Summertime in Michigan makes me think of sun, water, backyard BBQs, and most importantly, ICE CREAM. Yes, ice cream. Now, I’m not going to debate on the best way to serve it – in a cup, regular cone, sugar cone, or waffle cone – rather, I’m going to share some of my favorite ice cream spots in Michigan.
The first stop is a trip to Sadie’s at the Grand Hotel where you can grab some of Guernsey Farms Dairy ice cream. My favorite there is none other than Mackinac Island Fudge. For me, it’s a reminder of the need for a bicycle ride and the island’s namesake ice cream.
If you find yourself cruising down Michigan’s west coast, please make a stop in Ludington to the Guinness World Record holder for the longest ice cream dessert – House of Flavors. You’ve just got to love their tagline– “This is a happy place. If you’re crabby, go home.” So go ahead and throw on the maraschino cherries, chocolate syrup, and whipped topping. If nothing else, it will make you smile. Go for the banana split or the Original Pig’s Dinner (a dessert with vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and orange pineapple ice cream, along with a banana and more toppings to boot).
Heading over to the east side of the state, you have to try my absolute favorite ice cream made by Calder’s Dairy. As a kid, my grandparents lived around the corner from their Lincoln Park parlor on Southfield. Talk about yummy. My favorites are cookies & cream, black cherry, and butter pecan – not all together, but all are a reason to make multiple trips. And, of course, the kid in me is all for the Bloo Moo which is one of the flavors in the Michigan cult classic Superman ice cream.
And, no I didn’t mean to leave out Moomer’s, Hudsonville, Stroh’s, or any others as the list can go on and on. Let me know your favorite ice cream hot spot and we’ll compare ice cream aficionado notes!
