Four Seas Ice Cream on Cape Cod
Considered by ice cream connoisseurs the world over to be one of the best in the country (myself included), Four Seas Ice Cream in the village of Centerville on Cape Cod opened yesterday, as it always has, the Saturday before Memorial Day. Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, the revered ice cream shop was first established in 1934 in an old blacksmith shop. It is the third oldest ice cream shop in New England and a Cape Cod summer tradition. And, in keeping with tradition, it will close after Labor Day, culminating in its famous “end of season” sale.A Cape Cod fixture since it opened, Four Seas features unique flavors, such as Penuche Pecan, inspired by the brown-sugar-based fudge made famous in New England. Legend has it that the peach ice cream at Caroline Kennedy’s rehearsal dinner was by special request. With 24 flavors to choose from, it’s hard to pick “the best”.
Richard Warren, the former owner of this Cape Cod landmark, passed away in 2008 after more than 45 years of ownership. Warren, who started working at Four Seas in 1956 when he was a college student, purchased the shop from its original owner four years later.
The name “Four Seas” comes from a poem by Mabel E. Phinney called “Cape Cod Calls”. It prides itself on excellent ice cream, smiling service, and Cape Cod charm. Sporting the same look since 1934, the shop boasts a retro counter complete with stools plus a small dining room on the side for lunch and those who like to eat their ice cream sitting down. The line is usually out the door, especially on hot summer evenings.
You can find Four Seas on Main Street in Centerville. If you’re new to Cape Cod, visit the Four Seas official website, which has clear directions for the shop from Route 6. Just click on “find us” at the bottom of the page. If you love ice cream and Cape Cod, you won’t want to miss the Four Seas ice cream experience.
May 18th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
After you try Four Seas, come and taste another fine ice cream, at Polar Cave Ice Cream Parlour. Located on Route 28 at the Mashpee/Barnstabe Town Line. For a mere 14 years they have served over 40 flavours of good old fashioned ice cream with service to match from a bygone era! Mention this post and they will give you a FREE kid ice cream cone!