We rounded up a list of our favorite go-to ice cream stops in and around Dayton to set you up for sweet adventures.
A good trail consists of some tried-and-true shops, as well as a couple under-the-radar stops to keep things fresh and surprising along the way.
It’s up to you if you want to do it one day or treat it as a bucket list and conquer one stop at a time.
Keep in mind many of these shops are offering carryout only, keeping social distancing top of mind.
Check their websites and Facebook pages for the latest updates.
If you go with Plan A, don’t tell your dentist!
Do you have any suggestions to add to this list that would make the trail even more complete? Let us know at contact@dayton.com.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
A Dayton region ice cream trail must include a stop at Young’s Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs.
It's part of Ohio's ice cream trail and it's the reigning champ for Best Ice Cream in the Best of Dayton readers choice contest.
>> WORTH THE DRIVE: Ohio ice cream trail starts with a local favorite
Young’s offers a lot more than just great ice cream in a bowl, a waffle cone, in a sundae or in a milkshake. A fully functioning dairy farm, batting cages and even a year-round restaurant also operate on the property, making it a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike.
Not only will the goats and cows greet you at this “udderly” fun family farm, but more than 50 flavors of homemade-on-location ice cream. Prepare to be overwhelmed by delicious choices.
Want to go?
6880 Springfield Xenia Road, Yellow Springs
Credit: Jet Freeze Facebook
Credit: Jet Freeze Facebook
Next stop is Jet Freeze ice cream at 4014 E. Patterson Blvd. in Beavercreek. The Beavercreek shop is an easy choice for an under-the-radar classic.
A quick peek at the Facebook reviews will show you most patrons have been visiting this ice cream shop since they were a kid, so you know it must be good. Their soft serve is an absolute must-try, with unique flavors like blueberry and classics like chocolate.
If you’re in the mood for a cold treat other than ice cream may we recommend the Jet Freeze peanut butter malt?!
Want to go?
4014 E. Patterson Blvd., Beavercreek
Jubie’s Creamery was an obvious choice for the Dayton ice cream trail for a few reasons. It’s one of the area’s newest shops at just one year old but already has a very loyal following. The Fairborn shop serves both hand-dipped and soft-serve ice cream all made in-house. The homemade waffle cones are delicious, and the flavors are scrumptious. Try the strawberry cheesecake parfait or the chocolate peanut butter. You can also create your own soft custard parfaits or purchase by the pint to go.
>> RELATED: INSIDE LOOK: New, locally-owned ice cream shop now open, scooping delicious frozen treats
Want to go?
471 W. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, Fairborn
🚗🍦Ducky's Snowballs & Ice Cream
Credit: Ducky's Snowballs and Ice Cream
Credit: Ducky's Snowballs and Ice Cream
Since 2015, Ducky’s has been a summertime destination in Troy, serving up Hershey’s ice cream, soft serve, milkshakes and malts and snowballs (flavored shaved ice). Looking for something super sweet and out of the ordinary? Ducky’s also has Stuffed Snowballs, which blend flavored shaved ice with soft serve ice cream for one of the most unique ice cream treats around Dayton. Oh, they also have Jim’s Donuts filled with ice cream. Yes, beloved Vandalia-made donuts with Ducky’s ice cream in the middle.
The atmosphere is also quirky and fun. Once a service station, Ducky’s now offers tables, chairs and games.
Want to go?
100 W. Market St., Troy
Credit: The Sweet Retreat
Credit: The Sweet Retreat
The Sweet Retreat opened in 2018 in the former Dairy Queen space on Smithville Road in Dayton’s Belmont neighborhood. It specializes in sweets like ice cream, sundaes, slushies, milkshakes and ice cream cakes. Bonus: it also serves food including chili cheese dogs and jalapeno poppers and has a new food truck to take those yummy treats to festivals and special events.
>> Locally owned ice cream shop unveils new food truck
Want to go?
2613 S. Smithville Road, Dayton
🚗🍦The Village Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant
For a vintage experience, stop in for an old-fashioned float or a double-dip fancy sundae. The classic parlor has been visited by multiple Ohio governors and celebrities since its opening in 1969. Ice cream sodas such as Blackcow Rootbeer and Old Fashioned Nectar are made in frosted soda glasses and topped off with whipped cream. The Lebanon Sundae is a throwback to the town’s early ice cream parlors, with vanilla and chocolate ice cream, topped with marshmallow and Spanish peanuts.
Want to go?
22 S. Broadway St., Lebanon
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
Ritter’s Frozen Custard whips up classics like Worms N Dirt, Monkey In The Middle and Glaciers. If these sound like strange concoctions to you, it’s time to make a trip to the third-place finisher in the most recent Best of Dayton contest.
Want to go?
2531 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek | 937-320-0772
2226 Wilmington Pike, Kettering | 937-252-3355
🚗🍦 JD's Old Fashioned Frozen Custard
This old-school ice cream stand has been around for more than 20 years and offers almost that many different specialty sundaes. With flavors ranging from Buckeye Delight, Strawberry Sensation and Kentucky Bourbon Toffee Sundae, you’re sure to be able to find an indulgent treat that’s one-of-a-kind. JD’s also offers Ice Cream Pizza with homemade brownie crust, vanilla custard as the “sauce,” and mixed candies drizzled in syrup and hardening chocolate.
Can't decide on just one flavor? They recently added ice cream flights to the menu, so you can try three "taster" scoops of either custard or Italian ices.
Want to go?
322 Union Blvd, Englewood | 937-836-9219
Credit: CHRIS STEWART/DAYTON DAILY NEWS
Credit: CHRIS STEWART/DAYTON DAILY NEWS
Graeter’s is a longtime local and Ohio favorite that is always staying ahead of the curve with delightful and unique new flavors for fans to try. Graeter’s also took second place for Best Ice Cream in our most recent Best of Dayton contest.
Formed in Cincinnati in 1870, Graeter's has made its way to Dayton and has become just as much of a staple around the Gem City as the Queen City. See all the Graeter's locations here.
Can’t decide what to try? You can’t go wrong with the Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip.
Want to go?
2412 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood
2330 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek
2 N. Main St., Centerville
At this point, you might be in the mood for something other than traditional ice creamm and The Root Beer Stande is the perfect stop. While it lives up to its namesake by making a tasty float with its house-made root beer, it also serves drive-up style food like foot-long hot dogs.
You can also opt for ice cream as well. A delicious cone or cup of chocolate, vanilla or swirl ice cream is just $1.99. Then, customers can dip their treat in chocolate, cherry or butterscotch for $1 more.
Refreshing and affordable!
Want to go?
1727 Woodman Drive in Dayton
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