When we heard that the Spotted Duck Creamery was named the #1 Ice Cream Stand in New York State, we knew we had to visit and try it for ourselves, and we were happy we decided to visit. This unique ice cream stand is definitely worth the drive to enjoy its creamy and delicious custard.
Ice Cream Flights and Unique Flavors
There are numerous things that set the Spotted Duck Creamery apart from the other ice cream stand in New York. It starts with the ingredients used to make their delicious custard, which are all natural and locally sourced. It might surprise you to discover that the eggs used to make this custard come from ducks that live at the creamery. These duck eggs make the custard that much more creamy and scrumptious.
The Spotted Duck Creamery also has unique flavors that you won’t find anywhere else. The farm fresh small batch ice cream has a rotating menu of delectable flavors. Can’t decide which flavor to try, no worries; you can enjoy a flight of ice cream. The Keuka Flight is your choice of 1 scoop of 4 different flavors, and the Seneca Flight is one scoop of 12 different flavors.
When we visited, I could decide between several flavors, so I ordered a Keuka Flight of Hot Mud (Chocolate, Jalapeno), Pamity Coffee (Amity Roasted Coffee Bean, Cardamom), Ditch Mint Chip (Fresh Mint, Chocolate), and Fleur Blue (Blueberries, Lavender). My husband enjoyed a small sundae of Vanilla Cream (house-made Madagascar bourbon vanilla) and Fudgie Wudgie (Coconut Milk, Dark Chocolate). We were both blown away by the vibrant flavors and creaminess of the ice cream. Personally, my favorite flavor was the Hot Mud, although, to be honest, it was a close race between all four flavors.
Meet the Ducks
What I really loved about visiting the Spotted Duck Creamery was seeing all the animals that live in the barn and the large yard behind the ice cream shop. The ducks whose eggs are used to make the ice cream live right there on the farm, and these ducks are indeed spotted. There are also chickens, a peacock, a goose, and a peafowl. Guests can feed the duck by asking for “duck sprinkles” at the pickup window.
Know Before You Go
Dogs Are Welcome -This is a very dog-friendly destination, provided your dog is leashed while visiting. We saw a number of good boys who were enjoying their time at the Spotted Duck when we visited.
Expect a Line – This is a popular spot, and for good reason. You should expect to stand in line for a few minutes. We visited on a Saturday afternoon, and when we first arrived, the front parking lot was almost full (overflow parking is in the back), and the line was to the end of the paved patio. By the time we left, the line was wrapped around the building.
Take a Seat – There are numerous picnic tables spread across the large lawn behind the ice cream stand. Some of these have umbrellas to protect from rain or scorching sunshine. If you order a flight or dish of ice cream, you will need to eat the ice cream on-site because you are provided with metal spoons, dishes, and wooded flight boards with glass cups that need to be returned to the pickup window.
Hours -OPEN THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY FROM 12:00-5:00, CLOSED 5:00-6:00 FOR STAFF BREAK, OPEN 6:00-8:30
Closed on Wednesdays
Getting to Spotted Duck Creamery
Address: 999 St Rt 54, Penn Yan, NY 14527