For dessert lovers in southwestern New Hampshire, true sanctuary is found in a vibrant corner of Keene. Rick’s Gourmet Ice Cream is not just a neighborhood scoop shop; it is a year-round paradise for anyone who understands that a love for frozen treats knows no seasonal bounds. While much of New England packs up its ice cream scoops as soon as the autumn leaves start to drop, this local institution remains defiantly open through the winter chill, serving up thick, velvety creations even after the most dramatic New England ice storms.
Tucked away in a convenient strip mall location alongside local auto shops, the modest storefront opens up into a surprising, trendy, and thoroughly charming interior. The space strikes a perfect balance between a classic Americana dessert parlor and a sleek, contemporary gathering space, welcoming solos, groups, and families with equal warmth. The air inside is consistently thick with the irresistible aroma of fresh waffle cones and gourmet toppings.
What truly sets this destination apart is an absolute obsession with quality. Rather than limiting guests to a single style or brand, the shop curates a massive, rotating selection of premium ice cream sourced directly from four of the finest creameries in New England. By bringing together the region’s best dairy masters under one roof, the counter offers a comprehensive tour of exceptional textures and rich, dense profiles. From decadent frozen custards to an incredibly inclusive array of dairy-free and vegan alternatives, every single scoop reflects a deep commitment to high-quality ingredients.
Public restroom facility, Comfortable indoor seating arrangements
Planning
Quick-visit friendly counter service
Payment Methods
Credit cards, Debit cards, Contactless NFC mobile payments
Why Visit? Key Highlights
A Curated Multi-Creamery Experience: By sourcing directly from four legendary New England creameries, the menu presents a dynamic collection of regional flavor profiles and superior dairy craftsmanship.
Unwavering Year-Round Commitment: Operating through all four seasons, this shop satisfies sweet cravings when other seasonal parlors close, proving that great ice cream is a year-round necessity.
Inclusive Plant-Based Decadence: The highly celebrated vegan options ensure that those with severe dairy allergies or plant-based lifestyles never have to compromise on taste or texture.
The Theater of Customization: With an entirely open-concept preparation counter, guests can watch every milkshake, sundae, and custom creation come to life right before their eyes.
Satisfyingly Generous Portions: Every order features hefty, substantial scoops that showcase the dense, slow-churned, and ultra-creamy consistency of premium local ingredients.
Baked Goods and Custom Confections: Beyond standard frozen treats, the kitchen produces exceptional homemade cookies and beautifully decorated cakes that are perfect for local celebrations.
Menu and Product Catalog
Premium Ice Cream & Frozen Custard
Item Name
Item Name
Cherry Moose Tracks
Strawberry Cheesecake
Peppermint
Pistachio
Chocolate
Maple Walnut
Mocha Heathbar
Strawberry
Mint Chip
Moose Tracks
Vegan Cookie Dough
Southern-Style Frozen Custard
Mint Moose Tracks
Refreshing Lemon Sorbet
Zesty Ginger Ice Cream
Black Raspberry Graham Cracker
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
Loaded Monster Mash
Specialized Sweet Treats & Confections
Item Name
Item Name
Small Crispy Cone
Large Crispy Cone
Chocolate Dipped Waffle Cone
Classic Ice Cream Sundae
Heavy-Duty Large Sundae
Kiddie Size Dish
Medium Dish
Large Generous Dish
Legendary 32 oz Monsta Milkshake
Thick and Creamy Concrete
Decadent Warm Brownie Sundae
Rich Hot Fudge Sundae
Flavor Burst Combo Cones
Old-Fashioned Root Beer Float
Freshly Baked Homemade Cookies
Handcrafted Specialty Cakes
Fruit Smoothies
Item Name
Item Name
Sweet Strawberry
Deep Blackberry
Tart Black Raspberry
Classic Blueberry
Zesty Lemon
Tropical Mango
Additional Flavors & Custom Mix-ins
Item Name
Item Name
Mango
Sweet Caramel
Creamy Cheesecake
Tart Raspberry
Citrus Dreamsicle
Classic Strawberry
Lemon Twist
Cotton Candy
Raspberry Oreo
Peanut Butter Fudge
Crunchy Almond Bar
Fluffy Marshmallow
The Ultimate Local Dessert Experience
Stepping inside is a lesson in never judging a book by its cover. While the strip mall exterior blends seamlessly into the bustling commercial landscape of Keene, the interior opens up into a cozy haven for families, sports teams, and solo dessert hunters. The layout is designed for a fast-paced but thoroughly customizable experience. The long, gleaming glass display cases showcase a brilliant mosaic of colors, presenting dozens of flavors waiting to be stacked onto a chocolate-dipped waffle cone or swirled into a towering hot fudge sundae complete with whipped cream and a cherry.
For true connoisseurs, the real magic lies in the texture. The selection includes varieties boasting a high butterfat content, giving each scoop an extraordinarily dense weight that melts slowly and evenly. This meticulous handling prevents the icy crystallization often found in mass-produced alternatives. For an elite regional delicacy, look no further than the southern-style frozen custard. Renowned for its silky smoothness, having this velvety treats available in New Hampshire provides a unique, luxurious alternative to standard soft serve.
If you are looking for something truly monumental, the legendary Monsta Milkshake is a mandatory rite of passage. Clocking in at a massive 32 ounces, this heavy-duty beverage lets you blend virtually any flavor combination on the menu into a thick, sippable masterpiece. Whether you want to mix traditional favorites like Mint Chip and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough or build a fruity concoction with Black Raspberry Graham Cracker and vanilla, the counter staff crafts the entire creation right in your line of sight. For an unparalleled, community-focused dessert destination that consistently delivers on taste, variety, and portions, this local staple is an essential New England stop.
