There is a little ice cream shop in Massachusetts that has been scooping since the 1900s.
Yes, you read that right.
While the world changed, cars got faster, and prices went way up, this place kept churning out cones the old-fashioned way.
It’s recognized as the state’s oldest ice cream shop, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s still going strong.
People drive miles for a single scoop, families turn it into a tradition, and kids who once stood on tiptoes to order now bring their own children back for the same flavors.
So what makes this old ice cream shop worth the trip?
Let’s talk about the sweet details that keep everyone coming back for more.
Where Is It?
Four Seas Ice Cream is located in Centerville, a village within the town of Barnstable on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
You’ll find it on 360 S Main Street, less than a mile from Craigville Beach and about a 10-minute drive from Hyannis.
From Boston, expect about a 1.5-hour drive, 1 hour and 20 minutes from Providence, RI, and roughly 2.5 hours from Springfield.
About
The moment you arrive at Four Seas Ice Cream, you can tell you’re somewhere special, even though it’s not flashy.
It’s a charming white Cape Cod building with bright blue awnings and trim, a small parking lot out front, and a classic roadside ice cream stand feel.
Inside, the space feels very cozy, with blue booths, framed photos, and newspaper clippings on the walls, and a simple old-school counter setup.
This spot is famous for making homemade ice cream on site, with longtime favorites like Chip Chocolate and Penuche Pecan being served here for 90+ years!
You’ll also find familiar classics like vanilla, chocolate, and coffee alongside rich scoops like Maple Walnut and Black Raspberry.
If you’re up for seasonal treats, Fresh Strawberry, Fresh Peach, and other rotating fruit flavors are worth trying.
Best of all, the texture is rich, creamy, and decadent, with scoops that feel dense and satisfying instead of airy or whipped.
Beyond cones and cups, you can order a banana split, brownie à la mode, frappes, ice cream sodas, and floats if you’re craving something extra nostalgic.
And don’t forget their famous sundaes with hot fudge on top.
As for the vibe, it’s classic Cape Cod summer, with no frills or gimmicks, just really good treats and happy chaos.
It’s like stepping into a slice of New England tradition, except you’re holding a melting cone and trying to decide if you should go back for seconds.
History
So how did this little Centerville scoop shop become such a Cape Cod icon?
Four Seas Ice Cream first opened in 1934 in a converted blacksmith’s barn, right in the middle of the Great Depression.
It was founded by W. Wells Watson, who named the shop after the four bodies of water that surround Cape Cod.
From the beginning, they served delicious homemade ice cream to both locals and summer visitors.
Over the years, ownership changed, but it never moved from its original location.
In 1960, it was purchased by Dick Warren, whose family ran it for decades before new owners took over in 2024.
Through all those transitions, the focus on tradition and classic flavors never changed.
The shop has even earned national recognition, including being named one of the top ice cream parlors in the country by USA Today.
Nearly a century later, it’s still going strong, showing that simple ingredients and time-tested methods never go out of style.
On a beautiful summer evening, expect a crowd, a line out the door, and plenty of regulars who will tell you it is always worth it.
Know Before You Go
Best Time to Visit
Four Seas Ice Cream is open seasonally, usually from late May through September.
Hours vary during its main run, but in the off-season, the shop is open Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm for pre-packaged pints and quarts only.
Summer is easily the best time to visit, when Cape Cod is buzzing, and ice cream somehow tastes even better after a beach day.
Parking, Lines, and Seating
There is on-site parking, but it can fill up quickly during busy July and August afternoons, so arriving early is a smart move.
If you spot a line out the door, do not panic, since it moves quickly and is all part of the fun.
There is a small indoor seating area with blue booths, counter stools, and tables, but space is limited, so you may still find yourself enjoying your cone on the go.
Things to Do Nearby
After your cone, do not rush off just yet.
Craigville Beach is only two minutes away and perfect for a stroll, a swim, or simply soaking up more Cape Cod scenery.
If you want to explore more of Barnstable, drive 10 minutes over to Hyannis to visit the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum and Cape Cod Maritime Museum.
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is also nearby, with 26 miles of paved bike path stretching from Dennis to Wellfleet if you want to earn your ice cream the fun way.
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