From hometown scoop shops to over-the-top milkshakes, frozen yogurt and authentic gelato, these are the sweetest stops to add to your summer bucket list.
Summer and ice cream just belong together. Whether it’s after a day at the beach, a stroll through downtown or dinner with friends, there’s something about ending the night with a cone in hand that never gets old.
Fortunately, Fairfield County has no shortage of places to satisfy your sweet tooth. From neighborhood institutions that generations have grown up with to newer shops putting their own spin on frozen treats, these are the stops worth making this season.
Gofer Ice Cream
Greenwich • Stamford • Darien • New Canaan • Westport • Wilton
If Fairfield County had an official hometown ice cream shop, Gofer would probably be it. For decades, it’s been where families celebrate the last day of school, kids stop after summer camp and locals satisfy late-night cravings.
Go classic with Cookie Monster, Coffee Oreo or chocolate soft serve covered in rainbow sprinkles. With dozens of rotating flavors, you’ll have plenty of reasons to come back.
gofericecream.com
MilkShake Factory
Darien & Stamford
One of the newest additions to Fairfield County’s dessert scene is already drawing a crowd. While the handcrafted milkshakes are the obvious stars, don’t overlook the premium ice cream, chocolate-covered strawberries and house-made chocolates.
If you’re looking to go all in, order the Campfire S’mores Shake or the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup. They’re every bit as indulgent as they sound.
milkshakefactory.com
Longford’s Ice Cream
Greenwich
Made locally in Stamford before opening its first Connecticut scoop shop in Greenwich, Longford’s has built a reputation for exceptionally rich, creamy ice cream.
Favorites like Toasted Coconut, Coffee Oreo and Butter Pecan keep regulars coming back, while the seasonal flavors are always worth asking about.
longfordsicecream.com
Van Leeuwen
Westport & New Canaan
Van Leeuwen has become a favorite thanks to its creative flavor combinations and impressive lineup of vegan options.
Honeycomb is the signature order for first-timers, while Pistachio, Earl Grey Tea and Marionberry Cheesecake have developed loyal followings. If you’re skipping the cone, the milkshakes are just as good.
vanleeuwenicecream.com
Milkcraft
Fairfield
Half dessert shop, half social media sensation, Milkcraft is known for its signature bubble cones, thick shakes and made-to-order creations.
The Cookie Monster, Campfire and Salted Caramel flavors remain customer favorites, but honestly, anything served inside one of their warm bubble waffles is worth ordering.
milkcraftca.com
Swirl Frozen Yogurt
New Canaan
Sometimes you don’t want ice cream. Sometimes you want to build your own masterpiece.
Swirl has been a New Canaan favorite for years thanks to its rotating frozen yogurt flavors and loaded toppings bar. Start with classics like vanilla, chocolate or cake batter, then pile on everything from fresh fruit and mochi to cookie dough, peanut butter cups and hot fudge.
It’s the perfect stop after dinner downtown or a summer evening at Waveny Park.
facebook.com/Swirlfrozenyogurts
Saugatuck Sweets
Fairfield
Walking into Saugatuck Sweets feels like stepping into an old-fashioned candy shop. Ice cream shares the spotlight with shelves of nostalgic candy, homemade chocolates and sweet treats that make it nearly impossible to leave with just one thing.
Grab a scoop, browse for your childhood favorite candy and take a stroll through town afterward.
facebook.com/saugatucksweetsfairfield
Sunny Daes
Stamford • Fairfield
A Fairfield summer staple, Sunny Daes has built its reputation on towering soft-serve cones, generous sundaes and thick frappes.
Order the peanut butter soft serve, a classic hot fudge sundae or one of their oversized waffle cones after a day at Jennings Beach. It doesn’t get much more summer than that.
sunnydaesicecream.com
Gelatissimo
Westport
Looking for something a little lighter? Gelatissimo brings authentic Italian-style gelato to downtown Westport with silky textures and vibrant flavors.
Sicilian Pistachio, Stracciatella and Mango Sorbet are standouts, making it an easy stop after dinner or while shopping downtown.
gelatissimoartisangelato.com
Our Summer Favorites
For a classic scoop: Gofer Ice Cream
For the ultimate milkshake: MilkShake Factory
For frozen yogurt: Swirl Frozen Yogurt
For bubble waffle cones: Milkcraft
For authentic gelato: Gelatissimo
For old-school nostalgia: Saugatuck Sweets
For post-beach soft serve: Sunny Daes
No matter where summer takes you in Fairfield County, there’s a great ice cream stop nearby. Grab a cone, take the scenic route home and don’t forget the extra napkins.