Backyard Getaways has the scoop on ice cream
Where’s the best ice cream in the Northwest Metro? Our reporters have the scoop on the best place to find the most interesting flavors.
Honey and Mackie’s in Plymouth
From cones and sundaes to malts and shakes, Honey and Mackie’s has a gamut of ice cream choices.
“What makes us unique is we use all natural whole ingredients,” said Suzanne Varecka. “All of our ice cream is made here in the store.”
Honey and Mackie’s has quickly become a destination spot. The ice cream and french fries shop is just five years old, but their brand is already growing. You can buy the ice cream at the Plymouth shop as well as at 13 eating establishments.
“It’s really great to see how other restaurants and local entrepreneurs are interested in our product,” Varecka said.
At Honey and Mackie’s the focus is on ice cream and on mingling with family and friends. A sign urges customers to put down the smartphone, tablet or laptop and live in the moment.
“Couples can go,” Varecka said. “You don’t have to go sit at the bar. “It’s something you can do with your kids, you can do with your parents, your grandparents. You can also do it with your partner.”
July is a peak time for ice cream sales in Minnesota, but it’s clearly more challenging to move the product on a frigid January day.
“We have a discount based on the temperature,” Varecka said. ” The colder it gets the steeper the discount is.”
Cullen’s in Champlin
Cullen’s opened in 2014 and draws plenty of kids from nearby Champlin Park High.
“I have my own combination of chocolate chip cookie dough and black cherry,” said Hudson Karasek of Champlin. “Looks pretty good. Some people say it sounds gross but it’s really good.”
“At night the line’s all the way out the door,” said Chad Cullen who co-owns the store with his wife Lisa. “It’s awesome.”
Step into Cullen’s and you step into a time tunnel. The throwback signs take visitors back to a simpler era. The only thing missing is Richie Cunningham and the Fonz.
“We try to be an old school parlor,” said Chad Cullen. “Old school scoop shop. Playing some 50’s music and stuff. Kind of a retro feel to it. Just hand-scooped ice cream. Shakes and malts.”
Cullen’s literally has the scoop. They have 48 flavors of ice cream and there are even vegan options. For owners Lisa and Chad the frozen treats is their passion.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it,” said Lisa Cullen. .”We love what we do.”
Besides ice cream, Cullen’s also has vintage and specialty candy and glass bottle soda.
