By Mike Anderson
Portsmouth’s Market Square is the center of the Seacoast universe. Here, you’ll find such iconic landmarks as the North Church, with its magnificent white steeple, and the historic Portsmouth Athenaeum. Market Square is also home to an intriguing collection of shops, restaurants, and cafés – and, of course, Kilwin’s. This popular ice cream parlor plus candy store has something for everyone, and the selection of chocolates and candies makes it worth a visit long after summer has ended.
Kilwin’s has been in business since 1947, but not in Portsmouth. It’s a franchise operation; our Congress Street Kilwin’s has been open for several years. Although it isn’t strictly a local shop, it feels like one. The staff is outgoing and helpful. The store itself has a wholesome, almost old-fashioned feel. And Kilwin’s does make their own ice cream (just not on site; it comes from the Kilwin’s company). Everything in the store is made by Kilwin’s, and some of it is produced at the local shop.
The ice cream is delicious. I sampled several flavors and settled on Cappuccino Chocolate Chip. It had great coffee flavor and crunchy chocolate chips. Kilwin’s has many flavors, and, just like an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, they have the round ice cream tubs in a freezer with a glass top. Some of the flavors are quite unique. “Portsmouth Tracks” has peanut butter cups, a peanut butter swirl and chocolate and vanilla ice creams. “Portsmouth Mud” has vanilla ice cream with chocolate and caramel.
And then there’s the candy. The shop has a large case full of bon bons and other tempting creations, like chocolate-covered crisped rice pops. Kilwin’s also sells fudge; right now they’re offering a free slice when you buy two. One fudge flavor looked especially appealing: German chocolate cake fudge. Other confectionary delights include peanut brittle (and brittle made from other nuts); chocolate-covered cookies; caramel apples and much, much more.
Kilwin’s website states, “A visit to Portsmouth wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Kilwin’s,” and it would be hard to disagree. Decide for yourself, at 20 Congress Street, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
Starting with Kilwin’s, our ice cream shop reviews will include ratings, with scoops representing a score (four scoops for best score). Scores will be based on ice cream quality; the variety and creativity of flavors; pricing and value, and staff friendliness.
Kilwin’s earned three scoops on my recent visit.
