold 4,000 gallons in the first year! The rest is history. In addition to the delicious ice cream, Stewart's Shops is also a great place to buy fresh, locally produced milk, butter, cream, eggs and other dairy products.
The Stewart's Shops Ice Cream Flavors:
Stewart's makes all of its ice cream using fresh milk from local farms. There is no middleman in the distribution process so the freshly made ice cream goes right from production to the stores. The ice cream is as fresh as it can be. And the hand-packed pints and half-gallons sell quickly so you know the ice cream in the case hasn't been there collecting frost.
Stewart's has a variety of yummy flavors. Most flavors are available year round. My family's favorites are Peanut Butter Pandamonium, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, Death By Chocolate, and, my personal favorite, Mint Cookie Crumble. Death by Chocolate and Mint Cookie Crumble were 1st Place Flavors at the 2023 World Dairy Expo and the NYS Fair. I knew we had good taste!
In addition to the regular flavors, Stewart's frequently introduces Limited Edition Flavors that are only available for a short period of time. It is exciting when you find out there is a new flavor that is right up your alley, but it is sad when it goes away. I just had that happen this Fall when Stewart's offered a Limited Edition flavor called Peanut Butter Pie. I may have made a few extra trips to the Stewart's across the street from me (a dangerous proximity) to get scoops of Peanut Butter Pie when I realized its' time was running out. The current Limited Edition Flavors include Berry Chip, Civility, Daily Grind and Chocolate Marshmellow. Check out the video below for the complete list of Limited Edition Flavors.
Click here to see a list of all the flavors currently being scooped up at Stewart's. Oh...and I would be remiss if I didn't mention that you can get FREE rainbow sprinkles on any cone or dish you order! Something my oldest daughter, Madison, especially enjoys!
Stewart's Shops Famous Make Your Own Sundae:
Stewart's Shops introduced the concept of Make Your Own Sundae in 1948 and it has been a trademark Stewart's experience ever since. You can choose any flavor of ice cream from the menu and then can create your own sundae using any of the sauces or toppings on the counter. Sauces include chocolate, caramel, marshmallow and pineapple and toppings include sprinkles, mini M&Ms and more!
Stewart's Shops Spirit of Giving:
There is one last important thing I want to mention about Stewart's Shops. In addition to serving up delicious ice cream, Stewart's Shops serves up generosity to the local community. Stewart's Shops and the Dake family (who owns Stewart's Shops) have a goal to donate a combined $9 million annually to thousands of local charities. Over the years, Stewart's Shops have also frequently donated ice cream and sundae toppings to various school and community functions that we attended. They are very generous in their community participation and they are a valued local business community member.
So there you have it! The best ice cream in Saratoga Springs can be served up while you get gas or grab some milk or eggs. I always enjoy the reactions of friends who come to visit when I offer to take them for some of the best ice cream they will ever have and we pull up to a convenience store. It is a well-known fact that if you want to know the best places to go, look for the locals! Saratoga Springs locals will be at Stewart's. See ya there!
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