While it may be known as “home of the bean and the cod,” MA is also one of the largest consumers of ice cream per capita in the United States. In the summer, that is all fine and good. But how can the Bay State maintain this claim during its often brutal winters?
Well, when you have the type of quality products from local purveyors like Abbott’s Frozen Custard, Chill on Park, and Truly Yogurt, it makes at least a little more sense.
Though it was born and raised in Rochester, NY over 100 years ago, Abbott’s has made a major impact on MA with two shops in the Boston suburbs of Brighton of Needham that draw fans from all over New England. Boasting the first true frozen custard in New England, Abbotts offers a frozen treat that is so thick, creamy, and ice-chunk free, that it is worth braving the cold to enjoy a bit of delicious brain freeze.
“We are all about a fun family time,” says MA shop Manager Mary Pat Dauria (a Rochester native who was the first to convince the company’s founders to let her take their secret recipe over the NY border in 2007). “Ice cream is happy time!”
And when the ice cream is this good, it can make people happy even when the weather outside is frightful.
“There may be more ice outside than we care to admit,” Mary Pat observes, “but if you still crave a creamy treat with no ice in it, there is a great place to go- Abbott’s!”
In addition to founder Arthur Abbott’s signature slow-churned, egg-infused frozen custard, Abbott’s offers co-founder Thelma Schreiber’s frozen custard turtles and some of the best milkshakes ever made by hand. And while the standard flavors keep people coming back again and again, it is never a bad idea to branch out for seasonal satisfiers like their famous eggnog, gingerbread, butterscotch, peppermint twist and pumpkin flavors, any (or all) of which are perfect for private or office parties.
Keeping it Cool
Boston’s ice cream scene is hot all winter
by Matt Robinson