A Nostalgic Memory
Back in the ’80s, weekends meant piling into the station wagon with Mom, Dad, and siblings for a family adventure. The car hummed with Springsteen tunes, and Mom’s map guided us to beaches, trails, or hidden parks. Picnics were simple—PB&J, lemonade, Goldfish crackers—spread on a checkered blanket. But the real magic was the ice cream shop at the end, where chocolate-dipped cones or neon snow cones left us sticky and smiling. Those drives were about freedom, laughter, and the promise of something sweet.
Today’s Ice Cream Destinations
Recreate that magic with these vetted ice cream and snow cone spots around Boston and New England, perfect for a 2025 family outing. Each is a reason to pack a picnic, hit the road, and make memories, brought to you by Wicked 617.com.
1. Honeycomb Creamery – Cambridge, MA
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Why Go? Small-batch ice cream with creative flavors like sweet corn with blackberry jam or salted caramel crackle. Ice cream tacos on Tuesdays are a fun twist.
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Outing: Stroll Harvard Square, picnic on the Charles River Esplanade, then hit Honeycomb (1702 Massachusetts Ave.) for a scoop. Vegan sorbets are snow cone-like.
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Tip: Order the ice cream flight—four mini scoops with waffle cone chips.
2. Gracie’s Ice Cream – Somerville, MA
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Why Go? Famous for Fluff-filled, torched cones and bold flavors like PB&J or spicy mango. A hip, local gem.
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Outing: Visit the Somerville Flea Market, picnic at Prospect Hill Park, then head to Gracie’s (22 Union Square). Sorbets like gin and tonic are icy and bold.
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Tip: Check Instagram for weekly flavors to catch seasonal hits.
3. Far Out Ice Cream – Boston (Fenway) or Brookline, MA
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Why Go? New Zealand-style soft serve with real fruit like mango or kookaberry. Vibrant and vegan-friendly.
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Outing: Explore the Museum of Science, picnic at Boston Common, then visit Far Out (401 Park Dr., Fenway, or 1285 Beacon St., Brookline). Fruit sorbets mimic snow cones.
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Tip: Get the fresh waffle cone for extra crunch.
4. Crescent Ridge Dairy – Sharon, MA
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Why Go? Family-owned farm with rich ice cream like Cherry Ridge Ripple. Picnic tables and cow views make it a destination.
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Outing: Hike Borderland State Park, picnic by the pond, then drive to Crescent Ridge (355 Bay Rd.). Raspberry sorbet is tart and icy.
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Tip: Add cookie dough bites topping for a kid-approved crunch.
5. Kimball Farm – Westford, MA
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Why Go? Massive scoops of Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl, plus mini-golf and bumper boats. A full-day adventure.
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Outing: Hike Great Brook Farm State Park, picnic by the pond, then hit Kimball Farm (400 Littleton Rd.). Italian ice is a snow cone stand-in.
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Tip: Try Maple Walnut and play a round of mini-golf.
6. C Fruit Life – Allston, MA
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Why Go? Hong Kong-style shaved ice “snowdaes” in mango or matcha, topped with fruit. A snow cone lover’s dream.
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Outing: Shop the Allston-Brighton Farmers Market, picnic at Ringer Park, then visit C Fruit Life (147 Harvard Ave.).
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Tip: Get the mango snowdae with extra fruit for a tropical treat.
Plan Your Day
Load the car, queue up a playlist, and pack a picnic. Explore Boston’s parks, hike New England trails, or chase coastal views. End at one of these shops for a cone or snowdae that seals the day with joy. With Wicked 617.com, you’re not just chasing ice cream—you’re chasing memories.