The scoop on local ice cream this summer

Everyone has an ice cream memory, a fond recollection of the perfect cone melting in the summer sun, the sweet, sticky goodness dripping down your elbows. Ice cream is the most quintessential warm-weather treat, loved by kids and adults, available and accessible to all. So where, you might ask, is the best place to get ice cream in Tompkins County? That depends on where you are and what you are in the mood for.

Purity Ice Cream

When I was a kid, I lived for those evenings when my stepfather would shout out, “Who wants ice cream?” My sisters and I would pile into the station wagon, headed to one of the two choices available — Carvel or Purity. Unfortunately, Carvel is no longer around, but Purity is still alive and thriving under the retro red and white awning on Route 13.

The business has changed owners since those long-ago days, but the recipes for all the old favorites (mine is Bittersweet) have remained the same, while unique flavors like The Nutty Professor and Sleepers Awake have been added.

Heather and Bruce Lane, owners since 1998, recently announced that they are retiring and plan to put the business up for sale. The Lanes have become Ithaca icons in their own right, employing local youth and supporting many community organizations, most notably donating to keep the Alex Haley neighborhood swimming pool open last summer. We wish the Lanes well and hope that new owners will continue the Purity tradition.

Purity ice cream is also available on the Commons at the Center Cafe by Lou. If you’ve ever shopped on the Commons, you probably remember Lou’s street food cart. Now indoors at Center Ithaca, Lou also serves items off the grill and homemade pies (hot dogs, apple pie and ice cream — you can’t get more nostalgic than that!).

At the recent ribbon cutting for the Center Cafe, Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick selected Caramel Sea Salt as his favorite flavor. Why not stop in and choose one of your own?

Incidentally, while you’re on the Commons, look for the sidewalk plaque in front of Taste of Thai commemorating the site of the first ice cream sundae. This confection was invented in Ithaca in 1892 by pharmacy proprietor Chester Platt and Unitarian minister Reverend John Scott, who topped their vanilla ice cream with a cherry topping and called it a cherry “Sunday” in honor of the day it was created.

Sweet Melissa’s

If soft serve is your jam, you’ll want to try Sweet Melissa’s, located next to Shortstop Deli on Seneca Street. This popular stand offers eight different flavors of soft serve, as well as some hard scoops and vegan options.

If you are a fan of their hard ice cream, you are in luck. Sweet Melissa’s brand is now sold in pints at stores throughout New York state starting with four dairy flavors — Sweet Cream, Chocolate, Blondie Cookies & Cream and Lemon Ricotta. Owners Matt and Melissa Kenny are excited for this new venture and hope to expand the brand to include more flavors in the future.

Dennis’ Homemade Ice Cream

Regular patrons of Ithaca’s Farmers Market have been enjoying Dennis Caso’s ice cream sandwiches and fresh-squeezed lemonade for many years. Now, Dennis’ Homemade Ice Cream is also available at the stand in the old Decker Pond building on Elmira Road in Newfield.

Dennis is famous for his unique and ever-changing flavor combinations, a perfect treat after a swim or hike at nearby Treman Park. Lemon Gingersnap (my personal favorite) is a staple, but it’s fun to try new varieties like Green Tea and Mandarin Chocolate when they are available.

Station Creamery

Dryden’s Station Creamery just opened in the Specialty Trophy building on West Main Street. Serving Purity hard ice cream and Upstate Creamery soft serve, Station Creamery offers sundaes, floats and milkshakes next to the Dryden Rail Trail. Nothing could be more refreshing after a long ride than an icy-cold vanilla shake. Enjoy their outdoor tables and don’t forget to get a pup cup for your four-legged companion!

Cayuga Lake Creamery

Whether you’re on the wine trail or shopping downtown, you can enjoy one of Cayuga Lake Creamery’s two locations, on Route 89 in Interlaken or in the Dewitt Mall. Their homemade ice cream is made in small batches, rotating among more than 200 possible flavors including Lavender and Maple Bacon. Their wine flavors are regional favorites, made in cooperation with Finger Lakes winemakers.

Bite of Ithaca

Several of our featured ice cream shops are participating in this week’s Bite of Ithaca, running from June 14 to 20. Participating eateries offer $5 bites during these six days.

Want to check out some of the new restaurants that have opened up over the past year? Want to try an exotic cuisine without committing to a pricey entree? Want to support our food service and tourist businesses? Combine samples from many different establishments to create your own dining experience, and don’t forget to finish your meal with one of these creamy desserts:

• Center Cafe by Lou — Apple Pie ala Mode
• Sweet Melissa’s — $5 pints of hard ice cream
• Cayuga Lake Creamery — Taster’s Choice (five small scoops for $5 — you pick!)

Download and complete your Bite of Ithaca passport at biteofithaca.com for a chance to win a $100 gift card to any participating restaurant. The passport will be your guide to dining all over town.