National Ice Cream Month: The Scoop on Our Favorite Flavors

From blueberry basil to guava, Opal destinations boast dozens of unique ice cream flavors within a cone’s throw. Join us on a taste bud–led tour in celebration of July as National Ice Cream Month.

Marble Cake [Lake George, NY]

Martha’s Dandee Cream near The Sagamore maintains a “flavor calendar” with a dozen kinds of ice cream made daily and served under retro neon lights, giving the place the nostalgic feel fitting for a shop that is celebrating 50-plus years in business. Enjoy the renowned doughy chocolate and vanilla marble cake ice cream or subtly spicy pumpkin underneath the ice cream shop’s iconic gigantic rooster sign. If your stomach’s rumbling after adventures on Lake George or Six Flags across the street, pair that marble cake cone with one of the best cheese steaks you’ll find outside of Philadelphia city limits.

Where to Stay The Sagamore Resort

Toasted Coconut [Sarasota, FL]

One taste of Big Olaf’s raved-about coconut cone would transport you to the swaying palms and crashing surfs of Sarasota…if you weren’t already there. Watch the hustle and bustle on Siesta Key and enjoy spectacular sunsets from Big Olaf’s picnic tables, and bring a friend or a little one to help you handle the truly enormous scoops of ice cream the shop is known for.

Where to Stay Lido Beach Resort

The Dude [Bar Harbor, ME]

Plain Janes, beware. The handwritten chalkboard that welcomes guests to Mount Desert Island Ice Cream boasts what they accurately call fearless flavors (think chocolate wasabi and cereal milk). One staple that’s always available is the tribute scoop to The Big Lebowski, a White Russian–inspired dairy dream made with coffee liqueur. And you should know that no less an authority than the president has declared his love for MDI’s dense, creamy offerings.

Where to Stay Harborside Hotel, Marina & Spa | West Street Hotel

Cuban Coffee Gelato [Key West, FL]

When you’re just 90 miles away from Cuba, you better believe the coffee tastes great. Flamingo Crossing on Duval Street offers flavors that range from rum runner to mamey fruit and even that sweet Florida staple guava, but for a true taste of Key West, go for the rich and smooth Cuban Coffee Gelato. OK, so gelato isn’t technically ice cream, but its hand-painted wooden signs that guard the store’s entrance have cornered the Key West market on creative flavors with both gelato and ice cream in store.

Where to Stay Sunset Key Cottages