Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 1 9 52 F ULL DISCLOSURE: I LOVE ICE CREAM, NOT EVERY KIND, ONLY THE BEST. Fortunately Montanans excel at making top quality ice cream. In the case of Wilcoxson's and the Big Dip- per, I think better than Haagen-Daz and Ben & Jerry's. e reasons are fourfold: they are hand-crafted, the milk & cream come from Montana dairies, the other ingredients are Montana-sourced too, thus supporting local communities. Here are my favorites, perhaps yours too. ey can be found either in your local grocery store or in venues around the state. BIG DIPPER. When I go to Missoula my first stop off the Interstate is the Big Dipper on Higgins. e stand-out shop is a joy to the eyes. Even in winter people stand in line to order their special choices. e Big Dipper offers numerous flavors, created as inspiration guides them. Some of my favorites are Mexican chocolate, cardamom, coconut, black licorice, and espresso heath. Amy, a manager said her fa- vorite flavor is white mint oreo, especially if you like oreos. I order by the cup and sit at one of their wood picnic tables and savor my treat. Others swear by their shakes or sundaes. eir ice cream is made in an 800-sq.ft space that includes a refrigerator, walk-in freezer, production area, and retail windows. ey also make their own waffle cones there. e Big Dipper was founded by Charlie Beaton in 1995. e Big Dipper has been featured on Good Morning America and received awards from Food and Wine Magazine, USA Today, Yahoo News, and Budget Travel. BIG DIPPER LOCATIONS: 58 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena; 100 N. Broadway, Billings; Xanterra lodges in Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. On the radar is an outlet in Bozeman—with all the flavors. e Big Dipper also has a truck called "Coneboy" that travels to Missoula events and is featured at pri- vate parties, weddings, etc. Call (406) 543-5722 to reserve the truck. by VALERIE HARMS "THE ONLY EMPEROR IS THE EMPEROR OF ICE CREAM" ~ WALLACE STEVENS T H E E MP E R O R O F I C E C R E A M M O NT A N A ,

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