After 17 stops, dozens of scoops and more than a few napkins, certain treats and experiences have stood out along the way − from a nostalgic root beer float to an over-the-top waffle sundae and a pretzel cone that was too intriguing to pass up.
These aren’t awards or rankings. One of the best parts of exploring Stark County’s ice cream scene is discovering that every stop has its own personality. Still, a few moments have proven especially memorable.
Most nostalgic stop
Woody’s Root Beer Stand
My root beer float was made with Woody’s signature root beer, and enjoyed with the classic carside service that has made the stand a local favorite for generations. Sometimes, the experience is just as memorable as the treat itself.
Most creative treat
Kustard Korner
The Dubai chocolate sundae combined creamy pistachio custard, rich chocolate hard shell and crispy kataifi for a dessert unlike any other on the tour. The combination of flavors and textures made this one difficult to forget.
Most over-the-top indulgence
Tripp’s Kremeland
The maple bacon waffle sundae arrived piled high with a freshly made waffle, crisp bacon, toasted and candied pecans, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and caramel sauce. It was so large I shared it with a Vietnam veteran enjoying lunch at the counter.
Most unexpected surprise
2 Scoopz
A scoop of lemon lavender with lemon cookie crumbles proved that dairy-free and gluten-free can be every bit as flavorful and satisfying as traditional ice cream offerings.
Most creative cone
Lil T’s Ice Cream
A pretzel cone paired with strawberry ice cream offered the perfect sweet-and-salty combination. It was something I’d never tried before and a fun twist on the traditional cone.
Treat worth sharing
Ro’s Custard Creations
The Heggy’s turtle sundae, loaded with chopped pecans, hot fudge and caramel, was rich enough to share but good enough that you might not want to. It’s still one of the most indulgent stops on the tour.
More sweet stops remain on the adventure, so stay tuned. And if you have a favorite Stark County ice cream spot I shouldn’t miss, let me know.
Bev Shaffer, Food & Drink reporter for The Canton Repository, can be reached at bshaffer@usatodayco.com or 330-580-8318.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: The Scoop. The Stark County ice cream treats that have stood out
Reporting by Bev Shaffer, Canton Repository / The Repository
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By Bev Shaffer, Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
