The honest part first: our Hazlet shop, the Ryan's closest to most of Holmdel, is temporarily closed. But a town that fills Holmdel Park on the first warm weekend and turns out for every show at the Arts Center clearly knows how to make the most of a season, and homemade ice cream belongs in that plan.
The Tinton Falls shop at 462 Shrewsbury Ave is about 20 minutes away, down the Parkway from Exit 114 or a straight run on Route 35. Same family behind the counter, same small batches, same board of two dozen homemade flavors it's been since 1988.
Why Holmdel makes the trip
Everything worth driving for: small-batch homemade flavors, hand-spun milkshakes, Italian ice, and 100% dairy-free Dole soft serve. One case, something for every seat in the minivan.
Make the trip earn its keep: order a custom ice cream cake ahead (48 hours' notice) for the next birthday at Bell Works or backyard party, and take home hand-packed quarts while you're at it.