There’s something magical about the taste of homemade ice cream – rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. And if you’re searching for the perfect scoop that takes you back to the carefree days of summer, look no further than Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream.

The Gifford’s Story: Rooted in Family and Tradition

In the late 1800s, Nathaniel Main embarked on a journey that would lay the foundation for Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream. Starting as a humble milk and ice cream delivery service in Pawcatuck, Connecticut, Nathaniel’s dedication and entrepreneurial spirit set the stage for future generations.

Fifteen years later, Nathaniel’s son, Chester, joined the family business. Little did he know that this decision would shape the ice cream legacy that we enjoy today. Chester’s daughter, Audrey, later married her college sweetheart, Randall Gifford. Together, they would build a thriving ice cream empire.

Moving to Maine: Passion On the Move

Randall and Audrey shared a deep love for family and the simple pleasures of life. With their hearts set on continuing the family tradition, they relocated to Skowhegan, Maine. Bringing their passion for old-fashioned ice cream along, the couple purchased a dairy in Farmington in 1971. Three years later, they acquired another dairy in Skowhegan, which remains the home of Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream to this day.

Using Audrey’s parents’ cherished recipes for strawberry, peach, wild blueberry, and coffee ice cream, the Gifford family began creating small batches of creamy goodness. Their dedication paid off. The irresistible flavors of their ice cream, made with fresh milk and cream sourced from local dairy farms, won the hearts of families across Maine.

From Small Stand to World-Class Factory

What began as a seasonal ice cream stand quickly grew into something extraordinary. The demand for Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream soared, and the Gifford sons, Roger and John, stepped up to the plate. They transformed the family dairy into a world-class ice cream factory, taking their parents’ dreams to new heights.

Word spread like wildfire. People couldn’t resist the old-fashioned, rich taste of Gifford’s ice cream. In 1987, Roger and John expanded their reach, crossing state lines to introduce their beloved creations to even more connoisseurs. Ice cream stands were set up in Bangor, Waterville, and Auburn, delighting ice cream enthusiasts across the region.

Gifford’s Today: A Scoop of Pure Delight

Today, Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream is an institution. They churn out a staggering 1.7 million gallons of ice cream annually, serving over a million cones every summer. With five family-owned and operated stands, Gifford’s continues to bring joy to ice cream lovers far and wide.

Step into any Gifford’s location, and you’ll be greeted with a tantalizing array of choices. With over 100 unique ice cream flavors, frozen yogurts, sherbets, and sorbets to choose from, there’s something for everyone. You’ll find their delectable creations in grocery stores, independent ice cream parlors, colleges, universities, and restaurants all across the country.

A Vacation from Everyday Life

When you take a bite of Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream, you’re not just tasting a frozen treat. You’re experiencing a piece of history, crafted with love and expertise that spans five generations. It’s no wonder that Gifford’s has earned numerous national and international awards.

But beyond the accolades, Gifford’s brings you back to the carefree days of summer. Each scoop is a vacation from the everyday, a moment to savor and cherish. So, next time you’re seeking an ice cream adventure, indulge in the extraordinary flavors of Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream.

Visit Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream and embark on a journey of delightful flavors that capture the essence of tradition and joy.