Spotted Duck is not your average ice cream stand, and it takes some effort to get there — which is part of the charm. Perched on Route 54 south of Penn Yan, this is a working farm creamery founded by second-generation organic farmers who raise their own flock of ducks. The secret ingredient? Duck eggs, which produce a frozen custard with a richness and density that cow's-milk ice cream simply cannot match. There are no artificial flavors, no stabilizers, no shortcuts. The cream, milk, and eggs are locally sourced, the vanilla extract is handcrafted in-house from organic vanilla beans, and the chocolate chip cookies folded into the Real Cookies & Cream flavor are baked on-site daily.

The flavor roster rotates seasonally, but the signatures are worth seeking out. The Vanilla Creme is a masterclass in restraint — bright, clean vanilla with a custardy backbone that needs no toppings. Fleur Bleu combines local blueberries with French lavender for something that's as striking to look at as it is to eat (expect a blue tongue). For those with dietary restrictions, dairy-free flavors and gluten-free cones are available without fanfare. The farm itself is part of the experience — kids can meet the ducks, and the rural setting overlooking the fields makes this feel like a proper Finger Lakes outing rather than just a dessert stop.

A word of warning: Spotted Duck operates on a limited schedule, open only on Saturdays during the colder months and with seasonal summer hours. They also sell pints through a subscription Pint Club for the truly devoted. With 11,000 Instagram followers for a farm ice cream stand in Penn Yan, the word is clearly out. Go on a Saturday, bring cash just in case, and do not skip the cookies.