Exeter Ice Cream Shop Expands

Stillwells, which runs an ice cream shop in downtown Exeter, is expanding in Hampton.

It recently opened a location in Hampton in what used to be a vacant storefront between and , just north of the heart of downtown Hampton.

Stephen Markot, who owns the shop with his fiancée Arielle Wolfe, said it was peculiar downtown Hampton didn't have an ice cream shop, which is why he said they wanted to bring one to a ice cream-friendly area.

"I just read that New Hampshire and Massachusetts are No. 1 and 2 in the United States for ice cream consumption," said Markot, who was putting together tables and putting finishing touches on the interior of his business Thursday. "What we'll try to do is give people the best value for their money... and give downtown Hampton, Hampton Falls and Seabrook a year-round option in the ice cream capitol of the U.S."

Stillwells, which will be open 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily, will boast 60 flavors of Richardson's hard ice cream and frozen yogurt, shakes, eight flavors of Italian ice, and six flavors of gelato from Massachusetts-based Dolce Freddo.

"We want to be part of the revival of Hampton," said Markot. "I definitely see some potential, and I've had a warm reception already.

"It's going to be a long road, but I'm excited."