Dairy Grove
Why we love it: Grab a frozen custard or house-made turtle bar and head back to the picnic and playground area. “There’s a pirate ship that kids can play on,” says owner Karen Morell. Try this: The Mad Scientist ($4.95) is a crazy parfait of slushy flavors, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles and a gummy worm. 35455 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville, 440-327-9901, dairygrove.com
Foster’s Homemade Ice Cream
Why we love it: When Jeff Knuth took over the now 70-year-old shop after original owner Barbara Foster retired, he kept all the original recipes, longtime vendors and 1940s cash register (it’s still cash only). “We make everything from scratch on the premises the same way Mrs. Foster did,” says Knuth. Try this: Cookie dough ice cream ($3.65) gets chunks of the same housemade dough used to make the cookies thrown into the mix. 30551 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills, 440-944-9210
Katie’s Korner
Why we love it: If you thought picking a major was tough, try choosing from among the more than 50 flavors of hand-dipped, house-made ice cream at this chill, college-town stand. “We are a laid-back, hometown place,” says owner Rebecca May. Try this: Dark chocolate peanut butter on a waffle cone ($3.75) brings together rich, dark cocoa flavors and real peanut butter swirls. 1412 S. Water St., Kent, 330-677-1999, katieskorner.com
Sandy’s Frozen Whip
Why we love it: Down from Euclid Beach, this 47-year-old stand keeps the breezy vibe alive with soft serve, house-made cakes and footlong Coney dogs. “Anyone that comes for ice cream has got to be in a pretty good mood,” says owner Louis Clernt. Try this: A generous piece of freshly made strawberry shortcake ($5.25) toped with vanilla ice cream, strawberries and whipped cream. 17635 Lake Shore Blvd., Cleveland, 216-531-9400
Zero Zest
Why we love it: Sisters Lucy Champa and Linda Sobieraj, who have owned the retro shop for 34 years, make you feel like family with good ol’ fashioned ice cream, yogurt and custard. “We have people coming here that have come here since they were young and bring their kids and grandkids,” says Champa. Try this: Made with a milkshake spindle blender, the chocolate milkshake ($2.75) takes you back to the days of drugstore malt shops. 6096 State Road, Parma, 440-886-6473
