Connecticut's Ice Cream Benefits

Growing up in NY, I never had homemade ice cream before. Carvel was founded near where I grew up, so that was the closest taste of homemade I could get. Oh, and once my brother and I tried to make ice cream as kids. That went horribly wrong.

For the past few years, my husband has taken me to some of the best ice cream experiences I've ever had. They're all farm fresh and local to the point that I've pet the cow that produced the milk. Amazing.

These are my top choices and feel free to add your own toppings to my list.

Salem Valley Farm, Salem

Since 1988, this farm has been serving made-on-site ice cream by the bucketful. Their options are unique and vast. Something for everyone. It's located on Route 82 by Route 11 and Route 85 so the access is stellar, especially for those traveling from the shoreline to Hartford. Since Colchester is about 10 minutes away, I'm tempted often by their offerings. My favorite is mint chocolate chip - real mint, real chocolate. How can you beat that?

Buttonwood Farm, Griswold

Hello ice cream with a view. Now this place is a bit of a hike, but worth the mileage. It's in Griswold nestled between vast farm hills painted with sunflowers, wildlife and farmlife. You won't be the only one anxious to experience this ice cream mecca - the lines are always long. Route 165 is commonly found to be a motorcycle parade and the locals eat it up as well. It's worth the wait though! Their cookies and cream is my favorite. And the sorbet is good too.

Michael's Dairy, New London

While this is my third choice, it's a distance third. The ice cream here is great as well, don't get me wrong, but I've experienced the other two shops more and find them to be truly outstanding. Michael's Diary is a surprise. It's in downtown New London, a place you'd hardly expect a farm-style ice cream experience. Their flavor list is ginormous, they have events and games and the location is easy to access. So it makes my top three list. And the chocoate chip ice cream is tasty.

Now that you're hungry for ice cream, find that local spot and share your thoughts. After all, no taste buds think alike. Waffle cone, anyone?