A trip to the Jersey Shore isn't complete without a cup or cone of ice cream, I always say - especially on those steamy summer days when cooling down with a frozen treat is essential. There is never a shortage of places serving hard ice cream or soft serve on the boardwalks, but to find the best ice cream on the Jersey Shore, it's worth heading a little off the beaten path. The town of Stone Harbor isn't far from Wildwood and Avalon, but it feels like a whole different world. This tiny spot has less than a thousand full-time residents, but it boasts some of the state's most beautiful beaches - as well as an old-school ice cream parlor with a fascinating history and a huge menu of delicious flavors that still pay tribute to its Prohibition-era origins. Read on to discover why Springer's Homemade Ice Cream is about to become your newest favorite treat spot.
Housed in a building that used to be an under-the-table bar during Prohibition, Springer's has that timeless feel that usually means amazing ice cream.
Today, the brightly colored interior is one of the most distinctive sights on the Jersey Shore, and it's usually the hottest spot in Stone Harbor during the summer.
There are always dozens of flavors on offer, usually rotating - but it's not just vanilla and chocolate here by a long shot.
There are some truly one-of-a-kind old-school flavors available, like Teaberry - an herbal mint flavor that used to be common in gum. And then there's "Prohibition Tradition", which is flavored with coffee liquor.
Whatever you order, having it topped with some of Springer's famous hot fudge is always a straight ticket to indulgence.
Variety is the name of the game here - there are even more varieties of cone than you'll find at your average ice cream store.
Summer is the busiest time at Springer's, but they keep active through the year - their winter treats are legendary around these parts.
Have you visited Springer's Homemade Ice Cream in Stone Harbor? Do you think it's the best ice cream on the Jersey Shore? Let us know, and tell us your favorite flavor in the comments section! You can see the current menu on the Springer's Homemade Ice Cream website, and follow the Springer's Facebook page for updates on the latest seasonal treats. It's worth sticking around Stone Harbor for a day or two so you can fully explore Seven Mile Beach. If you're looking for a place to stay here on a budget, Sun 'N' Sand Motel is an independently-owned hotel that gets great reviews for the price per night.