Sweet Treats for Summer

Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlors in Morris and Essex Counties.

There was a time when ice cream was more than a dessert—it was an outing. And this summer your tribe can hop in the car and recapture that family fun with a jaunt to one of the area’s old-fashioned ice cream parlors.

In business since 1939 (originally as Strubie’s), Holsten’s (973.338.7091, holstens.com) in Bloomfield is best known as the location of the last scene of the final episode of The Sopranos. This authentic old-fashioned ice cream parlor still churns out homemade ice cream sodas, egg creams and malted milk shakes, in addition to a selection of candy and pies.

Converted from an old mechanic garage, the recently opened 1950s-style ice cream parlor appropriately named Garage (973.218.1515, garagenj.com) in Millburn offers many of the classics: creamy homemade ice cream, root beer floats, triple-thick milk shakes and egg creams. Garage also serves old-style hot dogs (boiled, then grilled), Angus prime burgers and salads.

The Towne Scoop (973.857.2667, thetownescoop.com) in Verona is known for its prominent display of Verona’s “towne” colors: maroon and white. Once inside, you’ll be transported back in time. Scoopers wear white shirts, black bow ties and maroon aprons; you can hear golden oldies playing in the background; and the Scoop is filled with authentic memorabilia such as vintage Bond’s Ice Cream menus and a 40-year-old Bond’s milk shake machine that is still in use.

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