There are two types of people in the summer: those who politely eat their cone before it drips, and those who let it cascade down their wrist like a badge of seasonal honor. Wherever you fall, you deserve the good stuff. Scoops made local and scoops you’d absolutely detour for. Here are some of the Valley’s finest frozen fixes:

Tulmeadow Farm Store & Ice Cream Barn📍 West Simsbury

This Simsbury staple has been dishing up homemade ice cream since the ‘60s, and you can taste the legacy in every scoop. The setting is pure New England charm with picnic tables, cows, and a flavor board that never misses including non-dairy sorts.

J. Foster Ice Cream📍 Avon & Simsbury

For the flavor-forward and a little more “grown-up” feel, J. Foster brings bold combos and creamy classics. Their Mocha Chocolate Chunk could fuel your whole weekend. Bonus: they carry non-dairy sorbet options for all your companions.

And here’s your sweet incentive to hit the trails: with their new Hike to the Cone program, snap a photo at Heublein Tower and show it at the shop the same day for 10% off your order. The best part of hiking? Definitely the reward.

Canton Creamery📍 Canton

Small but mighty, this hidden gem in the Canton Village Shopping Center turns out big flavor with a rotating menu. Keep an eye on their specials board, it’s where the magic happens.

Dom’s Creamery📍 Avon

Dom’s is known for its beautiful lattes and cozy aesthetic, but now they scoop small-batch ice cream too, and it’s just as Instagrammable. Follow them on social media to learn the name of the day, which if your lucky, earns you a free scoop of ice cream - just bring an id.

Farmstead Ice Cream at Tonn's Marketplace📍 Burlington

A little further out but totally worth it, Farmstead Ice Cream serves up locally churned goodness outside at Tonn’s Marketplace. While you’re there, browse the farm store, grab some fudge, or pick up a bottle of wine. Bonus for families: it’s just down the road from both Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center and the fun, shaded playground at Seymour Park — perfect for turning ice cream into a full afternoon outing.

Mark your calendar for these can't-miss happenings around the Valley.

If you like your summer stories with a bit of steam and a side of star signs, the next rec in the series is basically written in the cosmos:

🔮 The Astrology House by Carinn Jade

A group of wealthy Manhattanites escapes to an astrology-themed retreat, where simmering resentments and long-held secrets lead to a shocking death.

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