Cibik’s Dairy Island
This oasis of soft serve has been cooling off locals for 45 years. And owner and head ice cream chef Rick Cibik says his family business still has plenty of new and exciting ideas happening. “We have this create-your-own ice cream contest that’s been a really big hit,” he says. Kids and even adults can submit their ideas for flavor creations online and the chosen winner gets their creation on the menu for that season. The Must Try: If you like toppings, try the Mississippi mud pie, a classic sundae loaded with Oreos, hot fudge and whipped cream. 8295 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls, 440-543-7382, dairyisland.com
Country Maid Ice Cream
Having a family orchard across the street makes it easy for manager Don Torma and the rest of the Country Maid Ice Cream crew to use farm fresh flavors in its 32 flavors of ice cream. “What makes us unique is that all our products are made in-house and we use natural fruits from our garden whenever we can,” says Torma. Nab a cone from the ice cream shop, head across to the orchard and enjoy the sunset — it also makes for an Instagram-worthy pic, too. The Must Try: If you’re a fan of fudge opt for the spot’s popular flavor called penuche. Named for the fudge-like candy, it’s a perfectly sweet bite of brown sugar sweetness. 3252 W. Streetsboro Road, Richfield, 330-659-6830, countrymaidicecream.com
Foster’s Homemade
Whether you stop by this Willoughby Hills gem for a single scoop or a turtle pie, everything last flavor of ice cream (all 30!), sherbet, frozen yogurt and even the cookies used for its ice cream sandwiches are made in-house. Foster’s Homemade has maintained its old-school charm and consistency by using the recipes from the original owner back when it first opened in 1947. And it shows. “All generations, from kids to their grandparents, really love our butter pecan,” says current owner Jeff Knuth. The Must Try: A delightful frozen treat, the Scott Bar coats vanilla or chocolate ice cream, fudge and peanuts in a chocolate coating. 30551 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills, 440-944-9210
Kamm’s Corners Ice Cream Co.
Since opening in 2017, this West Park destination makes a great date night or after-dinner treat with the family. With 12 options it might be hard to choose just one, so opt for Kamm’s Corners Ice Cream Co.’s flight of ice cream ($6.69), which allows you to try four different flavors. “Some people are impressed to hear that in this small location we are able to make all our own ice cream in-house,” owner Lisa Kay says. The Must Try: The shop’s most beloved flavor is its Maxx's Cookie Monster cookie dough, which is hard to miss thanks to its distinct bright blue hue. 3764 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland, 216-417-4382, kammscornersicecream.com
Zero Zest
A small throwback ice cream palor in Parma, this spot whips up frozen treats for just about anyone to enjoy. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, owner Lucy Champa has added new vegan soft serve made with almond milk and other all-natural flavors to the menu. “I have had people with two or three kids stop by and one could never enjoy our ice cream,” says Champa. “Now they’re thanking me that here the whole family can have some.” The Must Try: A staple at this Parma go-to, make sure you try the Parma special sundae, topped with whipped cream and pink sprinkles. 6096 State Road, Parma, 440-886-6473
