Richardson’s Farm in Boscawen
This charming ice cream stand serves homemade ice cream and sherbet that’s made on the premises. Their secret is making ice cream in small, 10-gallon batches, using New Hampshire heavy cream and milk, according to the farm’s website. There’s a covered area with picnic tables if you decide to eat at the farm. Be warned! They only accept cash. (Learn more)
While you’re there: Just a few minutes down the road from Richardson’s Farm is Avaloch Farm Music Institute, a hidden gem offering retreats for musicians and occasional performances that are open to the public on a gorgeous, bucolic property. (Learn more)
Jordan’s Ice Creamery in Belmont
This ice cream joint can draw a real crowd – patrons are drawn here for the homemade ice cream served in generous quantities. The extensive menu includes a dizzying array of frozen delicacies, such as brownie sundaes, frappes, banana splits, and malts. (Learn more)
While you’re there: The nearby Knowles Pond in Northfield, N.H., is a delightful spot for a dip on the hotter days of the summer. The water is accessible from a dock on Knowles Pond Road, and there are walking trails that also lead to the water from a parking lot on Rand Road. (Learn more)
Sawyer’s Dairy Bar in Gilford
When I got ice cream at Sawyer’s last summer, my mother was served the biggest portion I have seen to date. It was an overwhelming, and delicious, amount of ice cream. For reference, I believe she ordered a “small.” Do with that information what you will. (Learn more)
While you’re there: Weirs Beach in Laconia offers public beach access to Lake Winnipesaukee nearby. Be prepared to meet a lot of bikers if you go during Laconia Bike Week from June 14 through June 22. (Learn more)
Super Secret Ice Cream in Bethlehem
Since rising to James Beard-level fame, this secret appears to be out. And for good reason – the ice cream makes it well worth the trip. The shop promises ice cream made in tiny batches from local dairy and whole ingredients. The website warns that the flavors on offer are changing constantly due to seasonality and direct those curious to their Instagram for the latest. At the time of publication, flavors included strawberry fields, wild Maine blueberry, Mount Cabot maple, and strawberry rhubarb jam jam. (Learn more)
While you’re there: Bethlehem is a very sweet town with an eminently walkable main street and a few gift shops. It’s also home to Rek-Lis Brewing Company, which serves an assortment of locally-brewed beers, pub fare, and, sometimes, live music. A calendar of events is available online. (Learn more)
This article first appeared in Globe NH | Morning Report, our free newsletter focused on the news you need to know about New Hampshire, including great coverage from the Boston Globe and links to interesting articles from other places. If you’d like to receive it via e-mail Monday through Friday, you can sign up here.
Amanda Gokee can be reached at amanda.gokee@globe.com. Follow her @amanda_gokee.
