The Bulletin asked readers who has the best ice cream, and we have a winner: who is it?
On July 17, The Bulletin put out a reader poll for the best ice cream in eastern Connecticut. The readers responded , and Millie’s Ice Cream in Norwich came out on top.
Millie’s, located at 650 New London Turnpike by the Norwich Golf Course, was started in 2015, and is in its 10th season. There was an open spot by Malerba’s Farm and Malerba’s Golf Driving Range, so they decided to open something in the empty spot, owner Julie Malerba said.
Malerba said the ice cream stand is named after her mother-in-law, who was “a big kid at heart.”
“It’s a tribute to her, so we named it Millie’s because she’s the best,” she said.
The poll results
Millie's was the clear favorite, garnering over 75% of the vote.
In second place, with 13% of the vote was the Taftville Dairy Queen, followed by Griswold's Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream with almost 8% of the vote.
What you can get at Millie's Ice Cream
The stand features over 30 flavors, ranging from regular flavors like chocolate and vanilla, to special ones like S'mores and a mix called Cowabunga, with cookie dough, caramel and other goodies.
Prices range from $4.50 for a small to $6.50 for a large cup or cone. Sundaes are $6.50 for a small or $ 7.50 for a large. Soft Serve ranges from $4.50 for a small cone to $6.25 for a large sundae. Shakes and Lemon Ice are $7, and Soda Floats are $5.50. Toppings are $0.75 each and it's an extra $1 for a waffle cone.
Plenty of people have their favorite flavors. When it gets toward the end of the season in late September, it's first come first serve to buy pints, Malerba said.
A loyal following
There are also plenty of regular customers of all ages. Two regular customers are brothers Andrew, 12, and Keegan, 9, Camp of Norwich. Their mother brings the boys almost every week. On Wednesday Andrew ordered Rocky Road and Cookies and Cream, and Keegan got Rocky Road and Birthday Cake.
“I like Campfire S'mores, but I’m trying to find a new flavor,” Andrew Camp said.
Andrew Camp said people should try the ice cream if they haven’t yet.
Malerba loves the people she meets, both customers and employees, just as much as she loves the ice cream.
“They’re like family to me,” she said.
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Millie's Ice Cream is the readers choice in eastern CT.
