Hidden Gem: Meadowlands Homemade Ice Cream

It may be a bit tricky to find, but is worth the effort to visit.

Since 1964, Meadowlands has been tucked in a quiet residential neighborhood at 328 North Billerica Road, near the Billerica and Lowell borders of Tewksbury.

The business was founded by Percy Roberts, who owned it for many years before selling it to the Geary brothers. In 1996, the Gearys sold it to Priscilla Partykas, their next door neighbor in Lowell.

Partykas and her crew, which includes several family members, make 12,000 gallons of homemade ice cream a year, which includes 25 standard flavors and several specialty flavors.

Besides the usual cones, sundaes and shakes, the menu also includes ice cream pies, pizzas and cookies. You can even get a special k9 frozen yogurt for your dog.

Meadowlands opens each year on St. Patrick's Day. They are open seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Labor Day. Then they are open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Columbus Day, when they close for the season.