Best Ice Cream in New Hampshire (2025): Local Scoop Shops & Hidden Gems

Vibe: A friendly, casual, classic New England ice cream stand with community charm and a neighborhood feel. Loved by locals and a staple of Derry summers.

Specialty: Super-premium homemade hard ice cream (with a rich 16% butterfat base) made on-site. Also offers soft serve, ice cream cakes, frozen yogurt, slushes, and dairy-free oat milk ice creams.

Perk: Huge variety of flavors—including oat milk-based vegan options—and generous portions at reasonable prices. Pup cups available for furry friends!

Highlight: Moo’s Place has won Best Ice Cream in NH from New Hampshire Magazine 18 years in a row. That’s some serious love.

Insider Tip: Flavors rotate and change with the seasons—check their Facebook page or ask what’s new. And if you’re dairy-free, they have an entire lineup of oat milk vegan flavors!

Fun Fact: Every single batch is churned fresh in-house at their original Derry location.

Known For: Creamy, dense scoops in nostalgic flavors (Maple Walnut, Grape-Nut, Rum Raisin), custom cakes, and creative vegan options like ACAI Super Berry Crumble.

Iconic: A Southern NH go-to since 2004, Moo’s is practically a rite of passage for ice cream lovers in the area.

Pro Tip: Can’t decide? Go for a sundae—or try their banana split if you’re feeling bold. Bring your pup and enjoy the outdoor picnic tables.

Grammy’s Take: We haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Moo’s yet, but she’s looking forward to finding out what all the buzz is about!

Why It’s On Our List: Moo’s Place is one of the most consistently awarded and community-loved spots in New Hampshire, delivering on both flavor and friendliness.

Why You’ll Love It: Homemade richness in every scoop, dozens of flavors to choose from, and a classic family atmosphere that makes every visit feel like summer.

Vibe: Rustic, cozy NH ice cream stand tucked in the countryside.

Specialty: Old-fashioned homemade ice cream using farm-fresh ingredients and local dairy.

Local Love: Loyal following from locals who’ve been coming for generations for the tasty scoops, homemade pies and real-deal New Hampshire feel. 

Perk: Simple, charming country location with generous scoops. Picnic tables in a rural setting, not far from Canterbury Shaker Village — a great stop on a country drive. 

Highlight: Feels like stepping into “real” New Hampshire — a hidden gem off the beaten path. A true NH experience — down-to-earth, affordable, and beloved by locals. It’s the kind of place that hasn’t changed in decades, and that’s the appeal. 

Insider Tip: This spot is cash only! And don’t expect a flashy sign — it’s part of the local charm.  

Fun Fact: Not affiliated with the MA Richardson’s, despite sharing the name and creamy goodness—this is a true New Hampshire original! 

Iconic: Longtime local favorite for its authentic “just-like-it-used-to-be” experience. Small-town family-run feel with a steady local following — a quiet institution for those in-the-know. It’s as New Hampshire as it gets. 

Pro Tip: Try the Maple Walnut or Black Raspberry Chip or the seasonal peach in summer—classic NH flavors done right. 

Why We Love It: We discovered Richardson’s by coincidence while visiting the NH Veterans Cemetery to pay respects to Pappy—and this charming local treasure stole our hearts and we’ve returned every summer since. The experience is about more than just ice cream—it’s a connection to place, memory, and local tradition. 

Why You’ll Love It: You’ll get that real NH flavor, both in the cone and the setting—just honest, creamy goodness and a peaceful view. You’ll feel like a local from your first scoop—simple, satisfying, and a sweet reward after a day exploring the countryside.

Vibe: A down-to-earth country oasis where goats roam, kids rule, and ice cream dreams come true. This isn’t just dessert—it’s a full-on family outing with a side of joy.

Specialty: Creamy, flavorful homemade ice cream with standout flavors like Maple Walnut (with generous walnut chunks), Maple Creme, Salted Caramel Crunch, and Maple Whiskey.

Perk: Massive, fenced-in play zone with sandbox, slides, toy tractors, and animals—kids stay happily occupied while parents enjoy a relaxing cone under the trees.

Highlight: Delicious, farm-fresh ice cream in huge portions for a great price, with lots of non-dairy and sugar-free options too.

Insider Tip: Visit earlier in the day to beat the crowd—this place does get busy on nice weekends. Pup in tow? They’re welcome too—just keep them leashed and grab a water bowl near the tables.

Fun Fact: One scoop here is often the size of two (or more) at other places—bring your appetite!

Known For: Being an ice cream experience—farm animals, fresh air, and seriously good scoops all rolled into one.

Iconic: Local families return year after year, making it a cherished tradition and a rite of summer for kids (and grown-up kids).

Pro Tip: Don’t skip the Maple Whiskey—it’s a grown-up flavor that still feels right at home on the farm. And if you’re lucky, you might catch fresh donuts or breakfast on the weekend!

Grammy’s Take: While we haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Sanctuary just yet, we couldn’t wait to share it with you! Grammy will probably get the Butter Pecan and say let the kids loose in the sand.

Why It’s On Our List: It’s not just one of the best places for ice cream—it’s one of the best places for families, period. Where the scoops are huge, and the smiles are even bigger.

Why You’ll Love It: Your kids will beg to stay longer, and you’ll wish you brought a cooler for take-home pints.

Vibe: Old-school, back-to-basics roadside ice cream stand. No frills — all flavor.

Specialty: Legendary “Razzles” — their take on a DQ Blizzard — plus daring soft-serve combos like Cobana (Banana + Coffee) or PB&J (Black Raspberry + Peanut Butter).

Perk: Huge portions at wallet-friendly prices. Ice cream and savory snacks like tacos and chili dogs? One-stop summer stop.

Highlight: The sheer variety of soft-serve flavor combos. Come hungry — or with friends to share.

Insider Tip: Ask for a Pup Cup for your dog — it’s a big hit with furry friends.

Fun Fact: A Merrimack institution since 1972. Over 50 years of soft-serve devotion!

Known For: Classic walk-up window stand with deep roots in the local community.

Iconic: Beloved for its rotating soft-serve flavors and generous portions — a rite of passage for Southern NH kids (and grown-ups).

Pro Tip: Order the Ice Cream Nachos if you’re feeling bold — they’re wild.

Grammy’s Take: She didn’t come with us this time, but you can bet she has thoughts. Stay tuned.

Why It’s On Our List: No contest — if you love soft-serve, King Kone is the stop.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s a nostalgic throwback with seriously delicious twists.

Vibe: A sweet stop nestled on a real working dairy farm, where cows roam, kids giggle, and maple dreams swirl into creamy cones. It’s peaceful, playful, and pure New Hampshire.

Specialty: Homemade Maple Creamees—their signature soft serve, made with maple syrup tapped right on-site.

Rating: ⭐ 4.9 stars on Google (190+ reviews)

Local Love: Regularly called the “best maple creemee ever,” this family-run spot has become a beloved destination for ice cream lovers from across New England.

Perk: Enjoy your cone with a side of farm charm: see the cows, shop the maple goods, and grab a donut on weekends. Oh—and yes, there are dog treats too.

Fun Fact: The McNamara family has worked this land for four generations, producing the maple syrup you’ll taste in every dreamy swirl of their creamee. And yes, that includes ‘Gram’ still living in the farmhouse, keeping an eye on all that maple magic!

Insider Tip: For a next-level ‘maple-on-maple’ experience you won’t forget, add their on-site made maple candy sprinkles—it’s like a sugar rush from the forest!

Why It’s On Our List: Mac’s Maple is topping our list to visit this season. Between the rave reviews, the working dairy farm, and the homemade maple magic, it sounds like a place we’ll want to return to every year. (And Grammy already knows what she’s ordering.) It’s a place where flavor, family, and farmland all come together in the most delicious way.

Why You’ll Love It: The creamee is thick, rich, and decidedly maple—not just vanilla with a hint. It’s the real deal, made with love and real NH sap. Toss in a waffle cone, a maple candy crunch, and the charm of a walk-up farm window… and you’ve got a new summer tradition. You’ll come for a creamee—and leave with maple syrup, eggs, a dozen photos of cows, and a very sticky toddler.

Grammy’s Take: Grammy loves her soft serve and real maple syrup so this is a match made in ice cream heaven :) She would probably say “Get the creamee. Get the maple candy. Get a spoon. Then get back in line.”

Vibe: Tucked just off the historic Ceres Street waterfront, this old-fashioned ice cream parlor is pure New England charm. Think walk-up window, happy kids, friendly staff, and a chalkboard where visitors from all over the world leave their mark—this place is as nostalgic as it is delicious.
Specialty: Super-premium homemade ice cream, with standout flavors like Maple Walnut, Peanut Butter Fantasy, and White Pistachio.
Rating: ⭐ 4.6 stars on Google (339+ reviews) ⭐ 4.5 on TripAdvisor (247+ reviews)
Local Love: A Portsmouth icon since 1982, Annabelle’s is consistently praised as a must-do Seacoast tradition. “The best ice cream I’ve ever had” is a common claim—especially from generations of returning fans.
Perk: The location adds to the magic—grab your cone and take a short stroll down to the water, or just soak in the historic street vibes while you decide between Kahlua Chip and Dutch Chocolate.
Fun Fact: If you’re lucky, a server might share a slice of Annabelle’s history with your scoop—just one of the many charming small-town touches that make this place feel like home.
Insider Tip: The Maple Walnut is legendary and worth a personal taste test. (And it’s made with real NH maple syrup!)
• It’s tucked down a small alley—the directions might not drop you right at the door. Look for the signs, or follow the crowds. 
• They were historically cash-only, but they accept cards now.
Why We Love It: We haven’t made our official visit yet, but this one’s circled in red for our Seacoast summer adventures. It has all the hallmarks of a classic NH favorite: rich homemade flavors, friendly staff, and a nostalgic feel that makes each scoop taste like a memory.
Why You’ll Love It: Whether you’re walking the waterfront, day-tripping in Portsmouth, or chasing down the best Maple Walnut in the state—Annabelle’s has the flavor, charm, and story to become a core summer memory.
Grammy’s Take: If it’s been open since ’82 and there’s still a line? That’s a good sign—and I’m starting with the pistachio.

Vibe: Ice cream with a lake-side view? Yes please! Town Docks delivers the ultimate “you’re-on-vacation” feeling with a retro-style order window and homemade scoops served steps from Lake Winnipesaukee. Boats, breezes, and a cone in hand—this is what summer in NH is all about.

Specialty: Massive scoops of homemade ice cream in classic and creative flavors, served fast and friendly from the outdoor ice cream window next to the restaurant. Cones, sundaes, and dreamy summer vibes.

Perk: Portions here are no joke—a “small” might make you question your life choices (in the best way). Great value for big scoops.

Highlight: Salted Caramel Oreo. Peppermint Stick. Lemon. Pumpkin in season. Dozens of flavors, all homemade, all worth a try. Get it in a dish or a cone, and take it straight to the lakefront for max enjoyment.

Insider Tip: Come for the ice cream, stay for the lake breeze. The window can get busy, especially on hot days or weekends, but the line moves and the scoops are worth it. And yep, portions are big enough to share (or not—we won’t judge).

Fun Fact: Town Docks is one of the most photographed lakefront spots in NH. Ice cream in hand makes the view even better.

Why We Love It: Whether you’re boating into Meredith Bay or strolling the docks after dinner, this is the lakeside scoop stop that feels like summer itself. It’s casual, fun, and full of New England charm.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s the kind of place where every cone comes with a view—and a memory. Just be warned: once you’ve had a Salted Caramel Oreo by the water with a sandy tiki lounge nearby, you’ll never settle for less.

Grammy’s Take: “Big scoops, great flavor, and a bench by Meredith Bay? I’m in. Just don’t make me pick between Salted Caramel and Butter Pecan!”

Vibe: You step inside and it feels like you’ve found the ice cream portal to Narnia—minimalist, vibrant, and full of flavor magic. It’s a modern scoop shop with old-school craft and all the best vibes. The kind of place that makes you whisper “WOW” after the first bite.
Specialty: Small-batch, handmade ice cream flights featuring ultra-creative flavors like Honeycomb, Raspberry Yuzu, Malted Barley, and Blueberry Crisp. (All gluten-free, by the way and made with local Hatchland milk & cream.)
Rating: ⭐ 4.8 stars on Google (445+ reviews)
Local Love: A James Beard semifinalist that still feels like a hidden gem. Customers call it “life-changing,” “toe-curling good,” and “the best ice cream in the world.” One said they’re glad they live 2,500 miles away—because otherwise, they’d never stop eating it.
Perk: The ice cream flight—yes, a real flight of six mini scoops—is a genius way to taste the rotating seasonal lineup. There’s even a giant Connect Four game to keep the littles busy while you decide between Meyer Lemon and Malted Milk & Cookies.
Fun Fact: Everything is made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients, and you can taste the difference. Even the waffle cones and chips are homemade.
Insider Tip:
• Get the Honeycomb. Everyone says it’s a must—and after one bite, you’ll understand why.
• Try the Flight. Best way to sample multiple wild flavors (and still leave wanting more).
• Ask about seasonal specials. These rotate often and disappear fast.
• Vegan? You’re covered. Every flavor is gluten-free, and some dairy-free options are phenomenal.
Why We Love It: This one’s calling our name for our next White Mountains trip. It’s rare to see an ice cream shop mix this much creativity with real New England heart. The flavors are bold, the vibe is joyful, and the whole thing feels like it was made by someone who truly loves flavor.
Why You’ll Love It: You’ll want to try everything—but you’ll dream about one flavor for weeks after. It’s the kind of place that ruins you (in the best way) for ordinary ice cream forever.
Grammy’s Take: A flight of ice cream? That’s just good planning.

Vibe: Classic retro roadside stand with jumbo homemade ice cream cones, hot dogs and lobster rolls.

Specialty: Their own meticulously crafted creamy blends, huge scoops, and classic flavors.

Rating: 4.6 stars on Google (2000+ reviews)

Perk: Outdoor seating + pup cups = a dog-friendly delight. Kids love the fun playground.

Why We Love It: It’s a family tradition for us—every visit feels like summer — and they are open year round! Fresh vegetable stand open seasonally and Christmas trees and wreaths during the holidays.

Why You’ll Love It: The scoops are generous, the service is friendly and fast, and it just feels like a real old-fashioned NH ice cream stand.

Pro Tip: Walk right up and order at any open window.

Grammy’s Take: Trust me, you’ll want to get the Butter Pecan! :)

(Status: Open at The North Sandwich Store! – See Exciting Update Below!)

Vibe: Part hidden gem, part ice cream fairy tale—this rural creamery captured hearts with its honor-system charm, winding dirt-road adventure, and scoop-worthy magic that made you want to hug a cow. It’s the kind of place you stumble upon once… and then talk about forever.

Specialty: Small-batch, handmade ice cream in legendary flavors you’ll never find at the supermarket (Blackberry Chocolate Chip? Bearcamp Blueberry? Yes please.)

Rating: ⭐ 4.8+ stars across hundreds of passionate reviews (from Google, Facebook, etc.)

Local Love: Called “magical,” “worth the drive,” and “the best ice cream on the planet,” this spot is burned into the hearts of locals and backcountry explorers alike. If you know, you know.

Perk: The cherished honor-system self-serve model continues at The North Sandwich Store! Expect a cooler full of cheeses and hand-labeled ice cream tubs, embodying that unique trust and charm. The store setting also offers other conveniences.

Fun Fact: Historically, visitors marked their hometown on a map inside the original shop—a tradition that highlighted its wide-reaching appeal. Some even left love notes to the goats! We’re crossing our fingers that the famous visitor map makes a comeback!

Insider Tip: Based on their latest update, be sure to read all signage at The North Sandwich Store so you know where to deposit all payments, as more folks and businesses may be joining the space. Still a good idea to bring cash (small bills were historically key, though Venmo was sometimes accepted at the old spot – this is worth confirming on your visit). A cooler for goodies is always a smart move!

❗ EXCITING UPDATE (May 22, 2025, via The Sandwich Creamery Facebook Page): ❗ “Hello Friends! We are open again at The North Sandwich Store! Be sure to stop and check it out. Please be sure to read all the signage so you know where to deposit all payments as more folks and business come on to join the space as well. We appreciate you!”

Why We Love It (The Legend Continues!): We haven’t made our official visit to the new setup at The North Sandwich Store yet, but the fact that Sandwich Creamery is back and still embracing its unique honor system is the stuff of NH legend! Just reading the old reviews feels like flipping through a community scrapbook, and this reopening news is fantastic. It’s at the absolute top of our must-visit list this summer to experience this next chapter.

Why You’ll Love It (The Adventure Continues!): It’s like finding a beloved ice cream treasure chest reopened! You get to experience their self-serve, homemade, wildly unique flavors, and that magical mix of trust + taste that defines the best of rural New Hampshire, now conveniently located at The North Sandwich Store.

Grammy’s Take: Well, bless their hearts, they’re back! Smart folks, finding a good spot at that store. An honor system, you say? That’s the New Hampshire I like! If the ice cream’s as good as I’ve heard, it’s worth figuring out their new money box! 

Why It’s On Our List: Because it’s the kind of magical, off-the-beaten-path spot that represents everything we love about exploring NH.