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10 Scoops of Summer
By Courtney Anderson
Photography by Madeline Polss
(page 3 of 4)
The Retro Cone
The Ice Cream Factory
6710 Post Road, North Kingstown, 885-8640
Exotic Flavors: gingersnap, Kahlua fudge, Gone Fishin’ (blue vanilla with sour gummy worms and Swedish fish candies)
Small serving: $2.50
Scooping Season: early April to Thanksgiving
The Melt-Down: Although this spot has been in business for fourteen years (three under the current ownership), walking up to the takeout window, framed by menus and pictures of perfectly scooped cones, is like visiting the soft serve stands that were popular decades ago. But instead of soft serve, The Ice Cream Factory serves the homemade hard stuff, with 150 flavors in all (though the shop also carries soft serve in thirty different flavors, as well as “Only 8,” an all-natural yogurt sweetened with fructose that is ideal for diabetics and dieters alike). But, the Ice Cream Factory is dedicated to serving more than ice cream to the community. During baseball season, expect to see several North Kingstown Little Leaguers (Ice Cream Factory sponsors a team each season) peeking over the counter, proudly announcing their homeruns for the night for which they are rewarded a free sundae.
The Hidden Gem Cone
Powder Mill Creamery
777 Putnam Pike, Greenville, 949-3040
Exotic Flavors: coconut lemon cookie with white chocolate, white chocolate caramel pistachio, peanut butter chocolate chip cheesecake
Small serving: $3.80
Scooping Season: April to Thanksgiving
The Melt-Down: Unless you live in northern Rhode Island, you might not venture into that part of the state too often, but if you’re an ice cream aficionado, this spot’s worth the trip. Tucked into the outskirts of Greenville, this cafe has been serving gourmet ice cream in dozens of flavors for the past thirteen years. Additionally, freshly roasted coffee is poured daily, and there is a substantial menu where you might see Angus and Hereford burgers one week and James Beard meatloaf the next. If that’s not enough to delight you, check out the view of Waterman Lake behind you. Plop down on a bench and savor your cone –– if you’re patient enough, you’ll catch a killer sunset.
The Quickie Cone
DeCiantis Ice Cream Co.
45 Quaker Lane, West Warwick, 821-2440
1373 Main Street, Coventry, 823-9160
2928 Post Road, Warwick, 384-6033
Exotic Flavors: peanut butter fudge, blueberry cheesecake, orange pineapple
Price: varies throughout season
Scooping Season: year-round
The Melt-Down: Throw a jimmy in the West Bay, and you’re bound to hit one of DeCiantis’ three locations. With shops in some of the busiest areas of the state, including Post Road and Bald Hill Road, you can easily make a quick pit stop at DeCiantis while shopping or errand running when the craving for a cone hits. A third generation player in the ice cream business, DeCiantis has been open since the 1960s when the family used to produce their own milk. Today, out of their retro-inspired West Warwick shop, they produce more than forty-five flavors of ice cream that they use in everything from sundaes and shakes to cakes.
