I love ice cream. There is nothing better than being handed a waffle cone piled high with the cold, sweet treat after a long day at the beach. Hailing from the Massachusetts South Shore, I have always been surrounded by a variety of scoop shops, all of them boasting a variety of flavors and specials.
Here are some of my favorite places to visit during my summers, all given a rating based on location, price, variety, and of course, tastiness.
Nona's Homemade, Scituate/Hingham MA
With two prime locations and their own ice cream truck, Nona's is not hard to find on the South Shore. Their ice cream is homemade and they have the biggest variety of flavors I have ever seen, rotating through over 100 flavors throughout the summer. They also have frappes, sundaes, and you can even get a pint to go!
Their prices are reasonable for the quality of their ice cream, although often times they run out of flavors if you get there late in the evening. Both shops have indoor seating areas, where you can sit and enjoy the harbor views. If you are looking for superior ice cream that comes with a view, Nona's is for you. Rating: 9.2/10
Hornstra Farms, Norwell MA
Not only is it an ice cream destination, but Hornstra Farms also delivers farm fresh eggs, dairy, and meat products to the surrounding towns. It seems as though it is located in the middle of nowhere, but the setting is classic, complete with a red barn, silo, and even a farm store where they sell farm grown veggies and hand baked desserts along with their dairy products.
Their ice cream is some of the best I have ever had. It is creamy and fresh, and you can even go meet the cows that made your treat while you lick. Their portions are large, although relatively expensive. They also serve decadent sundaes. If you are looking for high quality ice cream in a relaxing setting, Hornstras is for you. Rating: 8.4/10
JC's Dairy, Hanover MA
Located on route 53, JC's is a convenient and easy drive for many towns on the South Shore. The shop serves Gifford's ice cream, so the ice cream does not have as fresh a taste as other, homemade locations. JC's serves 25 flavors of hard serve ice cream as well as a variety of soft serve and twist flavors, all for a reasonably cheap price.
They also serve frappes, sundaes, and Italian ice, satisfying even the pickiest of eaters. The shop even has a shaded sitting area where you can enjoy your treat while avoiding the hot sun. If you want a conventional and easy ice cream experience, JC's is for you. Rating: 7.2/10
Scoops, Duxbury MA
One of two popular stops in Duxbury, Scoops in located right in town center, so there are always people there. It is a very small shop with cute decor but limited room inside. There are a few benches to sit on outside, but ice cream from Scoops is best taken to go. The sweet dessert is not homemade but is still delicious and creamy.
They offer mostly mainstream flavors with a twist on the names as well as dairy free alternatives. They also have sundaes and a variety of rich toppings. The prices are moderate but are not the cheapest I have seen. If you are looking for a cute ice cream stop on your way home from the beach, Scoops is for you! Rating: 7.4/10
Heidi's Hollow, Hanson MA
Hidden between the outskirts of Hanover and Hanson, Heidi's can be hard to find but boasts a large menu. They serve 40 unique and classic hard serve flavors, as well as a variety of frozen yogurt, sherbet, and sorbet flavors. The ice cream is not homemade, but sprinkles are free, which is always a plus.
The prices are slightly high but not unreasonable for the portions they provide. There is also an old school style seating area in the building the ice cream shop is in, which could have been a home before it was Heidi's. If you are looking for a large variety of flavors in a unique location, check out Heidi's Hollow. Rating: 7.8/10
Peaceful Meadows, Whitman/Plymouth MA
Located in two separate locations, Peaceful Meadows is always bustling with customers. Another homemade establishment, their ice cream is almost as good as it gets. Although they do not have as many flavors as other locations, their timeless frappes are a favorite of all visiters. They also serve premium sundaes in their classic cups.
At their Whitman location, you can visit the cows that helped make your treat and even buy some of their other farm products from their farm store. The Plymouth location is right by the waterfront, so you can enjoy your ice cream with a view. The prices are a little expensive but the ice cream is definitely worth treating yourself for. Rating: 8.8/10
Dairy Twist, Pembroke MA
Also located on route 53, Dairy Twist is a convenient stop on the way home from a long beach day. For a newbie, it may be difficult to figure out their jumble of signs and posters when ordering, but this only proves they take pride in their unique, homemade flavors and ice cream creations.
The distinctive store is always offering new flavors of hard serve and has a rotating soft serve selection during the summer. They have a attractive outdoor seating area and have reasonable prices with sensible portions. They even offer puppy cups, so next time you are out with your dog, be sure to visit Dairy Twist. Rating: 8.6/10
Magoo's Ice Cream, Rockland MA
Although Magoo's is located somewhat out of the way of the rest of the South Shore, not only do they serve ice cream, but they also have a golf course and host birthday celebrations. Their prices are cheap, but their ice cream is not homemade, taking away some of the novelty.
Magoo's is one of the only places that has more flavors of soft serve than hard serve, so soft serve lovers, this is for you. They also serve sundaes, slushies, and their own take on a milkshake, Razzles. If you want to have a fun filled outing with a familiar ice cream scene, Magoo's is for you. Rating: 7.8/10
Dribbles Ice Cream, Scituate MA
Located only a short walk from Nona's in Scituate, Dribbles is still a popular place among locals. They serve a variety of typical hard serve and soft serve flavors as well as frappes, slushes, flurries and sundaes, both normal and "special". Although not homemade, the ice cream is still very creamy and flavorful.
There is a quaint seating area next to the building the shop is located in, although you place your order in a parking lot type of area, which does not add to the vibes. The price for a small was around $4, similar to most of the other ice cream places on the South Shore. If you are looking for a place that can please anyone, head to Dribbles. Rating: 8.2/10
Farfar's Danish Ice Cream, Duxbury MA
Located on the drive home from Duxbury Beach, I stopped at Farfar's after every beach day as a child. As soon as you walk in, you can spot the large, circular ice cream churners in the back of the store where they make their homemade ice cream. The ice cream is extremely creamy and not very expensive, which is always a plus!
Farfar's serves a variety of flavors and are always adding more. They also have froyo and sundaes. There is even a cute outdoor seating area with toys little kids can play with while their parents enjoy their treats. If you are looking for a classic ice cream experience, make a visit to Farfar's, for they are currently on their 38th season! Rating: 8.8/10
And there you have it. A comprehensive list of all of the best ice cream places to go on the South Shore of Mass. From someone who has tried them all, no matter where you go next time you visit, you will find a delectable treat that is sure to cool you down and please your tastebuds.