Final Four: Battle of the Adirondack Cones

News

Aug 8

It’s the semi-finals of the epic 2024 battle of the Adirondack ice cream stands.

Battle of the ice cream cones in the adirondacks — Dishing up the best ice cream in the Adirondacks.

The Battle of the Cones in the Adirondacks is a celebration of the region's iconic ice cream stands, which have been summer staples for many years. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) initiated the event in 2022 to highlight the ice cream stands and the communities they serve.

The Adiriondacks’ best ice cream stands duke it out, March Madness Style (but in July and August).

This year marks the third installment of the tradition. The competition, resembling March Madness, pits the best ice cream stands in the Adirondacks against each other. ROOST set the bracket earlier this summer, and since July 22, 2024, the region's favorite ice cream stands have been competing March Madness Style. As of now, only the Final Four remain, and voting for this round will conclude on Sunday, August 11 at 11:59 pm.

Custard's Last Stand ice cream stand in Long Lake in the Adirondacks. — Custard’s Last Stand in Long Lake.

Introducing the Battle of the Cones Final Four.

Currently, the Final Four features a match-up between Teddy’s Ice Cream in Saranac Lake and Wind-Chill Factory in Ticonderoga, as well as Speculator Creamery and Custard’s Last Stand in Long Lake, both representing the Central Adirondacks.

Battle of the Cones past champions.

Donnelly’s Ice Cream in Saranac Lake captured the title in 2023, and Wind-Chill Factory in Ticonderoga claimed victory in 2022.

One vote can rock the banana split boat.

We’ve been using the Battle of the Cones as an excuse reason to visit some of the Adirondacks’ best ice cream stands for several weeks, and we see no reason to stop now.

Find iconic ice cream venues on ROOST’s Ice Cream Stand Wayfinder Trail. These dairy dream bars come in all shapes and sizes, from family-owned restaurants to stands serving one flavor of homemade soft-serve daily; the Battle of the Cones is a fight to the finish.

According to ROOST Regional Manager Kenzie Marine, “Battle of the Cones” has become a highly anticipated summer event. It promotes local ice cream stands and encourages fun, lighthearted competition among business owners and communities.

Enjoy the brain freeze!

Adirondack ice cream stands have embraced the contest, competing with and encouraging their rivals. “The competition is delicious,” according to Marine. “This campaign is one in which the ice cream stands can take an active role, allowing us to promote all the ice cream stands throughout the region, along with Adirondack communities. The ice cream stand owners, managers, and staff members are really having a lot of fun with it.”

The remaining “Battle of the Cones” contest schedule is as follows:

Semifinals (Final Four) conclude Sunday, Aug. 11 at 11:59 pm

Finals Monday, Aug. 12, until Sunday, Aug. 18 at 11:59 pm

Battle of the Cones Final Four in the Adirondacks 2024 — Battle of the Cones Final Four.

And, by the way, while we have no verified proof, allegedly, any ice cream eaten for the sake of the competition is calorie and fat-free.

Cast your votes now!

Adirondack Wayfinder Trails are a series of online maps people can follow to experience particular activities throughout the Adirondacks. These trails include information about ice cream stands, farm experiences, breweries, history, cuisine and family-friendly activities.