Column: Creamy summer treats by the scoop and the spoonful
Clara Silverstein | July 1, 2026 | Business, Columns, Top
This summer you can find cold comfort in a cone, on a stick, wedged between two cookies, and topped with waffle chips at Newton’s ice cream shops.
Add to that flavors inspired by everything from the Charles River to Indian spices, and there is a large helping of whimsy for customers this season.
Newtonians have been developing their taste for ice cream for more than 100 years. The first Brigham’s Ice Cream parlor, founded in Newton Highlands in 1914, grew to a chain of nearly 100 restaurants in Massachusetts by the mid-1900s. Today, Brigham’s ice cream is sold only in stores.
Cabot’s in Newtonville, founded in 1969, is the oldest ice cream parlor still operating in Newton. The newest, New City Microcreamery, in May celebrated its grand opening in Chestnut Hill. Hilliards Chocolates in West Newton added an ice cream counter earlier this year.