Summer’s Here And So Are The Best Southern Tier Ice Cream Shops

June is here and the weather is finally warming up. I'm talking about temperatures actually...possibly...potentially reaching 80 this week. So that means that its finally time to go to my favorite ice cream places in the Southern Tier.

There are so many awesome ones to pick from, that are just a short drive away. Recently, I saw a list of the top seven ice cream shops in are area based on Google reviews. So I decided to do my top seven based on GP reviews...and these are not in any particular order. They all have a special appeal to me and I love them all.

Frosty Joe’s…It’s hard to pick just one favorite there. For a long time, it’s been the cookie dough flurry. But one I day I asked my daughter's friend, Miranda to surprise with me with one of her creations. I was introduced to peanut butter sauce and brownie bites that changed me forever.

Recently, I let my wife order for me and now my new favorite is the strawberry sauce sundae with Rocky Mountain Raspberry ice cream, whipped cream and a cherry. I also like how generous Jeff, the owner of Frosty Joe’s is.

Sweet Treats Cafe…Two words…giant parfaits.… Owners George and Tammy like to , see if I can finish it in one sitting or in a certain amount of time. I’m close, but I usually have to turn it into a two-parter.

Don’t get in line behind me when I’m trying to decide what goes in mine. There are so many options and it’s a delicate balance between choosing just the right fro-yo and toppings. They also have really good baked goods, coffees, teas, and breakfast items.

Funky Beez…their specialty sundaes keep me coming back and they feature a new one each week. My favorite so far has been either the strawberry cheesecake or the giant banana split in a waffle cone bowl.

Funky Beez also has food items and at the end of the day, what isn't sold, goes into what they call the “friends box” and anyone in need of food can come and get one. I love supporting businesses that are good about giving back to their community.

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Cones…They were the ice cream place that introduced me to the upside down banana split. I’m not a fan of pineapple so they let me get extra strawberries instead. They have a cars and trucks show on Monday nights. The coolest cars and trucks are there and I have a new (to me) convertible that is cool enough, even though I'm not.

By the way, you can get a $50 dollar gift certificate for only $25 to Cones. It is available  on Friday, June 5th at 9 a.m. by going here. Don't delay so that you don't miss out on this ice creamy deal.

Wolfies Ice Cream...In 2024, they decided to remain open all year round, so they could satisfy your sweet tooth anytime. The have seven different Extreme Sundaes with my favorite being the Architect t come with your choice of three different toppings, three kinds of syrup with any flavor ice cream with whip cream and a cherry on top.

It also helps that the owner Kevin Wheaton is from my hometown of Warren Center, Pa. It would make the list anyway, but it gets a additional star just for that. He is also very generous too.

Suzy Q’s…rain or shine, Suzy Q’s is the place to be. Have you ever seen their wall of photos? When my kids were younger they loved to look on the wall to see if they had made it on there. Next time you go, look for familiar faces.

The new owners, Jordan and Jensen, have introduced something new called The Stacker. It’s like a sundae on steroids…layer after layer of the best combination of soft serve, sauces and toppings.

My seventh choice??? 

It's the rest of them that I haven't got to yet. I have yet to go to a Southern Tier ice cream place that I didn't like. They all have something that makes that place different and keeps you coming back. I hope to come to your Ice cream shop real soon.

If you're looking to take a trip to other ice cream shops, here are a few that are a short drive away.