A Tour of New and Classic Ice Cream Shops By Amy Lynn-Cramer

Getting treats with my kids

Aiden and Addison Cramer tasted ice cream at six local shops

In the delicious stretch of Maplewood and South Orange, you’ll find no shortage of ice cream shops serving up frozen treats. From classic cones (with or without sprinkles) to small-batch creations, these neighborhood favorites are where community comes together and memories are made. With my kids in tow, we set out on a delicious two-day ice cream tour for this article. Right from the start, one thing was crystal clear: the owners’ deep sense of community and the genuine pride they take in their customers’ overall experience. There’s something truly special about the experience, when the faces are familiar, the flavors are abundant and every lick provides a moment of pure, simple joy.

SOMA Sweets

Addison and Aiden sampled SOMA Sweets’ ice cream just before the shop was scheduled to move to 58 Vose Avenue.

New to the scene is SOMA Sweets, the whimsical candy boutique that made its debut at The Co-Lab in South Orange last June. Moving into 58 Vose Avenue as this issue goes to press, the shop now includes ice cream. They’re scooping from 20 tubs of deliciousness, featuring creamy favorites from Ashby’s Sterling and Gifford’s Home Maine Ice Cream. With options ranging from classic to seasonal, including vegan and sorbet varieties,there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth. Owned by Monica Hafif, SOMA Sweets continues to surprise and delight.

“The new space not only boasts an expansive candy selection but also features dedicated ice cream and party rooms, making it a go-to destination for sweet celebrations and everyday indulgences,” says Hafif. With seating for 10 indoors and additional tables and chairs outside, it’s a place where you can truly linger.“ It won’t just be like you have to eat your ice cream and run,” says Hafif. “We have some seating outside, little benches and tables. So if it’s a nice sunny day, you can stay and enjoy the moment.” The new location is also primed to become a favorite party spot, thanks to its dedicated sundae bar, offering guests an unforgettable, hands-on sweet treat experience.

Cold Stone Creamery

Our next stop was Cold Stone Creamery, nestled in the heart of South Orange at 3 Sloan Street. Best known for the “Cold Stone” experience, this spot lets you get creative by dreaming up any combo your heart desires as it’s mixed on a signature frozen granite slab.

Cold Stone Creamery is known for mixing ice cream and other ingredients on a granite slab.

Beyond ice cream, the menu boasts an assortment of ice cream cakes, cupcakes, cookie sandwiches and pies. The shop also serves up creamy shakes and smoothies.

Carvel

Carvel, synonymous with its iconic Fudgie the Whale cake, is located at 109 South Orange Avenue. True to its roots, Carvel offers a wide variety of classic soft serve and hard ice-cream. Store manager Simone Atarhas been welcoming customers for more than three decades, watching generations grow up before her eyes.“I know all my customers. I see their kids who have kids. It’s been amazing,” she says. Atar’s own children have worked at the shop, making it a true family affair. “Our main goal is to make sure that our customers are treated right, with 100% friendliness,” says Atar. “South Or-ange is a good community. We’re seeing a lot of growth with all the new businesses coming in.”As for deals, Atar notes that Wednesdays are a fan favorite: buy-one-get-one classic sundaes. “Even when it’s raining or snowing, our customers come in for their sundaes with a cherry on top,” she says.

Carvel is known for its ice cream cakes as well as a variety of classic soft serve and hard ice cream.

Honey & Hive Artisanal Ice Cream

As we made our way back to Maplewood, we stopped at 1611 Springfield Avenue, home to Honey & Hive Artisanal Ice Cream, a hand-crafted dessert destination created by local residents Kerel and Raquel (last names not used for privacy). Since opening in August 2023, it’s quickly become a community favorite for its bespoke flavors and inclusive, allergy-friendly approach. Native New Yorkers and self-proclaimed foodies,they launched their passion project in their Brooklyn kitchen with a single ice cream maker.“ It’s all about inspiration, experimentation and creation,” says Kerel.

Honey & Hive Artisanal Ice Cream is known for its bespoke flavors such as Honey Vanilla Bean, Cold Brew Stracciatella and Peach Raspberry Sorbet.

“We wanted to open an ice cream store that spoke to our essence and,therefore, quality is everything,” he says. They source milk, jams and honey from local farms. They push the boundaries of flavor with bold, unexpected combinations. Much like bees working together in harmony, the husband-and-wife team leans into each other’s strengths to build something sweet, in product and purpose. “The honey from the hive is the sweetness that we put back into our store and the community,” says Kerel. “The community is the hallmark of our success. We want people to come in and enjoy a home away from home, so that regardless of what they may be going through,when they’re here, they’re family.

Dippy Sippy

Dippy Sippy sells ice cream as well as Italian ice, specialty coffee drinks and light snacks.

A few streets away is Dippy Sippy, located at 290 Elmwood Avenue in Maplewood. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the Maplewood Pool, it's the perfect place to head once you've toweled off, offering a cozy, neighbor-friendly corner to cool down with something sweet. Owned by Rafael Chavez Pascuite and his husband, Tom Pascuite, the duo took over Dippy Sippy five years ago. To-day, they serve Sweet Summits ice cream in a variety of flavors. Beyond scoops, the shop also sells Italian ice, specialty coffee drinks and light snacks, making it a versatile go-to for treats and eats. “We have really good customers,” says Chavez Pascuite. A favorite among Columbia High School students, he adds, “We always hear from customers that it’s a great neighborhood spot. We have quite a few regulars.” Chavez Pascuite also recalls a customer with a severe allergy for whom he takes extra care,using a fresh scoop to avoid cross-contamination. “Our customers love to come here and hang out. We’re really lucky!” he says.

Village Ice Cream Parlour

Spoiled by the generosity of the owners and managers who welcomed us with open arms and unlimited taste tests, we made our way to our final destination. Village Ice Cream Parlour, at 185 Maplewood Avenue, is a beloved fixture in the heart of Maplewood Village. One of five stores owned by the Shin family, this near l40-year-old shop serves up Hershey’s Scoops, sundaes and signature milkshakes named after local schools. Its nostalgic charm is enhanced by a gallery of team photos, each one representing a local team the shop has proudly sponsored over the years.Originally a Baskin-Robbins, it was renamed Village Ice Cream Parlour in 2002 as a tribute to the quaint charm of Maplewood Village.

Village Ice Cream Parlour has been serving up scoops, sundaes and signature milkshakes for nearly 40 years.

“Maplewood is the best location,” says owner Mark Shin. “I’ve always enjoyed the people here more than any other community.” He credits his dedicated staff with inspiring the shop’s popular “Staff Creations” menu. “They love being creative and, surprisingly, the Marshall Milkshake really took off!” he shares. When asked about the most popular flavor, Shin doesn't hesitate: vanilla. “Everybody loves vanilla because it’s a neutral base,” he says. “They request it for milkshakes, sundaes and cakes, which are all made to order right here in the shop.” From the new kids on the block to the timeless classics, the ice cream scene in Maplewood and South Orange is more than just a way to cool down; it’s a celebration of community, creativity and connection. So the next time a cone or cup is calling your name, you’ll now know just where to go.

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Amy Lynn-Cramer is a contributing writer for Matters Magazine and founder of Cramer Connect. Together with her children, Aiden and Addison, the trio delighted in every stop along their sweet adventure and were blown away by how unique and special each shop truly is.