May 27, 2019 – Granny’s Ice Cream – New York

I am a bit behind on my blog from the weekend as we had a busy weekend of Adventures. Therefore I will be sharing these Adventures throughout the week.

On Monday Shadow, Wilma, My friends, and I Adventured to Granny’s Ice Cream on Route 29 in Johnstown, New York. Granny’s Ice Cream is part of the Royal Mountain Campground, and offers soft serve ice cream and other light food items.

We had a tasty Adventure to Granny’s Ice Cream to begin our Memorial Day. I would say Granny’s Ice Cream is in somewhat of a remote area, however was quite busy, likely due to the campground, and popular motorcyle route. Wilma seemed a bit unsure of this unfamiliar environment so she hung out with one of my friends, while our other friend, Shadow, and I waited in line. (Maybe because there was a big wandering around on a leash – haha!) I decided to try the cotton candy soft serve, and of course two dog friendly ice creams. Shadow and Wilma gobbled up their ice cream quickly as we sat in the grass. I savored my cotton candy ice cream, until Wilma, had a moment of excitement and ended up IN my ice cream. The aftermath left her quite thrilled as she was able to lick up this new flavor on her covered foot! Luckily I was just about full, so I guess the moment could remain humorous. We sat for a bit socializing with our friends, relishing the last day of our vacation. Nothing too fancy, but definitely glad to chow down on some ice cream, something I had been hoping for since the weekend began. It was a delicious stop on our journey back to Massachusetts (Rating: 3, Dog Ice Cream – 5, Company: Just right!)

April 20, 2019 – Kimball Farm – Carlisle, Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Kimball Farm in Carlisle, Massachusetts. We have been to Kimball’s in Westford, but this was our first visit to the Carlisle location. Kimball’s Farm began as a dairy farm in 1908, with the Kimball family selling milk whole sale. In 1939 they opened an ice cream parlor, and began making handmade ice cream. Kimball Farm has grown over the years, and Carlisle is one of their expanded locations. The Kimball Farm continues to be family owned.

We had a delicious Adventure to Kimball Farm- Carlisle – on this humid and rainy day. I was excited to check out this location, a much quieter spot in the world of Kimball’s. I ordered our favorites – peppermint stick and dog ice cream. We enjoyed our tasty treats, and walked around the building checking out the location. There were benches, and some farm animals over to the side. Wilma was far from a fan of the goat so we did not spend time near the animals. It was nice to see the beautiful flower arrangements, singing spring. We definitely will be back to this tasty, quiet spot (Rating: 4).

September 2, 2018 – Dimitri’s Pizza – New Hampshire

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma and I visited Dimitri’s Pizza in Contoocook, New Hampshire. Dimitri’s is a family owned restaurant with a casual dining experience, and outdoor seating along the Contoocook River. They have a variety of menu items, including: pizza and home made ice cream.

We were not planning on ice cream today, but why not eat some ice cream at a beautiful riverfront location. We found Dimitri’s after our Adventure to the Contoocook Railroad Bridge, located directly next door to the Bridge. The place was bopping, with many pizza pick-ups coming and out. There was an outdoor window and quick service for ordering. I am always humored at how Shadow and Wilma anticipate the ice cream from the counter. I of course ordered them each a dog ice creams, and mint chocolate chip for myself. We then headed to the riverfront seating to enjoy our tasty ice cream. Other guests to Dimitri’s were quite entertained viewing Shadow and enjoy their ice cream, lick by lick. It the perfect opportunity to celebrate the end of our weekend of Adventures (Rating: 3, Dog Ice Cream: 4)

July 19, 2018 – Massachusetts – Sully’s Ice Cream Stand

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I visited Sully’s Ice Cream Stand in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Sully’s Ice Cream Stand has been family owned since 1986, and is known as “home of the super scoopers”. Sully’s has over 100 flavors, even including several sugarless options.

We enjoyed our little outing to Sully’s Ice Cream stand. The stand was very quiet, and we were able to place our order at the window immediately. There were many flavor choices but I settled on coconut chip, while Shadow and Wilma’s ice cream came with a treat frozen into the ice cream. There was limited seating, and the stand was right on a busy road so I elected to take our ice cream home. As soon as we arrived home, we quickly gobbled up our ice cream, enjoying every bite! I expect we will venture to Sully’s Ice Cream Stand again (Rating: 4).

July 13, 2018 – New Hampshire – Frosty Scoops

Yesterday we made a stop at Frosty Scoops in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Frosty Scoops is an adorable little ice cream stand on Main Street that sells homemade ice cream. They are connected to the Common Man Inn and Spa, a well known Inn, Spa and restaurant in the area.

We were very happy to find an ice cream shop with a window to get a treat to cool down on a nice warm day. I was pleased, and surprised to see the dog ice cream was free, and although just a tiny little scoop, Shadow and Wilma sure did not complain. I myself decided to order a frappe. We then found a nice corner, shaded area to sit, sip, and devour. The set-up for this outdoor area was perfect, with fun music blasting, a sandbox for the kids to play, picnic tables, outdoor games, and benches for guests. There was even a retro truck on display. Definitely a fun atmosphere to enjoy some ice cream on a summer day (Rating: 4, Dog Ice Cream: 3).

Jun 23, 2018 – Massachusetts – Sullivan Farms

Tonight Shadow, Wilma, and I visited Sullivan Farms in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts. I had heard they were a dog friendly ice cream stop, so thought we would check it out. Sullivan’s makes their own ice cream, and have a small menu of meal items. There is an outdoor window to order, picnic benches, and a gazebo in the back to sit, eat, and relax. Sullivan’s Farm is located on a busy road, but the seating in the back helps to provide a bit more of a quiet atmosphere.

Shadow and Wilma were immediately excited upon arrival. I guess that happens everywhere we go, but yet I do believe they knew some tasty ice cream was on the way. Customer’s were happy to greet them, which always makes me smile. Shadow and Wilma each had their own dish, each cup with two treats adorning. Definitely the perfect dog ice cream option! It was raining, but we were able to find a bench under a tree that kept us reasonably dry. It is amazing how fast they inhale a cup of ice cream. Definitely two happy, and refreshed pups. I myself decided to get an ice cream float, quite a delicious treat on a Saturday night. I expect we will visit Sullivan Farms again (Rating: 4, Dog Ice Cream – 5)

June 10, 2018 – Massachusetts – Ashuelot River Park, Walpole Creamery, and Beaver Brook Falls

Today we had three adventures in Keene, NH. It was a beautiful spring day, the perfect temperature for some shady hikes. Our first stop was at the Ashuelot River Park. The Ashuelot River Park is a 157 acre park, which includes the River, and adjoining wetlands. There are numerous trails throughout the park, many alongside the River. The trails are especially popular for bicyclists.

When we first arrived at the Park we found a well groomed open area, with beautiful flowers, and benches. We quickly arrived at the pedestrian bridge, and the Old Mill Dam. We spent a couple hours wandering the beautiful trails, mostly choosing the route neighboring the River. There were a couple spots along the trail that were near residential areas, but mostly we felt away from the world, and at peace with nature. The birds were chirping, and the scenery was peaceful. It was a great Park of which to enjoy the day (Rating: 4).

Our second stop today was the Walpole Creamery in downtown Keene. I always love finding an ice cream stop with an outdoor window, and dog ice cream available for the pups. We made our purchase and found a quiet grassy area to enjoy our ice cream, and to sit for a bit. It is good to note that there were some nicely shaded umbrella areas in front of the creamery, but I figured we would be more comfortable in the grassy shade. We each greatly enjoyed our refreshing ice cream. Shadow and Wilma then enjoyed some time playing, and rolling around in the grass. Definitely the perfect, and energizing break in between our stops (Rating: 4)

Our last stop of the day was at the Beaver Brook Waterfall. The trail was less then a mile long, slowly sloping upwards, on an old New Hampshire highway. The trail was not too picturesque, with wires above and the sounds of local traffic nearby. It was therefore especially pleasant to hear the babbling Beaver Brook, reminding us that we were truly on on adventure in nature. We walked along the top of the gorge, and could see the Brook far below. However, I was so disappointed to arrive at the Falls, as I found no viewing opportunities. We could hear the magical sound of the water, but yet it was so overgrown that there was not a glimpse in site. Possibly with some steep, risky climbs, but yet with two dogs in tow, really not an option. So although I feel like I must have missed something, we never did see the Beaver Brook Falls. I attempt to think like a dog in these times, and just enjoy the moment, and the experience. Luckily there were some moments to dip into the Brook, a rock to pose on, and I even saw a beaver like creature along the trail. Glad we attempted to see this waterfall, while in Keene (Rating: 2)