The B’s and C’s of the ice cream world

There are so many ice cream shops around here. Most of them selling Richardson’s (you can see my comparison of 4 shops here: https://bucketlistbroad.com/richardsons-ice-cream-best-experience/), but also a good amount selling their own. So for this week, I chose to do the B’s and C’s of the ice cream world. Biggart’s, Benson’s, and Carter’s. I was originally going to do Bruster’s as well, but the more I looked into it, it was a franchise- causing a more commercial feel. And that’s not what this debate is about. The great ice cream debate is about the best Local ice cream. SO here we go with the B’s and C’s!

Biggart’s

506 Amesbury Rd, Haverhill, MA 01830
BEST: pricing
Overall: Third
Price: Small-$3.88 / Split- $8.04 (large)

So I don’t know where my confusion was, but until I got there, I didn’t realize they also serve Richardson’s. And believe me, I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. I just thought they made their own-BUT they do make their own slush! So for solely their review, I won’t be reviewing the actual ice cream taste (you already know my opinion on that!)- just the presentation, cleanliness, pricing, and attitude.

Biggart’s is located sort of on the main road, but their parking lot sitting gives you a little more enclosed feel than places like Findeisen’s. They have benches placed up against a brick wall to sit and enjoy your cold treat. It also looks like pre-COVID they also had a small tented area for benches near the building- but it was just empty when we went. As for their packaging, our splits were put in claw-close styrofoam containers, which I thought was a pretty clever and inexpensive way to provide to-go sundaes. I also got slush for my BF and he just had a piece of wax paper and rubber band-However, I don’t think I’ve ever seen slush packaged differently. I would say they definitely have some brains when it comes to to-goers.

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I finally got my banana split!

Abby & I split a split (haha) and so did my dad and stepmom. I get my ice cream addiction from my dad, so it’s a no brainer that he went for a large. Abby and I got a medium. SO what’s the difference? They all have 3 scoops of ice cream, just the “scoop” size is bigger with each size. (AKA more ice cream but can still say “I only had a scoop! 😜). For flavors, we went with black raspberry (obviously), cookie dough, & Coffee Kahlua. Now I can say for certain it was the best sundae I’ve had, but it was damn delicious. For the extra dollar, I would totally splurge on the large next time. The establishment seemed very clean, but nothing as meticulous as Richardson’s (Seriously, how is everything so white there?!)

The staff was nice. It was a little confusing when it came to payments. They have a “scooper” seperate from anyone handling cash, which is nice- but they should communicate more. We ordered, and while waiting for out order someone else rang us up. Then someone else came over and tried ringing us out again. Not a big deal, but when I went back up for my slush, it happened again. So communications about customers are a little lack, but nothing major to complain about. Also, I should mention they have markers on where to stand in line (social distance people!) but NO signage about it. They had to go on the intercom twice while we were there. Avoid the aggravation for yourselves and put some line signs up!

They do not have a website at this time

Benson’s

 181 Washington St, Boxford, MA 01921
BEST: Flavor/experience
Overall: First Place
Price: Small-$5.50 (called half single)/ Split- $11.75

When I first started this debate, I was told by like seven people that I had to go to Benson’s. Which is funny because I’ve literally never been. And I’ve lived in the area since I was born. The building is super small and cute, with a tent set up for ordering. There’s also a little closed off area next to it with picnic tables to sit at…with napkins, sanitizer, and bug spray. Seriously Benson’s?! You’re stepping up the ice cream stand game and I like it. This little touch made it feel so much more local and welcoming. Bonus points for being sweet! Their take out containers are also top notch. Plastic containers with snap-on covers. So after I’ve officially tried Benson’s…I’m disowning my parents for never bringing me here.

I got Black Raspberry with rainbow jimmies in a waffle cone

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Okay, in a cup with a cone on top. They weren’t doing cones because of the pandemic. I had zero issues with this, I get it! Since they DO make their own ice cream, I had to go with my standard order, because you can’t compare two types of homemade ice cream in different flavors. That just doesn’t make sense. This ice cream. Oh my god. This ice cream was one of the best ice creams I’ve had (so far!). It was a hard ice cream but the flavor was unbelievable! I’ve never had an ice cream that was so full of deliciousness. They were pretty expensive as far as sizing goes-but with that quality I can see why they get away with it. Two downsides: My brother asked for two flavors, and only received one. My nephew got hot fudge and I had to scrape some off because it was too much for him. In fact, he gave me a full review to write for him, straight from an eight-year old’s mouth:

“It was too chocolatey, Ashley forgot the cherries (whoops!), and they need to give gummy bears, but other than that it was deeelicious!”

The building was a little old house (that’s at least what it looked like!) and it seemed clean, although I didn’t get too close to the window so it was hard to really tell. I loved the unique menu board, pallets anyone? But there was a lot of different signs it was a little hard to follow. They also only provide sprinkles as a topping- no extra candy for the kids! So if you’re looking for a sugar overload with a little bit of ice cream, this isn’t the place to go.

The staff making the ice cream and serving it was super nice.

The girl at the tent taking orders, not so much. She seemed put off by having to take orders. Barking questions at us and looking impatient when we didn’t answer right away. She wasn’t all out rude, she was still semiprofessional. Just standoffish. Like we were an inconvenience for being there and not knowing exactly what we wanted. However, if I was stuck sitting in a closed-off tent in the summer heat, I can’t say I wouldn’t be a little miserable too. Just not the greatest first face when getting ice cream is all!

Check out there website here: bensonsicecream.com

Carter’s

534 Salem St, Haverhill, MA 01835
BEST: Creamiest
Overall: Second
Price: Small-$5.75/Split-$8.50

My best friend spent her high school years with Carter’s as her go-to ice cream stand. So I kind of went in this one with high expectations. Carter’s didn’t completely disappoint- they just weren’t the best. They’re right off the main road, so there’s no place to really sit and enjoy your ice cream. This is definitely a grab-and-go type stand.

Again, I got Black Raspberry with rainbow jimmies in a waffle cone

The ice cream was SO creamy. Definitely one of the creamiest ice creams around. The flavor though. It lacked so much. I was really disappointed in the amount of black raspberry I tasted in my “black raspberry” ice cream. In fact, I actually dumped my ice cream in a cup and when I went to scoop some out, there was a streak of vanilla! Like pure white vanilla ice cream in the middle of my purple creaminess. What the heck Carter’s! They were also on the more expensive side, so I did expect better quality for the price. Could it have been a fluke batch? Absolutely. Will I try it again? Probably.

The staff was so so nice here. They were fast and efficient. I think out of these three places, they were probably the most inviting. This, I think, definitely helps in the ranking of the best ice cream stand. If they were rude or uninviting, I probably would never feel the need to go back here. Would I go out of my way for Carter’s? Probably not, but if I was in the area, I would totally get some cold, creamy ice cream…just maybe stick with vanilla.

They do not have a website at this time

So who got the W?

Out of these three? Benson’s. No contest. They had the best flavor, presentation, and experience. However, they were the most expensive. So if you’re looking for great quality for a great price, I’d stick with a stand that serves Richardson’s- So far, they seem to be where you get the most bang for your buck. It’s also important to note that all three of these do not serve soft serve. Biggart’s and Carter’s are also Cash Only– SO be sure to hit up the atm first! If this debate (https://bucketlistbroad.com/the-great-ice-cream-debate/) has taught me anything, it’s that we have plenty of great local shops to choose from, and my waist won’t be slimming anytime soon.

Disagree with me? Let’s talk about it.

Which one is your favorite and why?