Isy Kristick, Cooper Ludt, Maci Barron scoop up delicious flavors at Island Creamery on Main Street in Berlin.

By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer

(June 8, 2023) Area residents know that Island Creamery has some of the best ice cream around, but now the nation will know it as well. The shop, with locations in Chincoteague, Berlin and Salisbury. has been nominated as one of the best ice cream shops in the country by USA Today.

Nominees were submitted by a panel of experts who submitted their choices to the editors of USA Today. That group narrowed the field to the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per day at   https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-ice-cream-shop-2023/island-creamery-virginia-and-maryland/?

“I did not even know. I got a text from someone who used to work for me saying congratulations,” said Jen Sorrell, the manager of the Berlin and Salisbury stores about being nominated.

“I clicked on the link and I was shocked. Not much puts me at a loss for words, but this did.”

Sorrell said Island Creamery is a real family business. Kelly and Robin Conklin opened their first shop in Chincoteague in 1975, where they live. Their son, and her fiancé, Drew oversees operations in Maryland. His brother and sister, Cole and Courtney, run production and the flagship shop in Chincoteague.

“Berlin was the first born child, which opened in 2017. A year later, we opened the Salisbury store,” Sorrell said.

“Drew’s family business is something that he could not let go of in his heart. When he asked me if I wanted to be a part of this, I obliged. We want to carry it on for his parents and all the years they have put into the business,” Sorrell said.

The Berlin store’s best seller is Java Jolt, Sorrell said, adding “It’s also Mayor Zack (Tyndall’s) and his son Charlie’s favorite.”

Ryan Nellans, the executive director of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce is partial to Wallops Rocket Fuel.

“My favorite, forever and ever, is the birthday cake ice cream. I love cake, it reminds me of a funfetti cake. The homemade buttercream icing that we swirl into it sets it off,” Sorrell said.

She added that the Cotton Candy Party is the most popular flavor for the younger crowd, because “It’s chock full of sprinkles, and just fun.”

What makes this ice cream so good?

“It sounds corny, but the only thing that I can figure, in the 10 years that I have worked with the family, is the love we put in it. The time and passion in the kitchen in Chincoteague is unmatched.”

If Island Creamery wins the contest, Sorrell said she is going to cry.

“I just feel like all my staff and customers deserve this too. It’s not just for me and my family. It’s for anyone who has stepped into my shop.”

New flavors coming this summer are cantaloupe, blueberry and peach. Summer flavors like Orange Cream and Key Lime Pie are already available. The creamery always has 32 flavors available in addition to dairy free and no sugar added flavors.

Fans may keep voting until noon, June 22. The winner will be announced July 7.