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19 metro Detroit ice cream shops to hit this summer

By Metro Times Staff

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I scream, you scream, we all scream for a cure for this emptiness we feel inside. Wait, we mean ice cream, we all scream for ice cream. And really, what else cures a case of feeling empty inside better than a big ol' scoop of the sweet stuff?

Ashby's Sterling Ice Cream - 46540 Van Dyke, Shelby Township
Serving 44 flavors of premium hand dipped ice cream, Ashby's Sterling Ice Cream has become a staple in metro Detroit. Stop by for shakes, malts, floats, sodas, banana splits, Sanders Hot Fudge Cream Puffs, sundaes and homemade waffle cones, and much, much more. (Photo via mightyinthemitten, Instagram)

Ray's Ice Cream - 4233 Coolidge Hwy., Royal Oak
This family-owned ice cream parlor has lasted for over 50 years making gourmet ice cream on-site. In addition to the classic flavors unique to this shop is the “Fat Elvis,” a confection made with banana and peanut butter — in honor of the King’s love for peanut butter-and-banana sandwiches. Ray’s also offers gourmet ice cream molds for parties. (Photo via Facebook)

Guernsey Farms Dairy Family Style Restaurant - 21300 Novi Rd., Northville
Not only does this shop other all of your favorite classic ice cream options at an affordable price, it also as a convience store with a great selection of dairy products. Guernsey Farms has kept families lapping up quality ice cream since 1940. If you can’t get enough of the creamy delights, most flavors are available in both half-gallon and 3-1/2 gallon sizes for purchase. Other products include chocolate milk, skim milk, probiotic milk, sour cream, chip dip and more. (Photo via Michael Trapani, Instagram)

Calder Brothers Dairy - 1020 Southfield Rd., Lincoln Park
Even after nearly 70 years in the business the Calder Brothers still make their ice cream fresh, right on their own farm in Carleton, using milk from their own cows. And the resulting treat is served up in cones, malts, and shakes in their own ice cream parlor. You can also load up on a wide variety of dairy products at their adjoining store, where you can find more than 30 flavors of ice cream by the half-gallon and even full gallons. Flavors range from vanilla to the more adventurous like cinnamony horchata and cake batter. (Photo via Megan Halvorson, Instagram)

Bob Jo's - 4071 Fort St., Wyandotte
A fixture on Fort Street since the late 1950s, this roadside stand specializes in custard and yogurt. Many returning customers recommend their “twist cones,” a familiar combination soft-serve treat. Each week, Bob Jo’s offers vanilla and chocolate custard and a twist, as well as one of about 25 special flavors from a menu that changes from week-to-week. They also serve frozen yogurt that’s free of sugar, cholesterol, and fat. Sprinkles are extra, but they offer no hard-shell ice cream topping. (Photo via Facebook)

Ritter's Frozen Custard - 5962 Meridian Blvd., Brighton / 31227 Eight Mile Rd., Livonia
Two local outposts of the national chain serving “legendary ice cream.” Folks at Ritter’s say their product is “so much more than just ice cream. It’s smooth and creamy and you can taste the difference with each delicious bite.” (Photo via Cassie Rafferty, Instagram)

Uncle Ray's Dairyland - 1462 N. Leroy, Fenton
The Uncle Ray’s empire includes not just Uncle Ray’s Dairyland, with its hand-scooped, boutique ice cream treats, but also the Heavenly Halo Burger and Uncle Ray’s Mini-Golf. An exciting outing for the whole family, with the chance to work off some calories in the bargain. (Photo via Megan Kautman, Instagram)

Treat Dreams - 22965 Woodward Ave., Ferndale
Scott Moloney is a magician of ice cream magic. Read the flavor board in his Ferndale bakery and micro-creamery and you might believe that you’ve somehow entered a fantasy world where anything can be made into a dairy-based dessert. Who knew that purple yam, potato chips, jalapeño peppers and chicken are all legitimate ice cream ingredients? Some of his flavors are quite zany (chicken and waffles, anyone?), and others simple but appealing, such as honey-lavender, lemon-basil, dark chocolate peanut butter curry, salty caramel, avocado-lime, bananas Foster, pistachio-wasabi, and more. A newer location is located 4160 Cass Avenue in Detroit. (Photo via Instagram, iistefanieiiII s t e f a n i e II)

Custard Hut - 25947 W. Warren St., Dearborn Heights
What makes frozen custard so much richer? It’s the formula that calls for higher butterfat content, giving an added richness that draws many into this venerable custard shop. They do vanilla, chocolate, a vanilla-chocolate twist, and a flavor of the week that they can also twist with vanilla. They have about a dozen special flavors they rotate through. (Photo via Jenna, Instagram)