By PAIGE HANSON
Published: 08-15-2024 6:22 PM
This summer, ice cream enthusiasts statewide can explore the newly established Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail, a self-guided tour of more than 100 ice cream shops in Massachusetts.
Of the 100 locations statewide, seven of them are in Hampshire County.
These include Barstow’s Dairy Store and Bakery in Hadley, Flayvors of Cook Farm in Hadley, Herrell’s Ice Cream in Northampton, Maple Valley’s Scoop at the Silos in Hadley, McCray’s Country Creamery in South Hadley, Mt. Tom’s Homemade Ice Cream at Easthampton, and North Hadley Sugar Shack and Market in Hadley.
Townline Ice Cream LLC in Bernardston is the sole Franklin County shop included on the map.
The trail was developed by the Massachusetts Dairy Promotion Board, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, and the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.
“Dairy farms are the backbone of the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll in a press release. “They provide the essential ingredients for our delicious ice cream and contribute significantly to our state’s economy and rural character. With this new attraction, we’re making Massachusetts a top destination for ice cream enthusiasts and celebrating our rich agricultural heritage.”
Massachusetts is currently home to 95 dairy farms that contribute more than $61 million to the state economy annually. The majority of state dairy farms are small and family-owned, producing more than 20 million gallons of milk each year to create and sell products such as cheese, butter, yogurt and, of course, ice cream.
Dairy farming has been a part of Massachusetts agriculture ever since European settlers brought cows to the Plymouth Colony in 1624. As permanent settlements were established, cattle played an important role in providing meat, leather, manure, milk and other dairy products to allow the colony to flourish.
“We are delighted to be on the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail,” said Denise Barstow Manz, manager of Barstow’s Dairy Store and Bakery. “What a great way to spread awareness about what local dairy does for our community.”
Judith Herrell, president of Herrell’s Ice Cream, echoed her sentiments. “I think the ice cream trail for Massachusetts is a brilliant idea … it makes sense for people to need a map to eat their way through the great ice cream in the state.”
“The ice cream is just better here,” said Jim Ingram, owner of Mt. Tom’s Homemade Ice Cream. “New Englanders enjoy it year-round, cold winters be darned. And they know good ice cream from just average ice cream.”
For a copy of the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail guide and to learn more, visit www.visitma.com/ice-cream-trail.