INSIDE SCOOP

1146 Route 17A, Greenwood Lake, NY 10925

845-595-1668 • gwlicecreamshack.com

Seasonal Hours April thru October: Every day noon to 9pm

When I was just starting my riding days, I worked in Ridgewood, NJ. I would take my bike to work often and, during lunch, would forego eating to go for a ride. With a clocked hour, I would head towards Ringwood, Harriman and that area, as the roads were pleasantly twisty and gave me some good experience to hone my newbie skills. Living in Englewood, NJ, Brian and I would use this area as our ‘backyard’ riding for a quick run when we had a short time to enjoy a ride. Now that we are in Sussex county, we hardly get to this area for a fun run but usually when on the way to somewhere else. I have fond memories of my time spent riding around Greenwood Lake, Harriman and the reservoir.

On one of our early spring rides this year, we happened to be back in this neighborhood and, right before taking our right to continue on Route 17A we passed a sign featuring an ice cream cone. As the day was warm and the sun was high (and there was ice cream) we pulled into the parking lot to satisfy our sweet tooth.

GWL Ice Cream Shack is a local spot on the banks of Greenwood Lake, open seasonally from April through October, giving folks a pleasant respite to enjoy some delicious Hershey’s ice cream or a light snack. They have a nice open setting, with plenty of parking, situated on one great piece of asphalt. There is ample seating, covered and not, to relax off the bike for a bit and refuel body and mind. The creatively decorated ‘shack’ and surrounding area makes for a very whimsical time, complete with pigs and cows. To pass the time, there are games of corn hole and tic tac toe to challenge your skills.

Their menu offers so much more than your typical cup or cone, although no one will fault you for going that route. Their rotation of Hershey flavors include everything from Award-Winning Chocolate and Old-Fashioned Vanilla to Graham Central Station (one of my favorites), Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffle (also one of my favorites) and Cappuccino Crunch (yup, that one too – notice a pattern?) The toppings are extensive, starting with Andes Mints and going through the alphabet to Wet Walnuts, with almost everything under the rainbow in between. Want something more creative? The sundaes – your choice of flavors – can be topped with blueberry, caramel, strawberry or one of their specialty options of Cookie Monster, Peanut Butter Bonanza or S’Mores. If you like your ice cream through a straw, their shakes can be made with any flavor ice cream, Black + White or Malted, as well as an old fashioned egg cream. I’m not sure what their ‘Razzle’ is, but I’m guessing it may be akin to a DQ Blizzard, as the mixin list has many candy options. Can’t decide? GWL also offers Ice Cream Flights of three different scoop flavors. Are you a dipper? Then maybe their ice cream nachos will fit the bill. In addition, they have a specials board. During our visit the Secret Sundaes included Bananas Foster, The Laker and PB+J.

Should you find yourself in this neck of the woods, or lakes, take a break, grab a treat, and relax at the Shack. We’ll see you on the ice cream trail.