Chill out: 6 places to get ice cream in Hunterdon | Warr

Here are six places to get ice cream in Hunterdon County.

My mother used to combine milk, cream, sugar and lots of eggs in a big pot, mix it all up, and set it on the hot stove.

I was told to stir until the mixture thickened into a custard. Then mom set it aside to cool a bit. After stirring in a little vanilla, she poured the custard into a hand-cranked ice cream churn.

The churn had been prepared, already packed with ice and salt. My sister and I alternated, turning the handle that kept the custard in constant motion. Ever so gradually, it turned into one of mankind's crowning achievements  -ice cream.

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"Our ice cream is made fresh daily," said Kayla Nelson at Flemington's Cold Stone Creamery. It's located in the Flemington Mall at 325 Route 202.

Your favorite ice cream is prepared on a frozen granite stone here. Choices include chocolate, peanut butter, coffee, cookie, cheesecake, mud pie and many more. Mix and match with all sorts of add-ins. It's chopped and folded as you watch and your taste buds perk up.

"One favorite is peanut butter cup perfection," Nelson told me. Another is banana caramel crunch.

Or go for the hot stone creations. In these, your ice cream is combined with chocolate chip cookies, brownies, funnel cakes, or other choices.

Cold Stone Creamery does more. Take home the pre-packaged ice creams, or order a special cake for a party or wedding.

For more information, call 908 788-0770. The place opens at noon with hours extending into late evening. Check out the website or on Facebook.

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"We have over 80 flavors of homemade gourmet ice cream, including soft serve," said Rachel Carhart. "And we have fat-free, sugar-free frozen yogurt."

Carhart runs Thee Ice Cream Parlor located at 299 South Main St., Flemington.

This is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, and it looks like an operation from the 1950s. Relax in a red-cushioned metal chair at one of the tables. The floor is a checkerboard of black and white tiles.

Popular flavors here include tiramisu, pretzel, salty caramel, cotton candy, coconut almond, moose tracks, a variety of chocolate types, and many more. Order cups or cones, sundaes, banana splits, belgian waffles or hot brownies - all with a variety of toppings.

Ice cream cakes are popular. Take home or make arrangements for your special party for birthdays, retirements, and other occasions.

"We'll be at the Music Under The Stars events with hot dogs and ice cream," said Carhart.

This annual summer music series kicks off Thursday with the Hunterdon Symphony doing a concert of pop music. It's held at Deer Path Park, 120 Woodschurch Road.

For more information, visit TheeIceCreamParlor.com or call 908 284-1233. Also on Facebook. The place is open seven days, noon to 9.

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Donna Cocco opened Cocco's Cafe & Gelato some twelve years ago in Flemington. Five years ago she expanded and is now located at 52 Main St.

"Gelato is like European ice cream," Cocco explained. "It's lower in fat and held at a higher temperature." It comes in different flavors.

This is a good place for a quick meal. Paninis and salads are favorites. Or stop in for a gelato, cookies, milk shakes, cappuccino or espresso.

For more information, including hours, call 908 968-3837 or visit CoccosCafe.com. Also on Facebook.

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J.J. Scoops has been a destination in Clinton for more than 20 years. It is located at 1 Main St. and opens seven days at 11:30 a.m.

"We are an old fashioned ice cream shop," said Laurie Rodriguez, part owner. "We have many flavors of hard ice creams, along with frozen yogurt, soft serve, and sundaes."

That's not all. They serve shakes, malts, smoothies, floats, egg creams, Italian ices, and they have ice cream cakes in three sizes.

"Our most popular ice cream flavors are sweet and salty caramel pretzel, Maine blueberry, oranges and cream, and sea salt chocolate malt crunch," she added.

The patio is available for private parties, or simply relax and enjoy your sundae. The Clinton Book Shop holds book signings here throughout the summer.

For more information, call 908 730-0988. Visit JJScoops.weebly.com and on Facebook.

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In Sergeantsville, Nina's Waffles & Ice Cream opened at the end of March. It's at 567 Rosemont-Ringoes Road.

"Flavors are always changing," said Heather Lacey. "We make over 100 different flavors, all hand-crafted, small batch with natural ingredients." Some favorites are caramel, Madagascar vanilla, cookies and cream, and chocolate-chocolate.

The Belgian Liege waffles are made with "our own dough," she explained.  

Nina's is open Wednesday through the weekend, serving lunch and dinner. Currently featured is chef Marty Hadicke's barbeque. Soups, salads, and sandwiches round out the menu.

If you cannot get to Nina's, they will send one of their trucks to you. Spice up your event with the goodies these people offer. Take-out and catering are available.

Nina's Waffles & Ice Cream has four locations - in Princeton at 252 Nassau St. and in New Hope and Doylestown.

For more information, call 609 397-8787 or visit NinasWaffles.com.

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In Lambertville, OwowCow serves up artisanal ice creams, crafted every day from scratch. The batches are made from grass-fed dairy, cage-free eggs, raw honey and seasonal fruits.

OwowCow is located at 237 N. Union St. Call 609 397-2234 or visit OwowCow.com.