There are some places that just feel like summer, a true sign that the warmer days have arrived, and for many, that place is Marthas Dandee Ice Cream. This spot, a cherished landmark for a long time, truly captures the feeling of a perfect sunny afternoon. It is, you know, a destination where sweet dreams actually come true, especially if you like your treats really big.
For decades, this special ice cream shop has been a favorite for people coming to the Lake George area. It’s a spot that many consider a must-visit, almost like a tradition. People often say that a trip to the region isn't really complete until you stop by this famous place. It's that kind of establishment, really.
What makes Marthas Dandee Ice Cream so special? Well, it’s a combination of things, from its truly huge cones to the many flavors it offers. It's also the feeling you get when you are there, a sense of happy times and good memories being made. This place, you see, has been serving up joy for nearly 80 years, and that's a pretty long time for anything to be around.
Table of Contents
- A Long and Sweet Story
- The Legend of the Giant Cones
- More Than Just Soft Serve: The Menu
- Finding This Beloved Spot
- Why Everyone Comes Back
- Making the Most of Your Visit
A Long and Sweet Story
Marthas Dandee Ice Cream, also known as Martha's Dandee Creme, has been a part of the Queensbury, New York, area for a very long time. It has been a local landmark for more than 75 years, and some say even closer to 78 years. That's a lot of summers filled with ice cream, isn't it?
This place, you know, sits on Route 9, right between Lake George and Glens Falls. It’s interesting to think that the site was once a chicken farm, owned by the Harkness family. From chickens to cones, that’s quite a change, more or less.
The business is now back with the Lafontaine family, who were the second owners. This means that the people who really helped shape what Martha's is today are once again at the helm. It’s a bit like coming home, actually, for many people who remember the place from years ago.
For nearly 80 years, this spot has been creating truly mountainous swirls of soft serve. It's a tradition that has lasted through many generations. This kind of history really adds to the charm of the place, you know, making it feel very established and loved.
The shop is getting ready to open for its 77th year on Saturday, March 18, 2025. This annual opening is a big deal for many in the region, signaling the start of spring and warmer weather. It's something people really look forward to, year after year.
The Legend of the Giant Cones
When people talk about Marthas Dandee Ice Cream, one of the first things they mention is the size of the cones. Seriously, people often say that the cones are bigger than your head. It’s a sight to see, that’s for sure.
We had heard stories, and seen some really big cones on the way in, so we knew we had to at least try the large. It’s a challenge, really, to finish one by yourself. Many people suggest that it would take two people, or even more, to eat one of these massive cones. It’s a fun thing to try, though, when you are there.
This iconic parlor in upstate New York is known for these huge cones. It's not just about the size, though. The ice cream itself is truly good. It's among the best in the country, and people say it is so worth the trip, just for that reason alone. You know, it’s quite an experience.
They are very well known for their soft serve ice cream. It's smooth, creamy, and comes in many different flavors. The fact that they offer 39 handmade soft serve ice cream flavors means there's something for just about everyone. You could, perhaps, visit many times and still find new things to try.
More Than Just Soft Serve: The Menu
While the soft serve cones are the main attraction at Marthas Dandee Ice Cream, the menu offers more than just that. They have other tasty treats too, which is nice. For example, they also serve shaved ices and shakes. These are good options, especially on a really hot day, you know.
They also make ice cream sandwiches, which they call cremewiches. These are quite popular, it seems. What’s more, these Martha’s cremewiches are available in a lot of places. You can find them at over 700 locations, stretching from Pottersville all the way down to New Rochelle. That’s a pretty wide reach, in a way, for an ice cream sandwich.
Beyond the sweet stuff, Martha's Dandee Creme also has a grill menu. So, if you are looking for something savory before your dessert, they have that covered too. They offer loaded fries, which can be a good meal before you get into your giant ice cream cone. It’s nice to have those choices, actually.
The variety on the menu makes it a good stop for families or groups with different tastes. You can get your ice cream, but also something else if you want. This place is, arguably, a full stop for a meal and a treat, which is pretty convenient.
Finding This Beloved Spot
Marthas Dandee Ice Cream is located in Queensbury, New York. Its exact spot is on Route 9, between Northway exits 19 and 20. This makes it quite easy to get to, especially if you are traveling through the area. It’s a very accessible place, you know.
One of the most helpful landmarks for finding Martha's is its location directly across the street from Six Flags Great Escape amusement park. This means that if you are planning a day at the park, or just passing by, the ice cream shop is right there. It’s a really convenient spot for a treat after a day of rides, that is.
It’s situated south of Lake George Village, making it a natural stop for anyone visiting the Lake George region. Many people consider it the most famous ice cream spot in that area. So, if you are in the vicinity, it's pretty hard to miss, or at least, you will hear about it.
The popularity of the place is clear from the numbers. The Queensbury, NY location has a lot of likes on social media, over 40,000, and many people have checked in there, over 71,000. This just goes to show how many people visit and enjoy this special spot. It's quite a community hub, in some respects.
Why Everyone Comes Back
Marthas Dandee Ice Cream has a loyal following, and there are many reasons why people keep returning, year after year. For one thing, it's a place that has been around for a very long time, creating memories for many generations. This kind of history builds a strong connection with people, you know.
The sheer size of the cones is a major draw. It’s a fun challenge, and it makes for great pictures. People love to share their "bigger than your head" ice cream experiences. This, basically, turns a simple ice cream cone into a memorable event. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an adventure, you might say.
The quality of the ice cream itself is another big reason. With 39 handmade soft serve flavors, there is always something new to try, or an old favorite to enjoy. The fact that it's considered among the best in the country really speaks volumes. It's not just big; it's also good, apparently.
The location, right across from Six Flags Great Escape, makes it a perfect stop for families. After a day of rides and fun, a massive ice cream cone is, arguably, the perfect way to end the day. It’s a treat that fits perfectly with a summer outing, too it's almost.
The annual opening day is a big event, marking the start of the ice cream season for many in the Capital Region. People truly look forward to it. It’s a sign that winter is winding down and that warmer, happier times are on their way. This anticipation really builds excitement for the season, you know.
Making the Most of Your Visit
If you are planning a trip to Marthas Dandee Ice Cream, there are a few things that might help you enjoy your time even more. First off, be ready for a crowd, especially on a nice day. This place is hugely popular, so there might be a line. But, as many say, it is so worth the trip, anyway.
Consider sharing a cone, especially if you are getting one of the larger sizes. As we mentioned, these cones are truly big, and it can be a lot for one person to handle. Sharing makes it a fun group experience, and you can try different flavors that way, too.
Think about trying one of their cremewiches if you want something a little different, or if you want to take a piece of Martha's home with you. Since they are available at many locations, you might even find them closer to where you live. It's a nice way to enjoy their treats even when you are not at the main shop.
Also, remember that Martha's Dandee Creme is not just an ice cream shop; it also has a grill. So, you could plan to have lunch or an early dinner there before you get your dessert. This makes it a complete stop for a meal and a treat, which is pretty convenient, actually.
Keep an eye out for their opening day each spring. It’s a tradition for many, and it’s a fun way to kick off the warmer weather season. Knowing when they open means you can be one of the first to get your hands on a delicious, giant cone. For more details about their offerings, you can visit their official site at Marthas Dandee Creme.
Whether you are a local or just passing through, a stop at Marthas Dandee Ice Cream is a special part of the upstate New York experience. It’s a place that brings smiles and sweet memories, time and time again. You can learn more about this iconic spot on our site, and also find out more about other local attractions on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marthas Dandee Ice Cream
What makes Martha's Dandee Creme so famous?
Martha's Dandee Creme is widely known for its truly massive ice cream cones, which many describe as "bigger than your head." It has been a beloved landmark for over 75 years, serving up 39 handmade soft serve flavors. People consider it among the best ice cream spots in the country, and it’s a must-visit for many in the Lake George area, you know.
Where is Martha's Dandee Creme located?
Martha's Dandee Creme is located in Queensbury, New York. You can find it on Route 9, right between Northway exits 19 and 20. A very easy landmark to spot is that it sits directly across the street from Six Flags Great Escape amusement park. It’s south of Lake George Village, making it a popular stop for visitors to the region, basically.
What kind of ice cream does Martha's Dandee Creme serve?
Martha's Dandee Creme is most famous for its soft serve ice cream, offering a wide selection of 39 handmade flavors. Besides soft serve, they also serve shaved ices, shakes, and their special ice cream sandwiches, known as cremewiches. They also have a grill menu with items
