Kellerhaus Ice Cream Buffet Tips and Tricks
NH’s Lakes Region is home to the state’s oldest candy and ice cream maker, Kellerhaus. The Kellerhaus has delicious homemade ice cream flavors for even the pickiest eaters, as well as an ice cream buffet! In this post I’ll go over:
- Tips and Tricks to make your Kellerhaus visit totally worth it
- History of the Kellerhaus
Tips and Tricks
If you want to beat the rush of customers flocking to the shoppe, be sure to check their hours before you make your trek. I also suggest going on a rainy day, since many of the visitors may be heading over from Weirs beach — and, well, there will be less beach goers on a rainy day!
As far as the ice cream buffet, this is self-serve, but please heed the signs that say to only make one trip through the topping bar. Yes, these toppings are delicious, so we want there to be enough for the visitors after you!
And definitely put the whipped cream on last. Lesson learned that nuts and jimmies stick to hot fudge, but not so much to whipped cream.
After you get your ice cream, you can use the sink to wash any stickiness off your hands — it’s hard not to get hot caramel and fudge on your fingers at the buffet! Pro-tip, the sink turns on via foot pedals at the base of the sink cabinet.
History
This ice cream shoppe changed the way The Lakes Region got their candy fix in 1906 when Otto G. Keller started working at the establishment (then known as Phillips’ candy store). In the early 20s he added homemade ice cream to the menu, using ice from Lake Winnepesaukee. The best part? He offered the ice cream year round!
Over the decades Kellerhaus has made some changes to their menu and store in order to stay ahead of the competition and stay stable with the changing economy, including adding a gift shop in the 1960s. In the 70s, Kellerhaus also added the candy room where you can try several different types of chocolate turtles, fudge, jelly beans, and even get your handmade ribbon candy, which is made on premises. The Kellerhaus was owned by the Keller family until the late 80s, but even though ownership has changed hands, the same original Keller family recipes are used for the ice cream and candies.
Conclusion
So where can you get your fix? Kellerhaus is conveniently located in Laconia, NH, minutes down the street from Weirs Beach (the beach at the south shore of Lake Winnepesaukee). And at just over an hour’s drive from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, and less than 2 hours from Boston’s Logan International Airport, there’s no excuse to not add Kellerhaus to your itinerary.
