Ice Cream Shop - With 20 Flavors And Lovely Views - Opens In Suffield

SUFFIELD, CT — The dog days of August are upon us, and nothing is more refreshing on a steamy afternoon or evening than a cold treat. At Hilltop Farm in Suffield, a new creamery has officially opened in a picturesque setting, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious ice cream or sorbet after a hard day at the office, upon completion of yard work or even after indulging in the fanfare of nearby Six Flags New England.

Hilltop Farm Store and Creamery at 1616 Mapleton Avenue is owned by Crystal and Jason Siemienkowicz, who opened the doors on Memorial Day weekend and operated on limited hours for the first two months. The couple hosted its official grand opening this past weekend, with live music, a magician and donation of 316 boxes of crayons to the Connecticut Children's Medical Center.

"My wife and I talked for years about opening an ice cream shop," said Jason, who worked 20 years for a third-party logistics company. Crystal had some experience in the industry, having an aunt who owned a pharmacy with an ice cream parlor, as well as working at Friendly's.

The couple is renting a barn owned by Friends of the Farm at Hilltop. Nestled among 70 acres of scenic beauty, the setting offers stunning views from above, particularly at sunset.

Unlike most ice cream shops, Jason and Crystal invite customers to venture inside, rather than stand at a takeout window.

"What sets us apart is not walking up to a window; even though we have one, we're not using it," he said. "We want folks to come in and see the ice cream, rather than looking at a black and white list of words."

About 20 flavors are currently offered, made by Gifford's Ice Cream of Maine and Bliss Ice Cream of Attleboro, Mass. A variety of scoops, sundaes, shakes, coolers and floats were available during a recent visit, including strawberry lemon sorbet, blueberry oat crumble yogurt, cappuccino chip, banana cream pie and cherry amaretto.

Jason said plans are to start producing homemade gelato, as well as opening a farm store in a nearby building selling locally-made products.

"We currently have garlic and hand soaps available in the shop, and we want to work with local farmers in town to showcase their items like maple syrup and honey," Jason said.

The creamery is currently open Tuesdays through Sundays from noon to 9 p.m. More information about the business may be found here.