Before you head out, be sure to check to make sure the shop is open and if there any special restrictions, as things are rapidly evolving amid the coronavirus pandemic.
>> Grab a spoon and hop on our Dayton ice cream trail
🍦 Ducky’s Snowballs & Ice Cream
WHERE: 100 W. Market St., Troy
WHY WE LOVE IT: Since 2015, Ducky's has been a summertime beacon in Troy, serving up 16 flavors of Hershey's ice cream, soft serve and snowballs (flavored shaved ice), which combine shaved ice with soft-serve ice cream. Looking for something super sweet? Try the stuffed snowball challenge (and send us photos). Oh, they also have Jim's Donuts filled with ice cream. Yes, they sure do!
INFO: Call 937-703-5463 | Facebook
🍦Arrow Queen
WHERE: 431 N. Main St., New Carlisle
WHY WE LOVE IT: Tucked back on North Main Street in quaint New Carlisle, this spot has been serving ice cream, soft serve and concession-style food since 1970. From classics like banana split to zany new flavors (we're looking at you, unicorn flavor!), there's something for everyone. Their butcher shop hot dogs are a must try, too.
INFO: Call 937-845-9979 | Facebook
🍦Dairy Shed
WHERE: 55 Bellbrook Plaza, Bellbrook
WHY WE LOVE IT: For over 40 years, this local favorite in the heart of Bellbrook has treated sweet teeth with their tasty frozen yogurt, shakes, malts and ice cream. They announce new yogurt flavors on Facebook regularly, so keep an eye out for something you want to try.
INFO: Call 937-848-8234 | Facebook
🍦Jet Freeze
WHERE: 4014 E. Patterson Blvd., Beavercreek
WHY WE LOVE IT: A quick peek at the Facebook reviews will show you most patrons have been visiting this ice cream shop since they were a kid, so you know it must be good. Their soft serve is an absolute must-try, with unique flavors like blueberry and classics like chocolate.
>> The story behind Kings Island’s famous Blue Ice Cream
INFO: Call 937-848-8234 | Facebook
>> The best ice cream in Ohio is just a short drive from Dayton
🍦Kone Korner Ice Cream & Deli
Credit: Bill Lackey
Credit: Bill Lackey
WHERE: 3709 St. Paris Pike, Springfield
WHY WE LOVE IT: This family-run spot has the best of both worlds: ice cream and sandwiches. From their Facebook page, you can see their cyclones, funnel cake fries and foot-long coneys are MUST tries.
INFO: Call 937-390-2663 | Facebook
Credit: Bill Lackey
Credit: Bill Lackey
🍦Lee Ann’s Dairy Delight
Credit: Bill Lackey
Credit: Bill Lackey
WHERE: 619 E. High St., Springfield
WHY WE LOVE IT: Serving up frozen treats and made to order food, this spot beckons for summer nights. A few Facebook reviewers noted their banana splits are out of this world — and for the price, the menu delivers big time.
INFO: Call 937-561-4475 | Facebook
🍦Airline Dairy Creme
WHERE: 224 N. Dixie Drive, Vandalia
WHY WE LOVE IT: Another staple in the summer, this spot has been around for ages. As one Facebook reviewer put it: "Soft pretzels and ice cream at the same place. What more do you need?' Trust us, try the peanut butter shake.
INFO: 937-898-3100 | Facebook
>> 7 (more) great places to get a frozen treat in Dayton
🍦The Dairy Station
WHERE: 704 N. Detroit St., Xenia
WHY WE LOVE IT: Conveniently located near the bike trail in Xenia, this stop has a ton of flavors and options to satisfy your taste for ice cream. There are plenty of gluten-free options including the Dole whip (which has glowing reviews online). Give their twisted soft serve cones a try, and you'll soon see what the hype is about.
INFO: Call 937-372-1100 | Facebook
>> 8 classic Dayton-area restaurants that we miss
🍦Twist Ice Cream Company
WHERE: 7813 Bethany Road, Liberty Township
WHY WE LOVE IT: These guys don't skimp on variety or flavor. Reviewers noted their caramel sundae and weekly flavors never fail. We've been told they also make animals out of their ice cream, which has us super intrigued. Insider's tip: it's cash only.
INFO: Call 513-777-7813 | Facebook
What’s your favorite ice cream shop? We’d love to know! Email contact@dayton.com.
About the Author