This Maine Ice Cream Stand Remains Open Year-Round And Locals Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way

Most ice cream shops close their windows when the first snowflakes fall, but not Fielder’s Choice Ice Cream in Maine.

This beloved family-owned business keeps scooping through every season, proving that locals crave frozen treats even when temperatures drop below freezing.

Since its opening, Fielder’s Choice has built a loyal following by making homemade ice cream from scratch and staying open when others shut down for winter.

Their dedication to serving year-round has turned them into a Maine institution that locals simply can’t imagine living without.

Family-Owned Since 2006

Fielder’s Choice Ice Cream started as a dream and became a Maine staple nearly two decades ago.

The family behind this operation at 271 Bath Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011, decided to create something special for their community back in 2006, focusing on quality ingredients and old-fashioned techniques.

Their commitment to homemade recipes set them apart from chain competitors right from the start.

Building a business from scratch requires dedication, especially in the competitive dessert industry.

The founders chose to stay local rather than expand too quickly, ensuring every batch met their high standards.

This patient approach allowed them to perfect their craft while building genuine relationships with customers.

Nearly twenty years later, their original vision continues to guide every scoop served.

The family atmosphere extends beyond ownership into how staff treats guests, creating a welcoming environment that feels more like visiting neighbors than a commercial transaction.

Six Locations Across Maine

Finding a Fielder’s Choice location has become easier as the business expanded to six spots throughout the state.

Bangor, Auburn, and Brunswick are among the cities lucky enough to host these ice cream destinations, making quality treats accessible to more Mainers.

Each location (including 680 Minot Ave, Auburn, ME 04210) maintains the same commitment to homemade excellence that started with the first shop.

Expansion happened gradually, ensuring each new spot could uphold the brand’s reputation for freshness and flavor.

The strategic placement across Maine means both locals and tourists can satisfy their cravings no matter where they’re exploring.

Every location operates with the same recipes and standards, so customers know exactly what to expect regardless of which shop they visit.

The multiple sites also create jobs in different communities, strengthening local economies.

Despite having several locations, the business hasn’t lost its personal touch or small-batch quality that made it famous initially.

Over 30 Hard Serve Flavors

Walking up to the counter reveals an impressive rainbow of more than thirty hard serve options.

The variety ensures that even the pickiest eaters find something exciting, from classic vanilla to adventurous seasonal creations.

Each flavor gets made in-house using recipes developed and refined over years of experimentation.

The extensive selection means repeat customers can try something new during every visit without exhausting their options for months.

Traditional favorites sit alongside innovative combinations that showcase local ingredients and regional tastes.

Staff members can describe each flavor in detail, helping undecided customers make informed choices based on their preferences.

The hard serve options maintain perfect texture even during winter months when temperatures could affect consistency.

This impressive variety demonstrates the creativity and skill of the ice cream makers who constantly develop and test new ideas.

Having so many choices transforms a simple ice cream run into an exciting decision-making adventure.

Real Maine Blueberries In Every Scoop

Blueberry ice cream at Fielder’s Choice isn’t just flavored with artificial extracts or syrups.

Real Maine blueberries get folded into the cream base, creating an authentic taste that celebrates the state’s most famous fruit.

The wild blueberries grown in Maine have a distinctly intense flavor compared to cultivated varieties from other regions.

Using local berries supports Maine farmers while ensuring the freshest possible ingredients make it into each batch.

Customers can actually see and taste the fruit pieces, confirming the commitment to real ingredients over shortcuts.

This signature flavor has become one of the most requested items, especially among tourists wanting to taste something uniquely Maine.

The natural color and texture of real blueberries create a more interesting eating experience than artificially colored alternatives.

Seasonal availability might affect the exact sourcing, but the dedication to using genuine Maine blueberries remains constant throughout the year.

Authentic Maple Syrup Flavor

Another local ingredient takes center stage in the maple ice cream variety.

Authentic maple syrup sourced from regional producers gives this flavor a depth that artificial maple flavoring could never achieve.

The sweetness comes entirely from natural syrup rather than refined sugars or imitation extracts.

Maple production remains an important tradition in Maine and neighboring states, making this flavor a tribute to regional heritage.

The resulting ice cream carries subtle complexity beyond simple sweetness, with earthy undertones that maple enthusiasts recognize immediately.

Creating proper maple ice cream requires careful balancing since too much syrup can overpower the cream base while too little leaves it bland.

The recipe perfected at Fielder’s Choice hits the sweet spot that keeps customers coming back.

This flavor pairs wonderfully with waffles or pancakes for breakfast-inspired desserts, though it stands perfectly well on its own.

Using real maple syrup represents another example of the shop’s commitment to quality ingredients over cheaper alternatives.

Soft Serve Options Available

Hard serve flavors aren’t the only option for customers craving something frozen and sweet.

Soft serve machines produce the lighter, airier texture that some people prefer, especially for classic vanilla and chocolate varieties.

The equipment gets cleaned and maintained meticulously to ensure consistent quality and food safety.

Soft serve tends to be easier for young children to eat since it melts more quickly and has a smoother consistency.

The option to get chocolate-vanilla twists satisfies those who can’t choose between the two traditional flavors.

Temperature control matters even more with soft serve than hard serve, requiring precise equipment calibration and monitoring.

Despite being simpler than the extensive hard serve menu, the soft serve offerings maintain the same quality standards.

Many customers appreciate having both options available, allowing them to match their choice to their mood or the weather conditions.

The soft serve machine also enables quick service during busy periods when lines stretch out the door.

Drive-Thru Service In Bangor

Convenience reaches new heights at the Bangor location with drive-thru service.

Located at 339 Odlin Rd, Bangor, ME 04401, the drive-thru operates Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m., making winter ice cream runs more comfortable.

Customers can stay warm in their vehicles while ordering and receiving their treats, eliminating the need to brave cold winds.

This service option became especially valuable during winter months when standing outside seems less appealing.

The drive-thru window moves efficiently, though complex orders with many flavors might take slightly longer than simple cones.

Families with small children particularly appreciate not having to unbuckle car seats for a quick dessert stop.

The extended hours until 8 p.m. accommodate after-dinner cravings and evening outings.

Having a drive-thru demonstrates the business’s commitment to accessibility and customer convenience regardless of weather conditions.

This feature sets the Bangor location apart and attracts customers who might otherwise skip ice cream during colder seasons.

Cash-Only With On-Site ATMs

Payment at Fielder’s Choice requires planning since all locations operate on a cash-only basis.

ATM machines installed on-site provide convenient access to cash for customers who arrive without bills in their wallets.

This policy helps the business avoid credit card processing fees, potentially keeping prices lower for everyone.

Cash transactions also speed up service during busy periods since electronic payment processing can sometimes lag or experience technical issues.

The ATM availability shows consideration for customer convenience even while maintaining the cash-only requirement.

Some people actually prefer cash transactions for small purchases, finding them simpler than tracking numerous small charges on credit statements.

First-time visitors might be surprised by this policy, but clear signage prevents confusion at the counter.

The business model works because customers value the product enough to adapt to the payment method.

Having ATMs on-site eliminates the frustration of needing to find another location to withdraw money before returning.

Maine Retailer Of The Year 2019

Recognition from the retail industry arrived in 2019 when Fielder’s Choice earned the Maine Retailer of the Year award.

This prestigious honor acknowledged their growth, community involvement, and commitment to excellence across all locations.

Winning required demonstrating not just sales success but also positive community impact and business practices.

The award validated years of hard work and the family’s decision to prioritize quality over rapid expansion.

Industry recognition brings credibility that helps attract new customers while making loyal patrons feel proud of their favorite shop.

Judges likely considered factors like employee treatment, local sourcing, customer service, and community contributions when making their selection.

The award represents more than just business success – it reflects the values and relationships built over thirteen years at that point.

Displaying this achievement in stores reminds customers they’re supporting an award-winning business that others in the industry respect.

Such recognition can inspire staff members and reinforce the standards that earned the honor initially.

Sundaes And Milkshakes Beyond Scoops

Simple scoops represent just the beginning of what customers can order.

Sundaes piled high with toppings, sauces, and whipped cream transform basic ice cream into decadent desserts worth savoring slowly.

Milkshakes blended to perfect consistency offer a drinkable alternative that showcases the same quality ice cream in different form.

The variety of preparations means customers can customize their experience based on whether they want something simple or extravagant.

Toppings range from classic hot fudge and caramel to seasonal options that change throughout the year.

Building sundaes allows for creative combinations that mix multiple flavors and textures in one dish.

Milkshakes can be made with any of the hard serve flavors, creating endless possibilities for customization.

These elaborate options make Fielder’s Choice suitable for celebrations and special occasions beyond everyday ice cream runs.

The menu diversity ensures groups with different preferences can all find something satisfying at the same stop.

Year-Round Operation Defies Convention

Staying open through Maine winters might seem unusual, but locals have proven the demand exists.

Many ice cream shops close from November through March, assuming cold weather eliminates customer interest in frozen treats.

Fielder’s Choice challenged that assumption and discovered that people crave ice cream regardless of the temperature outside.

Year-round operation requires additional heating costs and winter staffing, but customer loyalty makes it worthwhile.

Some regulars actually prefer eating ice cream in winter, finding the contrast between cold treats and cold air somehow more satisfying.

The decision to stay open demonstrates confidence in the product and understanding of the customer base.

Winter hours might be slightly reduced compared to summer, but the commitment to accessibility remains constant.

This unusual approach has become part of the brand identity, setting Fielder’s Choice apart from seasonal competitors.

Locals appreciate not having to wait months between ice cream fixes, and the year-round availability has become something they wouldn’t want to change.