Some people collect stamps. Around here, we collect ice cream stands.
The Lakes Region has more great scoop shops per square mile than just about anywhere in New Hampshire, which means summer comes with a delicious problem: there's no way to hit them all in one afternoon. So we did the hard, cold, slightly stomachache-inducing research for you and rounded up the stops worth saving room for.
We're not going to rank these, because honestly, picking a favorite ice cream stand around here is like picking a favorite kid. They all bring something to the table, and you'd never say it out loud anyway. Here's where we'd point you. Grab a spoon.
Center Harbor Scoops – Center Harbor
The new kid in town, and the easiest stop of all if you're staying at Center Harbor Inn. It's a short walk from your door, which makes it the natural move after dinner when somebody inevitably says "should we get ice cream?" The answer is always yes. Grab a cone and take the long way back.
Sawyer's Dairy Bar – Gilford
A Lakes Region legend. Open since 1945, Sawyer's churns more than 15,000 gallons of homemade ice cream every summer, and one look at the portions tells you why people keep coming back. A "kiddie" size here could feed a small family. The flavor list runs deep (the Maple Walnut and Black Raspberry Truffle have serious followings), and if you're hungry, they do classic fried seafood too. Order the Maple Walnut if you want the full New Hampshire experience.
Kellerhaus – Laconia
An institution since 1906 (yes, 1906). The draw here is the legendary build-your-own sundae bar, where the only real risk is your eyes writing a check your stomach can't cash. Their homemade hot fudge deserves its own fan club. Wander the old-fashioned candy shop afterward and you've basically time-traveled. Go big on the sundae. You're on vacation.
Sandwich Creamery – North Sandwich
The hidden gem of the bunch. This little farm shop runs partly on the honor system. You grab your pints from the freezer and leave your money in the box, which is either the most charming thing you'll do all summer or proof that the Lakes Region is a different kind of place. Short on time? You can grab their pints at EM Heath in Center Harbor too. Bring a few back to the resort for later; you'll want them.
Social Club Creamery – Laconia
The newer spot that grew up fast. Social Club brings a modern spin to the scoop shop, with creative rotating flavors and bright, fruity sorbets next to the rich, classic chocolate. It's the place to go when someone in your group "doesn't really do ice cream" (the sorbet will change their mind).
Jordan's Ice Creamery – Belmont
A small-batch, family-run stand with fresh local ingredients and a cult-favorite Salted Caramel Pretzel. Outdoor seating, golden-hour light, zero pretension. The kind of place where "let's just run out for a quick cone" turns into a nightly habit real fast.
Happy Cow Ice Cream – Laconia
A local favorite where you won't find many tourists. Expect a friendly line, generous portions, a long list of flavors, and dairy-free and vegan options for the whole crew. The cow-themed charm is a bonus.
Ice House Creamery – Holderness
Up toward Squam Lake, this shop lives in a genuine old ice house, with excellent homemade flavors and a setting that feels like summer used to feel. Pair it with a stop at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center and you've got an afternoon.
Liliuokalani's – Laconia
Near Weirs Beach, Liliuokalani's serves classic scoops alongside Hawaiian shave ice, exactly the kind of thing you didn't know you needed until it's 90 degrees and you're standing by the lake. Get the shave ice if it's hot out, a regular cone if you're a purist.
You don't have to hit all of these in one day (please don't). The best way to do an ice cream crawl is to not be in a rush, which happens to be our specialty. Pick one for tonight and work your way through the rest over the course of your summer getaway.
Make the Lakes Region your home base
Set up at one of our resorts, and the only thing left to decide is which scoop is first. Reach out to plan your stay and come taste your way through the whole list.
Got a favorite we left off? Tell us where you'd send us next. We're always looking for an excuse to go for ice cream.