5 Spots For Ice Cream With A View
Ah, summer on the SouthCoast. These sporadic warm days have got us dreaming of summer days and frozen treats. Here are some of our favorite scenic locales where you can enjoy a summer treat.
Chocolate and coconut topped acai pop from Sorbae
Sorbae: A newcomer on the scene, and unlike anything else we have had on the SouthCoast. Nestled between East and West Beach at breezy Fort Taber, Monica and her team crank out dreamy hand-crafted popsicles with innovative flavors inspired by her childhood in Brazil. From creamy sweet corn to vegan delights like coconut, there’s something for every palate. For traditionalists they also offer ice cream, but the popsicles are what make this stop really special. Families take note: not only does Fort Taber offer plenty of lawn space and accessible trails, but the Sorbae concession stand is located right next to a kid-pleasing playground. Treat-lovers’ tip: no time to linger? If you’re hoping to dine and dash, let the park attendants know you’re there for the concession stand and proceed straight to the reserved parking spots without paying the park’s entry fee.
Dairy Maid on opening day
Dairy Maid: One of the first seasonal ice cream shops to open in the spring, family-owned Dairy Maid dishes out a huge variety of flavors of ice cream, soft serve, Italian ice, and more. Grab your ice cream and take a walk along the walking/biking trail atop the hurricane barrier just across the street. This is the perfect place to savor your ice cream while the sun sets. Established in 1948, they opened for their 74th season on March 11.
Take a stroll over the scenic Padanaram bridge while eating your ice cream from Dockside
Dockside: A staple in Dartmouth for over 40 years, Dockside is an institution in Padanaram. They make their (Acushnet Creamery) ice cream fresh every morning, with exclusive flavors such as 2021’s “Mint Overboard.” From a simple cone to an over-the-top sundae, they’ve got all your ice cream needs covered. Located just outside Davis and Tripp Marina, it is an excellent spot to check out the boats in the harbor, or take a walk over Padanaram bridge to take in the spectacular view of the award-winning harbor.
The iconic bucket is now located at Apponaganset beach in Dartmouth
The Bucket: For the treat-seeker who wants it all - beach, playground, and tasty treats. Stop at this iconic “milk can”-shaped local landmark, located at Apponagansett Park in South Dartmouth since 1935, to enjoy Gifford’s Ice Cream. Choose to sit at picnic tables under a spacious awning or bring your beach chair and enjoy the waterfront view of the Padanaram harbor while you savor your frozen dessert. Kids will love the large and recently renovated playground. If all that refreshment leaves you with energy to burn, the volleyball court, basketball court, or DNRT hiking trails at Knowles Reserve across the road offer a variety of options for post-indulgence movement. There are weekly concerts at the park in the summer, a family-friendly chance to enjoy music and ice cream under the stars.
Gaze at the fishing fleet while enjoying your ice cream from Acushnet Creamery on Pier 3
Acushnet Creamery on the wharf: The only ice cream shop in downtown New Bedford, you’ll find Acushnet Creamery on Pier 3. Whether you’re waiting for the ferry or just enjoying a stroll through the scenic downtown, stop by their waterfront location to grab a frozen treat. You’ll have a colorful front-row view of the iconic fishing boats which dock just adjacent to the shop.
Salvador’s: the one that got away. When we think of summer ice cream spots, we pine for Salvador’s. This family-owned ice cream shop in the milk bottle shaped building closed after the summer of 2018.
Which spot is your favorite? Comment with your favorite view from one of the spots featured. Have we overlooked your favorite ice cream shop with a view? Let us know and you might just get a special thank you from us for introducing us to our next favorite scenic spot!