I remember when I was a child, my mom would make homemade ice cream. She would load up the canister, often experimenting with ingredients for a different type of ice cream every time. She would make chocolate cherry almond, peach, strawberry cheesecake, s’mores, or classic vanilla bean, but no matter what flavor we ended up with it was always great. I would sit outside and wait impatiently while listening to the electric motor, wondering how in the world rock salt and ice would help turn those ingredients into delicious ice cream.

Fast forward to today, I have realized that nothing would compare to my mother’s homemade ice cream, but that I wouldn’t mind trying out different places to further prove that theory! Are you just as ready as I am for an ice cream road trip? Here are some local shops that should make your itinerary!

Fairway Creamery

Located at 5938 Mission Road in Fairway, the creamery offers donuts and coffee, along with their homemade ice cream. From cones, shakes/malts, soft serve, sundaes, pints, and even gluten-free/vegan options, you’ll find something for you! With a variety of rotating ice cream, you can find flavors such as carrot cake, Madagascar vanilla, Guinness stout, and salted caramel! 

Sylas and Maddy’s

Sylas and Maddy's Homemade Ice Cream is a family own and-run business since opening in 1997! With a location in Lawrence and Olathe, they have been a favorite in the Kansas City area. Many of their extraordinary flavors have come from customers and they encourage you to share your ideas! The ice cream is made daily, so you know that it is always fresh and delicious. 

School Creek Scoops 

Located in St. George, School Creek Scoops sells pints, quarts, and 4-pack samplers of their family’s recipe that is renowned for its velvety smooth texture. Enjoy flavors like banana cream pie, lemon, peach crisp, and brownie fudge! Available for daily pick-up in St. George and weekly pick-up in Wamego.  

Salted Creamery Ice Cream

Salted Creamery specializes in small-batch ice cream. You can find this delectable treat in retail grocery stores, including the historic Prairy Market & Deli in downtown Newton. They use locally sourced ingredients in their recipes making their ice cream as Kansan as can be! Enjoy some of their flavors like berry cheesecake, rhubarb crisp, key lime pie, and caramel butter pecan. I recommend checking out their website and finding a retailer to add to your dreamy, ice-creamy road trip!

Papa’s General Store

Although this entry does not have homemade ice cream, they are one of a kind with their extreme shakes, so I couldn’t help but share. With the extreme shakes, you get as much dessert topped on the glass as you will find in the glass. We’re talking about pieces of cheesecake or huge chewy brownies on top of your shake. If you’re in the mood, and of the proper age, ask about their adult shakes, as well!

Taco Reindo

I know, I know… Ice cream at a Taco Shop? Two words, my friends. Churro. Split. That’s right. Several flavors of ice cream topping a crunchy, sweet, delectable churro? I’m all in. And pair this with their incredible tacos? Well…. I hope you wore your stretchy pants!

These are just a few of the many ice cream spots you’ll find across the state! If your sweet tooth is starting to ache, take a look and add a few more stops to your flavor-filled bucket list!