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The Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor

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268 reviews#2 of 4 Desserts in Watkins Glen$Dessert American Vegan Options

221 S Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891-1508+1 607-535-7354Website

Open now: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

COVID-19 update: See the added health and safety measures this property is taking.Read more

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Travel safe during COVID-19

What you can expect during your visit

Face masks required for staff in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to guests & staff
Regular temperature checks for staff
Socially distanced dining tables
Staff required to regularly wash hands
Tables disinfected between guests

Updated 09/30/20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.

A note from The Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor

Ratings and reviews

4.5 268 reviews

#2 of 4 Dessert in Watkins Glen

Travelers' Choice

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

PRICE RANGE

$5 - $15

CUISINES

American

Special Diets

Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

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features, about

Location and contact

221 S Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891-1508

Website

+1 607-535-7354

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Cary S

31 reviews

Reviewed January 1, 2021

Too Many Choices

Had a hard time picking a flavor with all the choices. No inside service due to Covid, so we used the pick-up window. Hard and soft ice cream served here. I did the soft while my wife tried the hard. Very good ice cream.

Date of visit: October 2020

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Creeping_Death_LA

1,605 reviews

Reviewed November 4, 2020

Old school since 1982

As we were driving by my daughter saw the vegan ice cream sign and we had to stop by and try it. We ordered a grape pie slice and it was actually very interesting tasting. The texture was almost like grape jam and wasn't to...overly sweetened. A good place to stop by if you want to try something different.More

Date of visit: November 2020

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Richard S

93 reviews

Reviewed October 12, 2020

Try the grape pie

We heard about the grape pie and were told that this is the place to try it by the slice.... Well worth the experience, warm with ice cream would be awesome...

Date of visit: October 2020

Helpful?1

Bev C

7 reviews

Reviewed October 11, 2020 via mobile

Yea!

Great ice cream, great staff. Efficient despite the covid. We have visited at least 10 times this summer-always good and huge scoops. Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffle is tops!

Date of visit: October 2020

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Neil F

1 review

Reviewed October 10, 2020 via mobile

Two words - not good

With all the creameries in the area, I can’t believe locals recommended this place Ice cream was a waxy not creamy consistency and the flavors were not vibrant Take a hard pass

Date of visit: October 2020

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superrmaren

16 reviews

Reviewed October 6, 2020 via mobile

GLUTEN FREE CAKE AND SUGAR

GLUTEN FREE CAKE AND SUGAR CONES!!! 😋 stopped by on a whim and was going to get a dish of Hershey’s Teaberry, but I changed my order when I saw GF cones.

Date of visit: October 2020

Helpful?

Thank you for stopping by!! It was nice to meet you and we are Happy that we could accommodate your gluten free needs!! It was also neat to see your excitement when you saw we had the cones ! Hope to see you again soon

grotepoten

1 review

Reviewed September 27, 2020

Terrible Grape Pie

I drove to Watkins Glen specifically based on the positive reviews of "The Great Escape." My ice cream was okay, nothing spectacular at all. I was incredibly disappointed with the two Grape Pies I purchased. The pie crust was stale and tasteless. The pie filling...tasted like grape jam, much too sweet for my taste. I rely on truthful reviews for my travels and visits. I cannot recommend "The Great Escape," skip it and visit another ice cream shop instead. Please do not buy the Grape Pie.More

Date of visit: September 2020

Helpful?

Thank you so much for taking the time to post a review. We are so sorry that you did not enjoy our grape pie. We get our grapes through a local coop and with this seasons grapes with our drought this summer, the grapes have...More

Z7481DOlindaf

7 reviews

Reviewed September 24, 2020

Very Berry Milkshake So Good!

We were driving through Watkins Glen and saw this place and decided to stop for a milkshake! It was delicious! I had the very berry and he had a chocolate shake

Date of visit: September 2020

Helpful?

So glad you stopped for a milkshake and enjoyed it. We hope you come back soon

She_loves_Seneca

10 reviews

Reviewed September 17, 2020

Real, homemade ice cream

So much is marketed as "homemade" these days, but at The Great Escape, this isn't just a clever marketing ploy, it's real life! Jackie makes amazing homemade ice cream, gelato, ice cream novelties, cakes, and baked goods. Her grape (and other fruit) pies are stellar....Custom ice cream cakes, handmade novelties, all in a unique, vintage-vibe setting makes this is a must-visit when in Watkins Glen. Oh, and it's just a couple blocks from beautiful Watkins Glen State Park - what's not to love?!More

Date of visit: September 2020

Helpful?

Thank you so much for coming to the Great Escape. We continue to try different flavors and use as much local fruits and wines. Thanks again for stopping in. Come back soon.

HistoryNerd21

95 reviews

Reviewed September 14, 2020

Great ice cream

One of two really great ice cream parlors in Watkins Glen that aren't Ben and Jerry's. Ben and Jerry's is great, but since you are in town you should try the independently owned places, they take good care of you and have a great selection....Definitely try this place.More

Date of visit: August 2020

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