By Anne Morrissy | Photography by Hillary Schave
Since publishing our roundup of local ice cream shops in the Geneva Lake area in our Summer 2023 issue, we’ve been hearing from At The Lake readers about even more great local spots for a cold treat this summer! If you’ve sampled your way through the first list already, here are a few more locally owned ice cream shops to try that will satisfy every sweet tooth.
Myrt’s Ice Cream Shoppe, Sharon
A fan favorite in charming downtown Sharon, Myrt’s Ice Cream Shoppe offers 39 flavors of hand-dipped, Cedar Crest ice cream to choose from, including Firecracker, a strawberry-flavored ice cream with bits of Pop Rocks candy mixed into it. They also offer up a clever twist on a sundae: Ice cream nachos and ice cream nachos supreme (think of them like a deconstructed sundae served nacho-style.) Myrt’s charming patio seating and vintage-style interior provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy your favorite concoctions. At The Lake reader Jacque Maguire Gratz says it’s “hands down the best shop in the area.”
The Refectory at Norman B. Barr Camp, Fontana
This hidden gem on the popular Geneva Lake Shore Path offers hand-dipped ice cream served from a historic, private camp that dates back to 1908. To get there, park at George Williams College of Aurora University in Williams Bay, and walk west (toward Fontana) on the Shore Path. A short, five-minute (roughly 1, 500-step) walk will get you to Norman B. Barr Camp. Starting June 11, the Refectory is open and serving hand-dipped ice cream treats from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. daily. (To confirm opening hours, follow the camp on Facebook.) To quote longtime At The Lake contributor and camp volunteer Lisa Schmelz, “Wonderful ice cream and VERY affordable for a family on a budget!”
J. Lauber’s Ice Cream Parlor, East Troy
If you’re headed to downtown East Troy (a train ride at the East Troy Railroad Museum, perhaps?), don’t miss this old-fashioned ice cream parlor just off the square. Beginning June 8th, J. Lauber’s Ice Cream Parlor will be open Thursdays from noon to 10 p.m. and Fridays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Their tagline? “New-fangled fountain treats served the old-fashioned way.” You’ll find all the classics — banana splits, turtle sundaes — as well as creative, locally inspired offerings: the Singing Hills sundae alternates vanilla ice cream, peanut butter and cherry topping in a tall frosted glass, and is named after a Girl Scout camp that was located nearby for many decades.
Gus’s Drive-In, East Troy
Also in East Troy, don’t miss Gus’s Drive-In, a classic, 1950s-style drive-in with a menu that includes their popular, home-made frozen custard. Try a sundae with vanilla or chocolate custard, or order one of 35 flavors of shakes and malts, including peanut butter, Cherry Coke and Very Berry. Gus’s is open Tuesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday nights are “Cruise Nights,” when you can see classic cars and hot rods while enjoying your cold desserts.
Dulceria & Nevería Acapulco, Delavan
For a south-of-the-border twist on classic ice cream, head to this popular sweet shop and ice cream parlor in Delavan. Dulceria & Nevería Acapulco’s frozen mangonada is a frozen mango treat with an infusion of lime juice and chili pepper powder, among other ingredients. In-house ice cream flavors include Tamarindo and Guayaba, or for those with more traditional tastes, they also offer several flavors of hand-dipped, Cedar Crest ice cream, plus shakes and sundaes.
