above: MOMU ice cream with a fresh, homemade waffle cone – Photograph: contributed by MOMU
1
Carvel/Westport Ice Cream Shoppe
The building may look the same, but the classic Carvel, long a staple of the community, has officially left the scene. While the Carvel name is gone, fans of the beloved soft serve can breathe easy: the ice cream supplier remains unchanged. According to Google, the shop now goes by Westport Ice Cream Shoppe, and a new sign reading Soft Serve Ice Cream covers the old Carvel logo. So even though the branding has changed, the sweet, creamy soft-serve locals love is still very much here.
1025 Post Road E.
Westport, CT
2
Cold Fusion
This July, Cold Fusion Gelato marks four years at its Main Street location in downtown Westport. Known for its handmade, Italian-style gelato, the shop offers everything from classic flavors like vanilla and stracciatella to bold picks like Creme Fraiche and Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla. Owned by Westport residents Kelly and Eric Emmert, Cold Fusion is part of a larger brand that also distributes pints to regional supermarkets including Big Y, Market 32 and Roche Brothers from its Walpole, MA, facility. “Cold Fusion is a clean label brand,” says CEO Kelly Emmert. “No artificial flavors, colors or fillers—just high-quality, simple ingredients. We even grind our own pistachio butter. As longtime locals, we love having a store in the community where we’re raising our daughters,” adds President Eric Emmert. “Many of our staff are students from Staples and nearby towns. Supporting local is a big part of who we are.” From its premium ingredients to its hometown heart, Cold Fusion is a sweet staple in the Westport community.
178 Main Street
Westport, CT
3
Gofer Ice Cream
Gofer Ice Cream’s Westport location celebrates three years of operations in August. The franchise’s eighth location in Connecticut serves up high levels of multiple sweet varieties. If you are in the mood for hard or soft serve ice cream, ice cream drinks (Floats, Blended Coffees, Milkshakes), Sundaes or their signature Gofer Razzle’s mixed with the topping of your choice, there is everything you could ask for in a sweet-filled adventure. Gopher Ice Cream furthermore has an assortment of services for your ice cream related needs, including Ice Cream Cakes, Catering, and portable Ice Cream Party Boxes full of fun. If you can “go for” ice cream, “Go-fer” Ice Cream has got you covered!
1240 Post Road. E.
Westport, CT
4
Heibecks’ Stand
Another classic staplein the community but certainly one that stands the test time. Heibeck’s Stand has been serving up quality ever since its opening in 1931. Despite their delicious American fare, including hamburgers, hot dogs, tacos, lobster rolls and numerous other delectable classics, their ice cream certainly shouldn’t be slept on. Delicious hard and soft-serve ice cream, milkshakes, egg creams, edible cookie dough treats and ice cream soda’s can be found at Heibeck’s, culminating in a perfect atmosphere for those upcoming hot summer days.
951 Danbury Road
Wilton, CT
5
MOMU
MOMU Ice Cream just hit its one-year mark, and Westport is loving every scoop. Located in Saugatuck, MOMU serves small-batch, artisanal ice cream made fresh daily using locally sourced ingredients. Their inventive flavors reflect a blend of culinary training and a love for bold, nostalgic combinations. Local bakery Kneads is a regular guest star on the menu, with favorites like Kneads Bread (think French toast in ice cream form) and Cookies N’ Cream made with chopped Kneads Oreos. MOMU also draws inspiration from the Westport Farmers Market, using ingredients from beloved local spots such as Riverbank and Woodland Farms to create seasonal specials. With high-quality from Arethusa Farm, In Pursuit of Tea and Devoción Coffee, their commitment to excellence runs deep. MOMU is owned and operated by four friends, Brittany & Daniel Moreno and Emily & Christian Muñoz, who share a deep love for ice cream and creating joyful, nostalgic moments through their flavors. Everything is made in-house in small batches using artisanal methods that highlight the best of what’s local. This summer, they’re hitting the road with a brand new MOMU ice cream cart, perfect for parties and special events. Be sure to stop by and enjoy a scoop (or two) on their revamped patio, complete with cozy fire pits.
575 Riverside Avenue
Westport, CT
6
Mr Fosty’s
The seasonal staple of Mr Frosty’s is serving up some of the best window-serve frozen treats in East Norwalk. With creative fusions of ice cream and toppings in their signature Tornadoes, their layered ice cream sundaes, known as (the very fitting) Cravers, or their variety of trendy items, such as their selection of Dubai Chocolate-related specials, Mr. Frosty’s is certainly unique. Including other delectable menu items, such as their Key Lime Pie, Dole Whip or Rainbow Cookie Ice Cream, scouring the menu will be a delightful experience.
6 1st St.
Norwalk, CT
7
Oggi Gelato
Oggi Gelato is celebrating its one-year anniversary, and the community has embraced the chance to enjoy authentic Italian gelato right in our backyard. The Norwalk shop—Oggi’s first U.S. location—opened last May, joining a lineup of international spots in Rome, Athens, Barcelona, Santiago and Milan. In addition to their creamy, handcrafted gelato, Oggi serves Italian pastries and rich, traditional Italian coffee. Ditch the cone and get your gelato stuffed inside a warm and fluffy Sicilian Brioche, handmade in Italy and shipped over, or enjoy it on top of a waffle! After a year of sweet success, they’re expanding to Fairfield. And there’s more: to mark the milestone, Oggi is unveiling a brand-new summer treat. You won’t want to miss it!
250 Westport Avenue
Norwalk, CT
8
Sunny Daes
Another oldie but a goodie, Sunny Daes continues to be a local favorite for frozen treats. Whether you’re craving soft serve, hard ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, or a fully-loaded sundae, Sunny Daes has something for every kind of sweet tooth. Their menu features a wide range of flavors, candy toppings, cones and ice cream cakes—perfect for everything from a casual cone to a full-on dessert party. There’s nothing better than enjoying your favorite flavor on the benches outside the shop, surrounded by friends and family on a warm summer night.
30 Riverside Avenue
Westport, CT
9
Sweet Ashley’s
(A Jonathan Moffly Favorite)
With 70+ rotating flavors, Sweet Ashley’s Ice Cream in Norwalk is a beautiful oasis for any ice cream connoisseur. The self-dubbed “Sweetest Spot in Fairfield County” certainly makes a case for themselves. Each and every flavor of ice cream has been made in-house with high-quality ingredients for their 30+ year history. Sweet Ashley’s carries rich traditional ice creams, refreshing sorbets, and dairy-free offerings. With already exotic flavors such as Lavender Chip, Holy Cannoli and the decadent Maple Bourbon Bacon, it may seem like every need for ice cream possible has been fulfilled. The most interesting part however? Sweet Ashley’s can make any ice cream you want. Literally. With a few days notice in advance, Sweet Ashley’s will create a 2.5 liter tub of whatever ice cream comes from your wildest dreams. Isn’t that sweet?
248 East Avenue
Norwalk, CT
10
Van Leeuwen
No ice cream shop is truly established until it’s survived its first summer, and Van Leeuwen is ready for the heat. The beloved brand opened its fourth Connecticut location this past February, right in the heart of downtown. Known for its rich, creamy scoops and commitment to quality ingredients, Van Leeuwen has built a loyal following nationwide. One of their mottos sums it up perfectly: “To make good ice cream that makes you feel good. Because a life without anything good is bad.” Whether you’re into classic flavors or adventurous vegan options, Van Leeuwen is bringing the cool to downtown just in time for summer.
31 Church Lane
Westport, CT