Community Corner
Hidden Gems of Hartford and Tolland Counties
During National Ice Cream Month, the latest Hidden Gem offers delectable cool, yet healthy treats in the midst of this summer heatwave.
ELLINGTON, CT — This week's journey to a Hidden Gem in Hartford and Tolland counties takes us to a refreshing spot that could easily be missed, as it is tucked into a corner of a small strip plaza between Routes 140 and 286 in Ellington. However, once you've discovered the charming little shop, you will most certainly be back again and again.
The Scoop is a neighborhood shop featuring all-natural, non-GMO super premium ice cream, healthy smoothies, locally roasted coffee and pastries. Its ice cream is handmade from scratch in small batches from local ingredients, providing super-premium richness and quality, unique seasonal flavors.
Longtime Ellington resident Kelly Nolin founded The Scoop in 2017 with a vision of providing a healthy alternative for local residents and guests alike. Ice cream flavors change regularly, and seasonal flavors are available for limited times. Over the course of the season, more than 35 different flavors are offered.
Find out what's happening in Ellington-Somersfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Scoop is dog-friendly, with an all-natural frozen yogurt-based dog treat known as "The Pup Cup" prominently featured on the menu board.
Local musicians are often featured on the patio, including well-known Connecticut troubadour Bruce John. Outdoor seating, games and other activities for the entire family are available. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, indoor seating is not currently available.
Find out what's happening in Ellington-Somersfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The shop, located in the Ellington Center Plaza, is currently open weekdays from noon to 8 p.m., and weekends from noon to 8:30 p.m. Plans call for hours to increase as life begins returning to normal.
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The Hidden Gems series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path, all located within Hartford and Tolland counties. Do you have a favorite "hidden gem" in the area that you wish to see featured in this column? Email your ideas to tim.jensen@patch.com.
Other columns in this series:
- Cheney Brothers National Historic Landmark District
- Faddy's Donuts and Ice Cream
- Riverfront Miniature Golf & Ice Cream
- The Historic Babcock Tavern
- High Grade Finishing
- Craig's Kitchen
- Sikorsky S-16 Bi-Plane Fighter
- Navy ZNP-K Airship Control Car
- Rosedale Farms & Vineyards
- Nathan Hale Homestead
- Burke Ridge Farms
- Necker's Toyland
- Civil War Monument at Mt. Hope Cemetery
- Gene Pitney Memorial Benches
- Joe McCluskey/Manchester Road Race Statue
- Samuel Field Knight Historic Marker
- Carol's Lunchbox
- Country Casuals
- Dakota Restaurant
- Country Cobbler
- Beau's Burger Shack
- Daniel Glazier Tavern
- Mount Southington Ski School
- Awards & More
- Marquis de Lafayette Monument
- The Little Red Store
- River Bend Bookshop
- Gerry's Donuts
- Traveler Restaurant
- First Decorated Christmas Tree
- The Stanley-Whitman House
- Vernon's Santa House
- Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut
- Old Country Banquet Hall
- Brazilian Gula Grill
- Thomas' Smokey Pit Stop
- Congregational Church of Burlington labyrinth
- Noah Webster House
- The Bushnell's Green Room Wall
- Belding Wildlife Management Area
- The Aborn Castle
- Heublein Tower
- Birthplace of Jonathan Edwards
- Grave of Revolutionary War Soldier Heman Baker
- Jessica's Garden, Lobster and Ice Cream Shack
- Shade Swamp Sanctuary
- Ken's Corner Breakfast & Lunch
- Tolland Red and White
- The Packing House
- Cold Harbor Seafood
- Nye Holman State Forest/Heron Cove Park
- Hosmer Mountain Soda Shack
- Connecticut Trolley Museum
- Matterhorn Mini Golf
- Wood Memorial Library & Museum
- Hastings Farm
- Liquid Nirvana
- Iwo Jima Survivors Memorial Park
- Academy Hall
- Southington Drive-In
- Little Theatre of Manchester at Cheney Hall
- Somersvillage Gifts & Gourmet Baskets
- New England Civil War Museum
- The Pinchot Sycamore
- Stafford Palace Theater
- Mansfield Hollow State Park
- Old Tolland County Jail and Museum
- Hill-Stead Museum
- Mark's Restaurant
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