For me, ice cream is never out of season. And as soon as Buttonwood Farm opens on March 1, it’s fair game. Anytime.

Located on Shetucket Turnpike (Route 165) in Griswold, Buttonwood is definitely a special trip, but well worth it. The made-from-scratch ice cream is absolutely to die for, as the long lines just about any day will attest to. If you’re an ice cream connoisseur, this is heaven.

Flavors range from the traditional coffee, butter pecan, black raspberry, etc., to the enticing Jungle George (bananas, walnuts and chocolate chips), white chocolate, and pumpkin. Specials can be found most days, especially in the heart of the summer months when the lines stretch to the street, the waffle machines are working overtime churning out homemade waffle cones, and the customers are willing to try anything. They do great things with coffee flavors, too, and caramels and chocolates.

The servings are gigantic, from the typical cone to the sundae or banana split. The treats can get pricey, but if you love ice cream, trust me, it’s worth it. A family tradition in my house is to stop on the way back from the beach (which is at least once per weekend during the summer) and try to get through the laundry list of flavors in one season.

We never make it — there’s simply too many to choose from, and the old favorites are so good it’s hard to resist their call when you know what you’ll get.

Another treat is the Sunflowers for Wishes fundraiser, happening during one week in July. Visitors can gaze over acres of the happy yellow flowers, take photos, or enjoy a hayride through the fields. Proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

For more information, visit www.buttonwoodfarmicecream.com.

This place will leave you with some of your happiest summer memories.

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