Here’s the scoop The best handcrafted ice cream around Rochester

BY SARAH MEAD

Nothing says summer like a refreshing ice cream cone after a long bike ride. In no particular order, here’s the scoop on some of the best ice cream near you and a few places that are worth a drive.

Bruster’s brusters.com

Open year round in Webster and Irondequoit, Bruster’s is known for smooth milkshakes and generous portions of homemade ice cream. Order at the window in person with the friendly staff or place an online order for pickup or delivery. Bruster's also make their own ice cream cakes and pies.

Our favorites: Peanut Butter Cup Sundae and Chocolate Raspberry Truffle

Hedonist Artisan Ice Cream and Chocolates hedonistchocolates.com

Located in Rochester’s beautiful South Wedge, Hedonist crafts its own small batch, premium ice cream and sorbet on one side of the shop and offers decadent chocolates on the other. Ice cream for breakfast day was celebrated with a special French Toast flavor. Grab a scoop and check out the murals throughout this fun neighborhood.

Our favorites: Salted Caramel and Cherry Sorbet

Long Acre Farms longacrefarms.com

Head out to Macedon to try a variety of delicious offerings including cider donut ice cream sandwiches, ice cream pies and cakes, cider donut milkshakes, and ice cream flights. Long Acre Farms serves locally made Dar’s Delight hard ice cream. Kids can enjoy climbing on the play area after a cold, creamy treat.

Our favorite: ice cream waffle tacos

The Spotted Duck spottedduck.com

Featuring local and organic ingredients, this frozen custard is worth the drive to Penn Yan. The secret ingredient is the rich duck eggs sourced right there on the farm. Voted best dessert in New York State by Yelp, The Spotted Duck offers frozen custard flights in case you can’t choose just one flavor. Chocolate chip cookies and handcrafted cones are made fresh daily. The kids can ask for “duck sprinkles” to feed the chickens and ducks in the backyard.

Our favorites: Caramelt and Real Cookies and Cream

Molly V’s facebook.com/MollyVsIceCream

This Victor ice cream truck can cater any event or celebration. Named for the family’s beloved goldendoodle, the truck also sells frozen dog bones made with yogurt, peanut butter, and bananas. Owner Mike Vistocco makes the ice cream and is always inventing new flavors. Molly V’s offers gluten-free and nondairy options as well as alcoholic flavors for the adults.

Our favorites: Mint Oreo and Caramel Brownie

Moonlight Creamery moonlightcreamery.com

Nestled in the village of Fairport, behind the library, Moonlight is the perfect spot to enjoy homemade ice cream on the Erie Canal. Tours are available to learn how the staff makes their ice cream and new flavors are always being invented. Moonlight also serves café drinks, chocolates, pie, and cookies.

Our favorites: To Sow My Wild Oats and Butter Pecan Fudge Ripple

Abbott’s Custard abbottscustard.com

It wouldn’t be a true list without including this classic treat. This rich, velvety custard is perfect on a cone or in a custom-made cake. Try a delicious turtle with layers of Spanish nuts, fudge, and custard dipped in a chocolate shell. We love the Bushnell’s Basin location but there are over a dozen to choose from.

Our favorites: Chocolate Almond and Vanilla.

Crooked Lake Ice cream Company

crookedlakeicecream.com

Located in the charming town of Hammondsport, this one is worth the hike. Styled like a classic 1950s diner, Crooked Lake is open all year long for food, ice cream, and coffee. Take your dessert outside to enjoy the great village square and shopping or the breathtaking views of Keuka Lake.

Our favorites: Peanut Butter Pie and Campfire S’mores

Pittsford Farm Dairy

pittsfordfarmsdairy.com

Always a popular destination, this dairy in Pittsford offers a unique variety of food and treats. There is a full bakery, café, ice cream parlor, and merchandise. Try the chocolate milk, egg nog, croissants, cupcakes, and much more. Build your own sundaes and catch live music on a summer night.

Our favorites: Black Raspberry Custard and Pistachio Ice Cream

Lynnie Lou’s lynnielous.com

Visit beautiful Naples for thirty-two flavors of homemade ice cream, custard, smoothies, and ice cream cakes. Churned

Honorable

Royal Cafe Gelateria, Fairport royalcafegelato.com

Cheshire Farms Creamery, Canandaigua cheshirefarmscreamery.com

Creamcredible, Henrietta creamcredible.com

Yia Yia’s, Williamson facebook.com/yiayiasicecreamshoppe

Twisters, Livonia twisterslivonia.com weekly at Seneca Farms in Penn Yan, the custards are made fresh daily. Try an old-fashioned shake or a fresh, healthy smoothie made with fruit, yogurt, almond milk, and honey. Every dog gets a free treat at the window!

Our favorites: Mint Chocolate Chip and Cappuccino Crunch

Reminisce Soda Fountain reminiscesodafountain.com

Drive out to Caledonia for a 1950s-style diner featuring a fully operational 1940’s soda fountain. Offering great food, handdipped ice cream cones, fresh pies, malts, and banana splits.

Our favorites: Classic Root Beer flavored Soda Fountain and Strawberry Milkshake

Here’s to that first perfect cone or dish of the season and the sweet memories that go along with it!