Colts Neck is horse country: white fences along Route 34, farm stands in the fall, more open sky than anywhere else this close to the Shore. The one thing missing is a scoop shop of its own, and that's where Route 537 earns its keep.
Point east from the crossroads of 34 and 537 and Ryan's Homemade Ice Cream is about fifteen minutes away at 462 Shrewsbury Ave in Tinton Falls, a family-owned shop making ice cream in small batches since 1988.
Why Colts Neck makes the trip
A town that takes its farm stands seriously will respect the case: 24-plus homemade flavors with seasonal runs of Jersey Peach and Strawberry Cheesecake, plus Italian ice and 100% dairy-free Dole soft serve.
Hand-packed quarts ride home just fine on a country road, and custom ice cream cakes need only 48 hours' notice for the next backyard party or birthday at the farm.
