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14 of the Best Ice Cream Spots in the Capital Region

When summer hits, kids and adults alike want the sweet, cool taste of ice cream! Check out our carefully curated list of the best ice cream spots in the Capital Region. Who would you add to the list?

Emack & Bolio's (Albany, NY)

emack and bolio ice cream in a dish and in a chocolate sprinkle covered cone

Grab a cup, pint, handcrafted cone, or even a cake to go from Emack & Bolio's. They boast "outrageous flavor combinations," like Deep Purple Chip or White Chocolate Oreo, and they also carry classic options like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Grasshopper Pie.

Patrons especially love the Bananas Foster ice cream and vegan ice cream. Stop by and check out all the options!

Kurver Kreme (Albany, NY)

kurver ice cream in a dish on the left, bright orangey red in a cone on the right
Photo credit: Paula Lemire

Kurver Kreme uses fresh ingredients to create the best soft ice cream around. Visit their website for the flavors of the week, including fun twist combinations, like Salted Caramel and Cappucino, or Cherry Dole and Pineapple Dole.

And, keep an eye out for when Coconut is in the rotation - it's a fan favorite!

Jim's Tastee Freez (Delmar, NY)

close up of light pink and white swirl ice cream cone
Photo provided

Visitors at Jim's Tastee Freez love the sundaes and the shakes as much as the ice cream cones and dishes.

Their menu also includes low fat ice cream, specialty treats like a Banana Split, and other food options like hotdogs and sandwiches. They even have ice cream for dogs!

Jericho Drive-In and Twist Ice Cream (Glenmont, NY)

sundae on the left, silver and pink ice cream cone on the right
Photos provided

Pair sensational ice cream with a classic drive-in movie theater experience at Jericho Drive-In. Patrons especially love the sundaes and the soft ice cream options, and how they do not skimp on the toppings.

On the Farm (Latham, NY)

chocolate and vanilla twist in a cone with picnic area in background
Photo provided

Soft ice cream fans rave about On the Farm for their fabulous flavors, generous portions, and inviting location. This ice cream hotspot has been in business since 1986, and they make their soft serve ice cream in house. They also serve Perry's brand hard ice cream.

Control Tower Ice Cream (Latham, NY)

control tower ice cream with sundae held up by sign on the left, mint ice cream on the right

It's always a fun time at Control Tower Ice Cream, named as such because it's close to the Albany International Airport. You and the kids will love being able to watch planes fly overhead while you enjoy your treat.

They're known for their Trash Can Sundae, but have many great options. The place also has go-karts, mini golf, and batting cages.

Guptill's (Cohoes, NY)

four different kinds of guptills ice cream in dishes

Guptill's is more than an elaborate roller skating rink - it's home to some of the best ice cream you'll find in the Capital Region.

Make sure to visit in the fall for their pumpkin ice cream and famous cider donut ice cream sundae. They're cash only, but have an ATM on site.

The Dutch Udder Craft Ice Cream (Troy, NY)

dutch udder ice cream exterior and two kinds of ice cream
Photo credit: Paula Lemire

The Dutch Udder Craft Ice Cream has near perfect Google reviews, and it's easy to see why. Ice cream enthusiasts love their high quality craft ice cream, flavored cones, and creative combinations - even their vanilla ice cream gets kudos from the reviewers.

Snowman Ice Cream (Troy)

bright green ice cream in cone on the left, ice cream cone completely covered in rainbow sprinkles on the right
Photos provided

Snowman Ice Cream is another Capital Region ice cream spot with tons of five-star Google reviews, singing the praises of the many choices with their hard and soft ice cream, specialty sundaes, shakes, drinks, and ice cream pies.

This popular spot is likely to have a line, but no worries, the staff moves quickly and it's worth the wait.

Little Big Fatz (Wynantskill, NY)

pink and chocolate ice cream twist in cone on the left, purple and white twist on the right
Photos provided

Little Big Fatz offers everything from the classic ice cream flavors you love like a chocolate and vanilla twist, to more creative options. You'll love their specialty sundaes that come in varieties like a Snickers Sundae, Oreo Sundae, Black Forest Sundae, and much more.

Moxie's Ice Cream (Wynantskill, NY)

woman holds out ice cream cone
Photo provided

Moxie's Ice Cream has made a name for itself with the multiple variations of vanilla, all of which are out of this world. But, they have a ton of other flavors to check out as well, including dairy free and vegan ice cream.

Jumpin' Jack's Drive-In (Scotia, NY)

people at jumpin' jacks drive in waiting to order

Jumpin' Jacks Drive-In is one of those places that is always hopping when you drive by. They sell traditional drive-in food including a fish fry and fried clams, but don't leave without getting your ice cream fix.

"It's somehow fluffy!" as one reviewer says. Jumpin' Jacks is also known for putting on water skiing shows and fireworks.

Tastee Treat Ice Cream (Slingerlands, NY)

Relax and enjoy your ice cream under a pavilion while your children play on a playground at Tastee Treat Ice Cream. Try their brownie hot fudge sundae, strawberry milkshake, or vegan ice cream options.

Lickity Split (East Greenbush, NY)

Located in the FunPlex Fun Park, Lickety Split offers superb soft serve ice cream with friendly service and reasonable prices. They're cash only, but have an ATM on site. Try their peach soft serve!

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Erin Nudi Erin is an avid reader, yogi, jogger, and hiker living in Queensbury. When she's not perusing books at Northshire, Owl Pen Books, or Beldame Books, you can find her at a local event or park with her family.