Every true Bay Stater has a favorite ice cream parlor they’ll defend to the death, but most place focus on the hard variety of ice cream. Where do you go if all you’re craving is a delicious cone of the soft stuff? Try one of these Massachusetts parlors that whip up some of the best soft serve ice cream in the state.

1. Cedar Hill Dairy Joy, Weston

This place looks like like the drive-up ice cream shops of your childhood. It’s been open during the summer since 1961 and has been owned and operated by the same family the entire time. The soft serve here is fresh and fun. Try flavors like creamsicle and javaberry (331 North Ave., Weston).

2. Madulka’s Ice Cream, Worcester

This unfussy ice cream joint is situated right on the water in Worcester. You can grab a cup or cone and enjoy views of Lake Quinsigamond as you devour your treat. The vanilla soft serve here is actually pretty spectacular, but they also make a mean chocolate twist. (193 Lake Ave., Worcester)

3. White Farms Homemade Ice Cream, Ipswich

You can’t miss this place: it’s the one with the giant cow on the roof. White Farms Homemade Ice Cream has been around since the 1950s and offers every kind of ice cream treat you could dream of, from sundaes to ice cream cakes. They also offer dozens of flavors of soft serve that will tempt you away from your diet. (326 High St., Ipswich)

4. Eskimo King, Swansea

Locals flock to this old-fashioned ice cream fixture in Swansea as soon as the weather warms up. They serve one of the most extensive selections of ice cream around, both hard and soft-serve, and have a vibe that’s straight out of another era. Stop in and try one of their 300 (yes) flavors of soft serve and frozen yogurt, including faves like cranberry cheesecake, honey almond, and kiwi colada. (29 Market St., Swansea)

5. Cape Cod Creamery, South Yarmouth

Skip the bland soft serve from places like DQ and head to Cape Cod Creamery instead. They offer incredible toppings like Heath Bar and Kit Kat crumbles, as well as an ever-rotating selection of hard and soft serve treats. They also have a nearby location in Hyannis. (5 Theater Colony Rd., South Yarmouth)

6. Dr. Davis Ice Cream, Pepperell

Dr. Davis has been making their own ice cream for over 75 years. They offer homemade soft serve that rivals anything you’d get at an ice cream chain, and also have flavors like thin mint, ginger, caramel turtle, and angel chip on offer. It’s worth stopping by their Pepperell or Brookline, NH locations for something sweet. (67 Hollis St., Pepperell)

7. Florence Soft Serve, Florence

This tiny corner store is the perfect spot to meet up with a friend on a warm summer evening. They serve classic, creamy soft serve like you remember from childhood. It’s cash-only, so come prepared. (89 Main St., Florence)

8. Krispy Cones, Lanesborough

Krispy Cones is a quaint roadside soft serve spot with over 20 flavors of soft serve ice cream. You can enjoy your cool treats on one of their outdoor picnic tables or grab your cones to go. (585 S Main St. Lanesborough)

9. Ice Cream Cafe, Orleans

This quaint and cozy Cape Cod spot serves some of the tastiest soft serve you’ll ever come across. It’s been a fixture in the community for years, and offers everything from premium soft serve in enchanting flavors to an espresso bar and even vegan ice cream choices. Try flavors like avocado, cake batter, or red velvet cake. (5 South Orleans Rd., Orleans)

10. Long Beach Dairy Maid, Gloucester

This is one of the best places on the little cape to stop for ice cream. The options are almost dizzying, and they have 24 flavors of soft serve on the menu. You can also grab a fresh lobster roll or pizza if your cravings are more savory. (147 Thatcher Rd., Gloucester)

These places will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth. If you're more about the hard stuff, check out our round-up of some of the best ice cream shops in Massachusetts here.