The 10 Best Ice Cream Parlors in Kentucky! By
Penny Fox
Most people agree that there’s no bad time for ice cream. Ice cream is good in the heat of the summer or in the middle of winter. Ice cream is the ultimate comfort food, and whether you’re a traditionalist who likes chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla, or like to step out into the unknown with fancy flavors like avocado and apple bourbon, you’ll find many different choices at the 10 best ice cream parlors from around the state.
1. Chaney’s Dairy Barn, Bowling Green, KY
The original farm has been in existence since 1888, and started with two Jersey cows. After extensive research into other items to offer to the public, Chaney’s Dairy Barn in Bowling Green began offering delicious homemade ice cream prepared on site. In addition to ice cream, they also have sandwiches, soups, and pies to complement their menu. They’ve also been voted one of the “Top Parlors in 50 States.” Kentucky crafts and gift baskets can be purchased, and they have live music, summer movies on the lawn, breakfast with Santa, and other special events throughout the year.
2. The Comfy Cow, Louisville, KY
The Comfy Cow ice cream parlor in Louisville, Kentucky, is the home of “crazy good” ice cream. With a goal of having the best ice cream and creating the best ice cream experience, customers are treated to more than just great ice cream. Better allow time to choose between the more than 25 different year-round and seasonal favorites like black raspberry chip, “Bourbon Ball,” “Cow Tracks,” lemon cream raspberry, “Coffee with Friends,” and “Myrtle’s Turtle.” You’ll also be able to choose candy and fruit toppings and sauces that make your own unique flavor combinations. This could be ice cream paradise.
3. Graeter’s Ice Cream, Lexington, KY
Graeter’s Ice Cream has a reputation for being a neighborhood ice cream shop. With over 145 years of experience creating this delicious creamy frozen treat, the folks at Graeter’s follow the same guiding principles that gave them success. The only commercial ice cream manufacturer using a French Pot freezer method and using the best ingredients available in a special two-gallon batch process, each container is hand-packed and no corners are cut to make the best tasting ice cream anywhere around. Graeter’s also offers a low glycemic ice cream for those looking to moderate the amount of sugar in their diet.
4. The Colonel’s Creamery, Florence, KY
Made from local fresh ingredients and presented by friendly servers, the Colonel’s Creamery located in Florence, Kentucky, does ice cream proud. Winner of numerous awards for innovation and delicious flavor combinations, the Colonel’s Creamery is one of the only parlors where you can sample flavors like fresh peach, bourbon apple, chocolate pumpkin, cinnamon, and blueberry bourbon. They’ll also ship your favorite ice cream anywhere in the U.S. with a minimum order of six pints plus shipping.
5. Crank & Boom Ice Cream, Lexington, KY
Looking for a great dessert accompaniment for their Thai restaurant, owners Mike and Toa Green decided to try making coconut ice cream. Because of that success, they launched out with other flavors like sweet potato pie, bourbon & honey, blueberry lime cheesecake, coffee stout, and the list goes on. They pride themselves on ice cream made in-house with fresh natural ingredients that are egg-free, gluten-free, and no artificial flavors with few exceptions. If ice cream is your obsession, visit this premier ice cream lounge for a tasty treat.
6. Family Fun Café and Ice Cream, Radcliff, KY
This place is large on flavor. Come on down to the Family Fun Café and Ice Cream shop in Radcliff, Kentucky, where ice cream is an adventure. Celebrating special dates throughout the year and honoring our military with discounts on creamy frozen treats, this family-owned and operated ice cream parlor is a really a fun place where you can sample your next new favorite like Kentucky praline pecan, salted chocolate fudge, lemon cheesecake, peppermint stick, or sugar-free varieties like caramel crunch. You can have your favorite ice cream made into a milkshake, malt or banana split, or just enjoy a cone any day of the week.
7. Sims’ Pizza and Ice Cream, Wilmore, KY
Sims’ Pizza and Ice Cream is a Wilmore tradition and combines two popular comfort foods—pizza and ice cream. Serving the local community for over 100 years, Sims’ also has calzones, subs, and sandwiches. They have traditional chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla shakes and malts, but also have special combinations like the Elvis Special, vanilla and peanut butter ice cream with bananas, peanuts, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. The old-time soda shop look and feel lends itself to the great food and customer service and makes this place a special favorite.
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8. SuperHero Creamery & T-Shirt Factory, Ashland and Russell, KY
Imagine a place where you can get your favorite ice cream and gelato and enjoy your comic book hero at the same time! SuperHero Creamery & T-Shirt Factory is that place. Meet your favorite super heroes like Batman, Wonder Woman, and Spiderman at special events and watch their Facebook announcement for Buy One/Get One ice cream specials.
9. Cocoberry Pops, Louisville, KY
What you’ll find at Cocoberry Pops located in Louisville, Kentucky, is a gourmet twist on frozen treats. Using fresh local ingredients including fruits grown close to home, Cocoberry Pops has created a unique alternative to ice cream that’s just as delicious as ice cream but with half the calories and no artificial ingredients. If you haven’t tried Cocoberry Pops yet, make your way there and try one of their frozen popsicles like avocado, watermelon, mango, raspberry, mocha, chocolate, sweet tea, or banana. They also have sugar-free options.
10. Sweet Shoppe Dessert Café, Hodgenville, KY
Sweet Shoppe Dessert Café is a one-stop shop for all your desserts from the best fudge and creamy cupcakes to ice cream and caramel apples. They combine unusual flavors for a take-your-mouth-by-surprise experience, like pink lemonade cupcakes, “Tiger Butter Fudge,” and pumpkin ice cream. It’s like a party in your mouth.
