Toft's Ice Cream Parlors: The Best Ice Cream in Northwestern Ohio

With summertime approaching, die-hard ice cream lovers such as myself are beginning to eagerly anticipate the opening of roadside ice cream stands. Hot summer days and vanilla cones go hand in hand. But, honestly, I could eat ice cream year-round, even when it is snowing outside. Fortunately, for me, there is a dairy open year round where I live, and the ice cream they serve is fabulous. I'm speaking of Toft's Ice Cream Parlor, a well-known name in northwestern Ohio. Their prices are reasonable and their portions are huge! Not to mention, their menu has more flavors than Baskin-Robbins, so there is always something for even the pickiest eater.

Toft's Dairy has been around since 1900, and it is a fixture in the Sandusky, Ohio, area. It is manufactured in Sandusky and half-gallons of Toft's ice cream are sold in grocery stores in the area, as well as at select venues such as the Toledo Art Museum and Fifth Third Field, home to the Toledo Mudhens baseball team. Not only does Toft's make ice cream, they also sell milk and a full line of dairy products from cottage cheese to sour cream to chip dip to eggs.

However, the best part of Toft's to me is their ice cream parlors. There are three locations. The original (and biggest) is located at 3717 Venice Road in Sandusky, OH. Another is located in the Knoll Crest Shopping Center at 4002 East Harbor Road, Port Clinton, OH. The third location is in Fremont, OH, in the Potter Village Shopping Center at 1306 Oak Harbor Road. For those who vacation in the Northern Ohio area, these locations are close and easy to find. If you're visiting Cedar Point, the Sandusky location is an exit away on Route 2. For those who spend summers at the Lake Erie Islands, the Port Clinton location is conveniently located right off the lake.

Toft's has an amazing selection of flavors. They beat Baskin-Robbins' "31 Flavors" in a two-to-one ratio! Toft's has classic flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and butter pecan, and more wacky choices such as Graham Central Station (graham crackers and chocolate) and Pablo Pistachio (almonds, pistachio flavored ice cream, and fudge). Toft's flavors, like Black Raspberry Bugaboo Fudge, Philadelphia Freedom Mint, and Moose Tracks rival Ben & Jerry's in terms of creativity. Toft's also brings the community into the names, like Lake Erie Islands Cherry Amaretto Fudge, Howly Toledo, and Metroparks Mocha, which locals appreciate.

In addition to hand-dipped ice cream, you can also purchase flurries, soft-serve, and cakes at Toft's. When I visit, I always order a small! You will be stuffed by the time you're done, if you can make it that far. My last visit resulted in one scoop of Fried Ice Cream and one of Superman, and I had to freeze the remainder.

When visiting Toft's, be sure to remember one thing: they only accept cash and check. Sorry, no debit or credit cards. This is a small price to pay to keep costs down, and it is definitely worth it.

The next time you're in the area, be sure to stop at one of Toft's three locations! You will not be disappointed and will have had the chance to experience a local favorite.