Mrs. Curl Ice Cream Shop and Outdoor Café – Greenwood
This local shop, voted the best small-town place to get ice cream in our unofficial poll, has been around for more than 40 years. Serving both food and frozen treats, Mrs. Curl brings in loyal customers for nine months out of the year. 259 S. Meridian St., Greenwood, 317-882-1031
Try this: Flavor Burst: Pick one or two flavors, like peanut butter and cheesecake, made with chocolate or vanilla ice cream
Fan Favorite: Fruity Pebble Razzle (their version of a blizzard)
I'm looking for the best small town ice cream shops for @IndyMonthly! What's your favorite?
— Natalie Eisele (@natalieeisele) July 5, 2016
The Chocolate Moose – Bloomington
This longstanding Bloomington favorite opened in 1933, and is known to have long lines that are worth the wait. The Chocolate Moose offers your choice of homemade ice cream, soft serve, frozen yogurt, and homemade vegan ice cream. 401 S. Walnut St., Bloomington, 812-333-0475
Try this: Moose Horn, a frozen banana dipped in chocolate with your choice of nuts or not
Fan Favorite: Their homemade flavors like Grasshopper, which is mint Oreo
Ivanhoe’s – Upland
Ivanhoe’s is famous for one thing – offering 100 shakes and 100 sundaes on their menu. Located in Upland off I-69, Ivanhoe’s is the perfect place to stop by, although it may take you a while to choose your flavor. 979 S. Main St., Upland, 765-998-7261
Try this: S’more Shake or Sundae: includes vanilla soft serve, Hershey chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers
Fan Favorite: Strawberry Shortcake Sundae
Zaharakos – Columbus
Known for its soda fountain, Zaharakos serves traditional ice cream sundaes as well as floats and ice cream sodas. Check out the museum while you’re there—it showcases a collection of old-fashioned soda fountains and other machinery. 329 Washington St., Columbus, 812-378-1900
Try this: The Big “Z” Sundae: five scoops of ice cream with three toppings of your choice
Fan Favorite: Ice Cream Float with old-fashioned soda, like orange, vanilla, or red raspberry
Jimmie’s Dairy Bar – Pendleton
Check out Jimmie’s Dairy Bar for its food and ice-cream treats. The Pendleton establishment is known for its BBQ and sloppy Joe sandwiches, and everyone raves about the tangerine soft-serve ice cream. 7065 S. State Rd. 67, Pendleton, 765-778-3800
Try this: Root Beer Shake: it’s like a float, but better
Fan Favorite: The tangerine soft serve
What’s your favorite treat? Did we miss your favorite ice cream shop? Comment or share with us on social media.
