Scoops & Cones: The Best Ice Cream Shops Near Marathon, NY

Whether you're a soft-serve devotee, a hard-scoop purist, or a sundae enthusiast, the rolling hills of Central New York's Cortland and Broome County region have a sweet surprise around every bend.

Here's a guide to the best ice cream destinations within 20 miles of Marathon.

1. The Scoop of Whitney Point: Route 11, Whitney Point, NY. Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM. (607) 692-3957

A beloved community staple, The Scoop is a family-owned and operated shop that draws loyal regulars and first-timers alike. It offers both hard and soft-serve ice cream with an impressive roster of unique flavors — think peanut butter cookie dough caramel, mint ting-a-ling, and black raspberry. Prices are wallet-friendly (four people have been known to walk away for under $16), and there's outdoor seating and grass space for kids to enjoy. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly staff and the laid-back, community vibe.

2. Rocky Road Express: 1279 State Route 26, Willet, NY. Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

This charming little takeout spot serves up both food and ice cream, and its apple pie sundae has been called one of the top five sundaes visitors have ever tasted. Portions are generous, ingredients are fresh, and the staff is exceptionally warm and welcoming. There's even a little Tykes train for small children. Whether you're kayaking at nearby Dorchester Park or just passing through, Rocky Road Express is a can't-miss stop.

3. Mountainside Cones & More: 1764 NY-392, Cortland, NY. Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM (closed Mon–Wed). (607) 591-6224

A newer addition to the area, Mountainside Cones & More has quickly earned near-perfect ratings. Located near Greek Peak Mountain Resort, this family-run shop boasts spectacular hillside views that make every cone taste better. Flavors like pineapple-coconut and "Emerald with fudge" have wowed visitors from near and far. The shop is spotlessly clean with both indoor and outdoor seating. Note the limited Thursday–Sunday schedule — plan accordingly!

4. Footie's Freez: 1041 McLean Road, Cortland, NY. Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM. (607) 753-0590 | Facebook: FootiesFreez. Cash only

A classic American roadside ice cream stand that's been a Cortland-area institution for years. Footie's Freez serves up soft-serve cones, Dole Whip, flurries, and an array of novelty bars, as well as Texas hots and lemonade if you want something savory first. It's a mom-and-pop experience in the truest sense. Expect a line on warm evenings, and bring cash. Open late (until 10 PM), it's perfect for an after-dinner treat.

5. The Little Treat Shoppe: 3820 US-11, Polkville (Cortland), NY. Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Cute, clean, and beloved for its loaded sundaes, especially the legendary Reese's sundae that has brought customers back for decades. The Little Treat Shoppe stands out for offering dairy-free and gluten-free options, making it one of the more inclusive spots in the area. Portion sizes are generous, and the staff is known for their warm smiles. A sweet stop on Route 11 that's worth the trip.

6. Super Cream Dairy Bar: 75 N. West Street, Homer, NY. Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM. (607) 749-3348 | Drive-through available

One of the most well-established ice cream destinations in the region, Super Cream is famous for its custom ice cream cakes, seasonal ice cream advent calendars, and crowd-pleasing sundaes like the Peanut Butter Binge. The drive-through makes it convenient even on busy days, and the selection goes well beyond ice cream. A great choice for a family outing or a birthday celebration.

7. Poole's Drive-In: 3033 NY-13, Cortland, NY. Hours: Mon–Sat 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM | Sunday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. (607) 753-1912

More than just an ice cream stop, Poole's is a wonderfully nostalgic diner-and-ice-cream combo that feels straight out of a bygone era. Come for the vanilla milkshakes, hot fudge sundaes, and burgers, and on Friday nights, don't miss the fish fry. The beautiful country setting and friendly regulars make this a true local gem. It also opens the earliest of any spot on this list, perfect if your ice cream craving strikes before noon.

8. Frosty Cow: 15 Livermore Crossing, Dryden, NY. Hours: Mon–Fri 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Sat–Sun 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM. (607) 745-7725 | Facebook: TheFrostyCow

A hidden gem tucked into the Dryden countryside, Frosty Cow is beloved for its wide variety of soft-serve flavors — blackberry cheesecake and other creative options — at prices that reviewers consistently describe as among the best in the area. What really sets it apart is the setting: a stunning rural backdrop with a gazebo and sweeping views, perfect for lingering over your cone as the sun goes down on a summer evening.

9. Dryden Creamery: 62 W. Main Street, Dryden, NY. Hours: Tue–Thu 2:00–8:30 PM | Fri–Sat 1:00–9:00 PM | Sun 1:00–8:00 PM | Closed Monday. (607) 708-4054 | drydencreamery.llc

Easily the most unique spot on this list, Dryden Creamery is a true standout. Beyond hard and soft-serve ice cream and milkshakes, the shop offers boba tea, mochi, egg waffles, and Asian-inspired flavors like matcha, azuki red bean, and green tea, a combination you won't find anywhere else in the region. The owners are warm and welcoming, regulars say the staff remembers their favorite orders, and the renovated space has indoor seating and a relaxed, community hangout vibe. Don't miss the freshly made egg waffle cone.

10. Frosty Caboose: 107 Homer Ave, Cortland, NY. Hours: Seasonal — check their Facebook page (TheFrostyCaboose) for current hours

A Cortland fan favorite, the Frosty Caboose earns its near-perfect rating with a combination of creative sundaes, soft-serve, and a food menu that includes hot dogs, chili cheese dogs, and hot sausage — making it a full outing rather than just a dessert stop. Standouts include the Red Solo Cup sundae and custom brownie sundaes loaded with toppings like hot peanut butter and crushed Oreos. Fast, friendly service and a fun atmosphere round out the experience. Note that hours aren't listed online, so a quick check of their Facebook before you go is recommended.

11. So Good Ice Cream: 5 N. West Street, Homer, NY. Hours: Mon–Fri 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Sat 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Sun 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. (607) 344-9899

A newer addition to the Homer/Cortland area, So Good Ice Cream offers both hard and soft-serve with a fun sampler sundae option that lets you taste several flavors in one sitting, a great choice if you're indecisive or just want to explore the menu. Reviews are more mixed than some of its neighbors, with some visitors raving about the twist soft-serve and the hard ice cream quality, while others have noted inconsistent stock and higher prices compared to nearby shops. Worth a stop if you're in the area, but calling ahead to confirm the soft-serve flavors are stocked may save some disappointment.

Hours and seasonal availability may vary. It's always a good idea to call ahead or check social media pages before making a special trip.