Six Sweet Stops for Ice Cream in Dover
“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.”
For generations, that familiar rhyme has been part of summer’s soundtrack. It brings back memories of sticky fingers, melting cones, sprinkles, soft serve, and the serious childhood responsibility of choosing just one flavor.
In Dover, that summer tradition is alive and well. From Dover Point to downtown to New Rochester Road, residents and visitors have several places to cool off and enjoy one of the season’s simplest pleasures. In fact, did you know Dover has six ice cream spots? Each one offers something a little different, from classic cones and picnic tables to oversized shakes, plant-based soft serve, and quiet garden seating.
Newick's Lobster House serves Hershey’s Ice Cream and offers one of the most classic Dover summer experiences around. Grab a cone, take the short ride over to Hilton Park, and watch the boats cruise by along the river. It is simple, nostalgic, and hard to beat on a warm day.
Just down the road, Cowlicks Dairy Bar brings a whimsical touch to the Dover ice cream scene. With outdoor picnic tables and a cheerful seasonal feel, it is the kind of place that feels built for summer evenings.
For those looking for something a little more over the top, Lickee's & Chewy's Candies & Creamery is a must-visit. Known for its famous King Shakes, Lickee’s & Chewy’s is part candy shop, part creamery, and part fantasy kingdom. The store is named after Lickee, the knight, and Chewy, the dragon, from the Kingdom of Caramelot. Its giant King Shake is an extra-large, themed ice cream shake loaded with toppings and built for a king or queen. The downtown shop also offers 28 flavors of locally made ice cream and sorbet, custom shakes, sundaes, and more. It’s an experience as much as a trip for ice cream.
A few blocks away, Dover Delite remains one of downtown Dover’s most recognizable summer staples. The small red building has been around for many years, and for many locals, a stop at Dover Delite is part of the rhythm of summer. Serving Shain’s of Maine ice cream, it is a popular place to visit after dinner, after an evening downtown, or anytime the craving hits. Fair warning: the lines can get long, but the employees keep things moving quickly. Waiting in line at Dover Delite often becomes part of the experience. Chances are, you will see someone you know while you are there.
One of Dover’s best-kept ice cream secrets can be found at The Back 40 Grille at Strafford Farms, which makes its own ice cream, keeps prices reasonable, and offers one of the best setups in Dover for enjoying a sweet summer treat. The outdoor garden area, complete with flowers and bistro tables, makes it an especially nice spot for families and a great place to bring the kiddos.
One of Dover’s newest sweet surprises can be found at Juniper Kitchen, where plant-based soft serve has quickly become a weekend favorite. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons, Juniper serves house-made plant-based soft serve, with a rotating specialty flavor each weekend. Everything is made from fresh ingredients, giving it that true homemade feel. We recommend calling ahead, as the small-batch soft serve has been selling out quickly.
Juniper also offers a comfortable place to sit and enjoy your treat, with indoor seating and two bistro tables outside. Or, take it to go and turn it into a little downtown adventure. Stroll through the Joe B. Parks Garden, walk along the river, or check out Cocheco Falls from Fish Ladder Park. This spot offers a fun, fresh, plant-based twist on a classic summer treat.
Dover has plenty of ways to enjoy ice cream this summer, so the next time the sun is out and the craving hits, make it a Dover ice cream tour.
Where to Find Ice Cream in Dover
- Newick’s Lobster House – 431 Dover Point Road, Dover, NH 03820
- Cowlicks Dairy Bar – 4 Dover Point Road, Dover, NH 03820
- Lickee’s & Chewy’s Candies & Creamery – 53 Washington Street, Suite 100, Dover, NH 03820
- Dover Delite – 20 Chestnut Street, Dover, NH 03820
- The Back 40 Grille at Strafford Farms Restaurant – 58 New Rochester Road, Dover, NH 03820
- Juniper Kitchen – 442 Central Avenue, Dover, NH 03820
As always, hours may vary by location and season, so it is a good idea to check ahead before heading out.
