Imagine a place where the ice cream cones are, well, bigger than your head, and the smiles are just as wide. That, in a way, is the magic of Martha's Dandee Creme, a cherished spot in Queensbury, New York. For generations, this beloved landmark has been a summer staple, a true tradition for families visiting the Lake George region and locals alike. It's almost a rite of passage for many, a sweet stop that marks the warmer months.
This isn't just any ice cream stand; it's a place with a rich story, a history stretching back over 78 years. Martha's Dandee Creme has even graced the screens of NBC's Today Show, showing off its famous soft serve to a national audience. It's a spot that really captures the heart of summer in Upstate New York, offering a delightful break from daily life.
So, whether you're planning a trip, reminiscing about past visits, or just curious about what makes this place so special, this guide will tell you all about Martha's Dandee Creme. We'll explore its long history, the incredible array of flavors, and what you can expect when you stop by this iconic roadside attraction. It's a truly sweet experience, you know?
Table of Contents
- A Sweet History and Enduring Legacy
- The Sweet Offerings of Martha's Dandee Creme
- Your Visit to a Landmark
- Frequently Asked Questions About Martha's Dandee Creme
A Sweet History and Enduring Legacy
Martha's Dandee Creme isn't just an ice cream stand; it's a piece of local history, a place that has seen many changes over the decades. It stands as a monument to simple pleasures and lasting quality, truly a very special spot. The story of this place is, in some respects, as rich and layered as its famous soft serve.
A Storied Beginning
The journey of Martha's Dandee Creme started many years ago, more than 78 years, actually. It began when Martha and Carlton Freiberger, a couple with a vision, decided to transform an existing farmhouse into a restaurant. Later, they built a separate structure specifically for the restaurant and the ice cream stand that we know today. This careful planning, you know, laid the groundwork for what would become a beloved institution.
Over the years, the ownership has changed hands, but the spirit of Martha's has remained. It's now back with the Lafontaine family, the second owners, who continue to uphold the traditions that have made it a local favorite. This continuity, a bit like a comforting old song, helps keep the place feeling familiar and welcoming to everyone who stops by.
Generations of Smiles
For more than 75 years, Martha's Dandee Creme has been serving up smiles, literally. It's a place where grandparents bring their grandchildren, sharing stories of their own childhood visits. This passing down of tradition is, in a way, what makes it so much more than just an ice cream shop. It's a shared memory, a family ritual for many.
The stand has grown from its original window to a huge roadside grill and ice cream stand, attracting crowds of hungry travelers. Its reputation for delicious ice cream and generous portions has spread far and wide. It's even been featured on national television, which really helps cement its place as a must-visit destination, especially for those in the Lake George area. People really love it, you know?
The Sweet Offerings of Martha's Dandee Creme
When you think of Martha's Dandee Creme, the first thing that probably comes to mind is ice cream. And for good reason! Their soft serve is legendary, and they put a lot of care into making it just right. But there's more to this place than just cones, as a matter of fact.
Unbelievable Soft Serve Flavors
Prepare yourself for a truly impressive selection of soft serve flavors at Martha's. They boast around 39 handmade soft serve ice cream flavors, which is quite a lot, isn't it? This means there's something for nearly everyone, whether you like classic tastes or something a little more adventurous.
You can find timeless options like chocolate, of course, but also unique choices like peanut butter, black raspberry, coconut, crème de menthe, and maple walnut. They also offer fun twists like blue moon p/b chocolate twist and mint choc twist. For those who enjoy something lighter, Martha's also serves Dole Whip in a couple of flavors daily, like Dole pineapple and Dole mango. It's really a fantastic range, you know?
The flavors available can change, so it's always a good idea to check their big screens at the stand or their website. This helps you know what delightful treats await you on your visit. It's a bit like a sweet surprise every time, actually.
Beyond the Cone: Grill Delights
While the ice cream is the main attraction, Martha's Dandee Creme is also a full-fledged roadside grill. This means you can get more than just dessert; you can enjoy a full meal before your sweet treat. They offer a grill menu that includes items like loaded fries, which can be quite satisfying, you know?
For those looking for different food options, the broader Martha's establishment also considers various tastes. While the ice cream stand focuses on its grill items, it's worth noting that Martha's Kitchen, a related entity, has been known to offer vegetarian food choices online. This might be a good thing to look into if you have specific dietary preferences, really.
Freshness You Can Taste
One of the big reasons Martha's Dandee Creme has such a loyal following is their commitment to freshness. They make their ice cream fresh every single day, which you can practically taste in every lick. This daily preparation means the soft serve is always creamy and full of flavor, providing a consistently good experience.
This dedication to making things fresh, every day, really sets them apart. It's not just about the many flavors; it's about the quality and care that goes into each batch. This is, in a way, what keeps people coming back year after year, sometimes for decades.
Your Visit to a Landmark
A trip to Martha's Dandee Creme is more than just getting ice cream; it's an experience. It's a part of the Lake George area charm, and for many, it's a very important part of their summer plans. Knowing a little about what to expect can make your visit even better, you know?
Finding Martha's
Martha's Dandee Creme is quite easy to find, located right on State Route 9 in Queensbury, New York. It sits between Lake George and Glens Falls, making it a convenient stop if you're traveling through the region. You'll find it right across from Six Flags Great Escape, which is a pretty big landmark itself.
For those using the Northway, it's situated between exits 19 and 20, so it's quite accessible. The address is 1133 State Route 9, Queensbury, NY. You can also learn more about their exact location and offerings by visiting their website, marthasicecream.com. It's really helpful to check that out, you know?
What to Expect on Your Visit
When Martha's Dandee Creme is open, especially during peak summer times, you should expect it to be a very popular place. It attracts crowds of hungry travelers, and there can be quite a buzz. This means you might see lines, but they tend to move pretty quickly, as a matter of fact.
The stand itself is quite large, a big roadside grill and ice cream spot that has expanded over the years. You'll see big screens displaying the available flavors, which is quite useful given the vast selection. Many people talk about the "bigger than your head" ice cream cones, and they are not exaggerating; they are truly massive, pretty much a meal in themselves.
The atmosphere is usually lively and fun, full of families and friends enjoying their treats. It's a very happy place, you know?
Planning Your Trip
Martha's Dandee Creme is a seasonal business, and knowing its opening schedule is important. The good news is that Martha's Dandee Creme is scheduled to reopen for the season on March 15, 2025. This is a day many people look forward to, signaling the true start of spring and summer fun in the area.
It's always a good idea to check their official channels for any updates on opening dates or special hours, just to be sure. They have a strong online presence, with many likes and interactions on social media platforms, showing just how much people love this spot. For more information about this beloved local landmark, you can learn more about Martha's Dandee Creme on our site, and also find details about their amazing sweet offerings here.
With a fantastic rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Tripadvisor from over a thousand unbiased reviews, and being ranked #1 of 75 restaurants in Queensbury, you can tell it's a place that really delivers on its promise of deliciousness and a good time. It's truly a must-visit if you are in the Lake George region, or just looking for a fantastic ice cream experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Martha's Dandee Creme
People often have questions about this famous ice cream spot. Here are some common things folks wonder about Martha's Dandee Creme, you know?
When does Martha's Dandee Creme open for the season?
Martha's Dandee Creme is scheduled to reopen for the 2025 season on March 15, 2025. This date is usually highly anticipated by locals and visitors alike, marking the unofficial start of warmer weather fun in the Lake George area. It's a very exciting time for many, actually.
What kind of ice cream flavors can I find at Martha's Dandee Creme?
Martha's Dandee Creme is famous for its soft serve ice cream, offering around 39 handmade flavors. You can find classic choices like chocolate, along with unique options such as peanut butter, black raspberry, coconut, and maple walnut. They also serve popular Dole Whip flavors, like Dole pineapple and Dole mango, daily. The selection is quite extensive, so there's usually something for everyone, pretty much.
Where is Martha's Dandee Creme located?
Martha's Dandee Creme is located at 1133 State Route 9 in Queensbury, New York. It's a prominent landmark situated directly across from Six Flags Great Escape. The stand is conveniently located on Route 9, between Lake George and Glens Falls, and also between Northway exits 19 and 20, making it an easy stop for travelers. It's a really visible spot, you know?
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