As founders of the Natural Scoop ice cream truck, my family knows a thing or two about ice cream. You might even say we are ice cream connoisseurs. So, we were surprised by how much more we discovered about this rich indulgence during our visits to six ice cream shops in the 068 area.
Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe
409 Main Street, Ridgefield
There’s been so much written about this hometown favorite – star sightings (Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, anyone?), how the owners left their attorney jobs to do something “fun,” the grand opening of their custom-built location – so I wanted to uncover something new. “We make ice cream in-house every day except Sunday,” said co-owner Deborah Ann Backes, “and we use our own chocolates in our ice cream.” While their classic flavors are always a hit, they also offer unique creations like green chili developed with Southwest Café. Sundaes, frenzies, milkshakes…they have it all. And with an ever-expanding selection of vegan and gluten free treats, there really is something for everyone. Pro tip: With 56 flavors to choose from, ask for a sample.
Heibeck’s Stand
951 Danbury Road, Wilton
It’s been more than 90 years since Katherine (Doe Doe) Heibeck and Helen Diugo opened the Stand, and the current (fourth-generation) owners stay true to their ancestors’ vision. Made by local, small-batch creameries with flavors that rotate daily and monthly sundae specials (we had the s’morey!), you can always find something new or stick with your tried-and-true favorites. The vanilla and chocolate were outstanding – creamy, dreamy, and rich – and snickerdoodle tasted just like the cookie. The Stand always has at least two vegan ice creams and a sorbet, and with a manger who has celiac disease, those with gluten allergies (like me) feel safe and cared for. Pro tip: They close when the weather is bad, so check social media or call to hear the status.
Crystals and Cones Ice Cream and Gifts 28 Main Street, Redding
“People come in for a little bit of happy,” said Jennifer Bellizzi, co-owner of Crystals and Cones. Ready to open as a yoga studio days before the pandemic shut businesses down, Jennifer and her sister Heather looked to their community for guidance. “They all wanted ice cream,” Jennifer said, “so we listened!” Sourcing its ice cream from Amherst-made Barts, it’s pure and natural with no fillers or artificial ingredients. Our mouths had a party as we sampled local peach, three geeks and a redhead, seasonal local blueberry, raspberry chocolate chip, deep purple cow, mass mocha, and mint chip, each one as delicious as the other. Pro tip: Visit in July when mascot Sprinkles the unicorn gets his own flavor!
Scoops Ice Cream & Candy Shop
92 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
Known as the best little ice cream and candy shop in Wilton, this charming gem does a booming business. While waiting in line, we heard “swamp” and “mud” asked for again and again, so we knew what to try. A vanilla base with crushed malt balls, chocolate chips, Oreos, caramel, and M&Ms, Swamp lives up to its name minus the alligators and Mud’s coffee ice cream base with Oreos, chocolate covered almonds, and chocolate fudge may resemble its name but tastes like anything but! Pro tip: Sit at the outdoor tables, and you will likely see someone you know.
The Ridgefield Ice Cream Shop
680 Danbury Road, Ridgefield
When venturing down Route 7, you might drive past this roadside shop – don’t! Stop for an old-time treat. Once a Carvel, an 18-year-old purchased the building in the 1970s and owned it until retiring a few years ago. The old-style menu board promotes nostalgic treats like chip-n-dip, ice cream sandwiches, sundae sticks, and soda floats, but the shining star is its soft serve. We kept ours plain and simple – chocolate on bottom, vanilla on top – but a plethora of toppings and dips are available. Pro tip: If you’re not a soft serve fan, the shop also scoops a variety of hard flavors. •
Ferris Acres Creamery
144 Sugar Street, Newtown
While just outside of 068, no article about ice cream in the summer would be complete without Ferris Acres. With more than 22,000 followers on social media, the secret is out and the lines are long, but it’s well worth the wait. Their ice cream is made on-site using milk from local cows – although the cows grazing across the street don’t provide any…they are there simply to be happy! Tasting the vanilla was like eating the most decadent, highest quality frosting – so rich, creamy, and delicious. The chocolate tingled on our tongues and was an inviting sensation. As someone who usually prefers her ice cream to be filled with add-ins, I was converted by the complex simplicity of their vanilla. Pro tip: You can’t avoid the line, so if in a rush, get pints and quarts at the express window.
