Maine Has a Nostalgic Ice Cream Shop That Locals Have Been Going to for Generations

Maine is a state that takes its summer food quite seriously. Of course, lobster rolls come to mind, but the classic scoop of ice cream is equally as ubiquitous this time of year. And if you want to enjoy a sugary dose of nostalgia, head to Kettle Cove Ice Cream in Cape Elizabeth for that timeless ice cream experience. With some of the freshest ice cream in Maine—and wonderfully generous portions—this local business deserves a spot on your radar.

Kettle Cove Ice Cream & Shack offers a classic New England burger shack experience. A humble white building with a bright blue roof, this local business has been part of many a family vacation over the years. If it's your first visit, you'll find the menu posted outside, right next to the walk-up order window. If you're looking for a quick meal before your ice cream, you'll find all the usual suspects: burgers, fries, hot dogs, chicken fingers, and, of course, lobster rolls. But you're probably here for the main attraction: local ice cream.

Kettle Cove goes above in beyond when it comes to quality; all ice cream is made daily and on-site, meaning every bite is about as fresh as it gets. The flavors change frequently, but they do offer a consistent selection of their most popular. Some of these delightful flavors include chocolate pecan, French vanilla, mint Oreo, black raspberry, pistachio, blueberry pie, chocolate chip, coffee, maple walnut, double bubble gum, Needhams—if you know, you know!—and birthday cake batter. They also serve soft-serve in the classic vanilla, chocolate, or swirl combination. Prefer something dairy-free? You can choose from a couple of sorbet flavors.

And the reviews really do speak for themselves. As one recent visitor shared, "Maine itself is unique in that seemingly every little village has its own truly great home-made ice cream joint. Kettle Cove somehow distinguishes themselves above all of that excellence by serving what is arguably the best ice cream in a land of best ice creams."

Have you ever visited Kettle Cove Ice Cream? What is your go-to order? If you haven't been, be sure to share this article with a fellow ice cream enthusiast and begin planning your next sugary adventure! Kettle Cove Ice Cream is open in the summer every day between 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. For more information, be sure to visit the official Kettle Cove website.

Looking for a place to stay nearby? This breathtaking Airbnb in Port Elizabeth is right on the sea, one of Maine's best-loved vacation rentals. There are three bedrooms upstairs and enough space to accommodate five guests.

Summer in Maine really is the best. For further proof, take a look at our list of the best things to do in Maine in the summertime.