By Samantha Fournier
Thick fudge swirls appear in each bite of A.C. Petersen Farms’ creamy yellow cake batter ice cream. Small chunks of dense yellow cake also make an appearance on my little plastic spoon. While cake batter ice cream can be found at most ice cream shops, A.C. Petersen’s version tops the rest. If you were looking for a sweet treat on a hot day this restaurant should be on your list of places to stop.
A.C. Petersen’s has been in the dairy business since 1914 and has been a local favorite in West Hartford since the restaurant opened more than 60 years ago. This restaurant lists more than 40 flavors to choose from on the rotating flavors sign including Almond Joy, Kahlua chunk and mocha mud pie. Be sure to try a Petersen’s sundae, which is topped with fresh whipped cream and irresistible thick dark chocolate fudge.
Like A.C. Petersen’s, Mortensen’s Ice Cream and Restaurant also has a history in the dairy business. Elmer Mortensen started the business in 1915 when he started delivering milk with a horse and wagon.
Today, Mortensen’s thrives in Newington on the Berlin Turnpike, attracting customers near and far with their legendary homemade ice cream and delicious lunch and dinner menu. Mortensen’s displays more than 20 colorful flavors in their glass case. This summer customers can look forward to native cantaloupe, strawberry and blueberry when each fruit is in season.
While Shady Glen Dairy Stores in Manchester is known for their legendary cheeseburgers and the excess fried cheese that extends off of the bun, they are also well-known for their homemade ice cream. Despite that you won’t find anything too out of the ordinary on their flavor list, each flavor they offer is top quality.
The royal blue exterior of the Main Street Creamery in Wethersfield will grab your attention at first glance. Colorful nylon flowers and butterflies hang from the top of the white porch. Pictures of friendly faces and happy customers cover the walls on the inside of this quaint ice cream shop.
But it isn’t only the pleasant surroundings that attract customers. The creamy homemade ice cream attracts happy customers with flavors like rum raisin, black raspberry and peppermint stick.
If you’re willing to travel farther, Robb’s Farm in Glastonbury makes their own ice cream. In the small ice cream shop you’ll find friendly service and handmade flavors such as vanilla caramel turtle and espresso fudge crunch made right behind the counter in the shop.
Make sure you to visit these ice cream shops to cool down and satisfy your sweet tooth on one of the scorching days of summer.
