The Ice Cream Barn — Restaurant in Swansea

Where to start? I have never been to an ice cream place like this before. First - the ice cream is incredible! See flavors in attached pictures. Pricey, but you get a lot. Our family of four split two "regular" sizes, each of which could have two (generous) scoops of ice cream. The chocolate brownie Oreo in particular was outstanding, and the chocolate peanut butter had chocolate chips as well as peanut butter cups in it - incredible!

Where this place distinguishes itself is in its commitment to renewables and just being green in general. They generate their own power - a 30kW solar system adorns the roof, and their website lets you see how much power they are generating, and how much CO2 emissions have been saved.

The coolest part, though, is that EVERYTHING they give you - cups, spoons, napkins, etc., - ALL of it is compostable! I've never seen anything like it. The "plastic" cups in particular - you would never know the difference from real plastic. And they have special, well-labeled disposal bins all over their enormous parking lot (it's just gigantic, especially out in back of the building). They have helpful signs indicating what should be thrown where, but should also remind people when serving their goodies that everything should be put in the compostable disposal, because most people won't necessarily take the time to read the signs, and won't realize that's not real plastic in their hands. They also provide a courtesy garbage can for other garbage you might happen to have beyond whatever was given to you with your ice cream.

We were so stunned with this place's renewable/sustainable efforts that we made the effort to go back in and thank them - I wish more places would be this dedicated to that effort. It's a shame we aren't local to them, or it would be the only place we go to (and we live near some very well known ice cream establishments!).

There is also an ATM inside, which is a nice convenience for those that need some cash.

100% recommended, on so...

The Green Tea and Honeycomb frozen yogurt is PERFECTION! My husband and I have been wanting to try this place and yesterday he stopped in on his way home. Ever since I read about this place and checked out their offerings I was intrigued by the Green Tea and Honeycomb frozen yogurt and knew that I would have to try it. It was everything I had hoped for and more! PLEASE, don’t ever discontinue this flavor! This could easily become an addiction. SO good! My husband got the Black Raspberry frozen yogurt and it too was really, really good. I really feel that living in Swansea, Ma, we are lucky that we do have a few excellent options in local ice cream sources, all of which are comparable in cost and that special small town quality, but I have to say that The Ice Cream Barn easily stands out above the rest with respect to unique flavor options. This is something we look for, but seldom find, so, BIG kudos for that! Beyond that, this place rates great for quality, cleanliness, and friendliness. I am seeing some people commenting on the cost, but we find that they are right in line with the other local ice cream establishments. For what you get, it is easily worth what you pay. Yesterday was our first experience here, but it will definitely not be the last! I need more Green Tea and Honeycomb frozen yogurt in my life - and we can’t wait to try the more mainstream selections as well. All around awesome experience!...

WOW! This was my 1st visit this afternoon, & I definitely enjoyed the ice cream. I purchased 2 pints (as this is a better buy & will be eaten quickly) total cost $10.26. While standing in line samples are offered & there wasn't a limit on samples, however I only had 1, Coffee Milk & that is exactly what I ordered & I would get it again. Taste exactly like Coffee Milk & we New Englanders love our coffee milk!! The ice cream is made on site, I asked. Also inquired about the purchase of the containers they scoop from which IS an option however pre order is required, price was estimated around $80.00 again approximately. The place was decently clean, service was friendly & line moved quickly. I love the interior it's all knotted wood barn board that covers walls & ceilings. Waffle cones are made to view, employees all wear brown "ice cream barn" t-shirts & anyone who had long hair had it in a ponytail!!! They both label & date pints. All orders are written down at the cash register & viewed prior to filling. The ice cream is hard ice cream no soft serve that I saw. I also noticed on the menu that they offer a "party size bowl" this feeds many & will run you around $25.00, so if you've got a group & stopping it's something to consider. I will absolutely...