Unearth The Voyage
You have probably heard of beer flights and wine flights, but a flight of ice cream and cheese? That combination sounds strange until you actually taste it, and then it makes total sense.
Tucked into the Finger Lakes region of New York, there is a working dairy farm where cows graze in the fields right beside the little shop, and the milk they produce becomes some of the most talked-about ice cream and cheese around. You get to pick your own tasting board, mix and match flavors, and take home whatever you love most.
This is the kind of stop that breaks up a busy day of touring and gives your group something memorable to talk about. Keep reading, because this small farm has a surprisingly big story worth knowing.
A Working Dairy Farm With a Tasting Shop Attached
Cows grazing in the field next to the shop are usually the first thing that catches your attention here, and that is exactly the point. The milk that goes into everything sold at this farm comes from right on the property.
You will find Shtayburne Farm Creamery at 2909 Chase Rd in Rock Stream, New York, deep in the heart of the Finger Lakes. It sits in the countryside near Watkins Glen, an easy detour for anyone touring the area.
The concept is simple and clever. A tiny storefront holds a case of homemade ice cream and locally made cheeses, and you build a tasting board from whatever combination appeals to you.
Regulars mention that the farm setting adds a lot to the visit, with fields, animals, and open sky surrounding the little shop. It feels grounded and real rather than polished and packaged.
With a 4.8 star average across more than 570 reviews, the place has clearly earned its reputation. Folks describe it as one of the most memorable stops in the region, and that is a strong claim in an area packed with things to do.
The Flight Concept That Started It All
Flights are what put this farm on the map, and it is easy to see why. Instead of committing to a single scoop or one block of cheese, you choose a board of 4, 8, or 12 items and taste your way through.
The freedom to mix and match is the real magic. You can go all ice cream, all cheese, or split the difference however you like, as long as you stay within your total count.
Couples often grab an 8-item board with four ice creams and four cheeses, which turns out to be plenty for two people to share. Larger groups sometimes go big with 12.
People love that the portions are generous, describing something close to a full scoop of each flavor rather than a stingy sample. That makes the tasting feel like a real treat instead of a tease.
Cheese flights and ice cream flights are the two most mentioned experiences here, followed closely by the combined board. It is the kind of idea that sounds odd on paper and delights everyone in practice.
Homemade Ice Cream Churned From Farm Milk
Ice cream made from the farm’s own milk is the headliner, and it delivers. The flavors run creamy and rich, with a lineup that keeps people coming back for more.
Guests have worked through options like butter cream, raspberry chocolate, cherry chocolate, coffee bean, purple cow, and plain chocolate in a single sitting. Peanut butter ice cream also earns its own fans among the regulars.
What stands out is how fresh everything tastes when the milk travels only a short distance from cow to churn. That closeness shows up in the final product.
Even folks who claim they are not big ice cream people have walked away calling it the best they have had. That is a fun kind of turnaround to hear.
Beyond scoops and flights, you can buy full pints to take home, so a favorite flavor does not have to stay behind. Ice cream sandwiches make the rounds too, adding another way to enjoy the churned goodness.
Cheese Made Right on the Property
Cheese shares the spotlight with the ice cream, and this farm takes it seriously. Cheese making is part of the operation, and the results fill the case alongside the frozen treats.
Cheddars get plenty of attention, along with cheese curds, which are among the most requested items on the boards. There is a range for every palate.
The aged options push into bold territory. The 10 year aged reserve carries a strong, funky character that die-hard cheese fans seek out, though it is not for everyone, and that is fair.
Milder choices balance the menu, and a smoked cheddar rounds out the selection for those who want something in between. Personal taste steers the experience here.
Many people enjoy the tasting so much that they load up a cooler with blocks to bring home. When the cheese comes from the same farm as your milk, stocking up just makes sense.
A Welcome Break From the Wine Trail
Touring the Finger Lakes can turn into a long day of tasting rooms, so this farm offers a refreshing change of pace. It gives your group something completely different to enjoy between stops.
Non-drinkers especially appreciate it, since flights of ice cream and cheese let everyone join in the tasting fun. Nobody feels left out of the flight experience.
Tour drivers and groups often name this the most memorable stop on their route, which says a lot given how much competition the region offers. It sticks in people’s memories.
The break from wineries theme comes up again and again among visitors. It is a palate reset and a fun detour rolled into one.
Families find it just as appealing as adult touring groups. That flexibility is part of why it fits so neatly into a Finger Lakes itinerary.
Cozy Indoor Space and Sunny Outdoor Seating
Small is the honest word for the inside of this shop. The storefront is tiny, holding the tasting counter, provisions, and a bit of indoor seating.
The outdoor space is where many people settle in. Picnic tables, umbrellas, and open views of the countryside make it a pleasant spot to enjoy a board.
On a nice day, the sunshine and farm scenery turn a quick stop into a relaxed pause. Several seating options give groups room to spread out.
Because the shop itself is compact, spreading out to the tables often works best when you are traveling with a crowd. It keeps the flow easy.
The mix of a modest interior and generous outdoor room reflects the whole vibe here. Nothing fancy, just comfortable and genuine.
Farm Animals and Friendly Barn Cats
Part of the fun here has four legs. Cows graze nearby, and at certain times of year the property has had newborn calves and kittens for guests to wander over and see.
The resident barn cats have become minor celebrities. One friendly kitty is known for hanging around the outdoor tables, and it apparently loves cheese as much as the guests do.
Some people find the cats charming company during their tasting, while others prefer to keep an eye on their board. Fair warning, a bold cat may try to sample your flight.
Even a visiting dog has not fazed these fearless felines, which adds to the country character of the place. The animals are simply part of the experience.
For families with kids, the chance to see farm animals up close turns a treat run into a small adventure. It is a stop that entertains the whole group.
Extras, Snacks, and Take-Home Provisions
Beyond the flights, the little shop stocks a handful of goods worth browsing. Drinks, crackers, and other snacks are on hand to round out your tasting.
Gluten free options have shown up on the shelves too, which is a thoughtful touch for guests who need them. It widens who can enjoy the stop.
Take-home containers make it easy to keep the good stuff going. You can grab pints of ice cream from the refrigerator or blocks of cheese to pack in a cooler.
Buying individual cones is an option as well, so you are not locked into a full flight if you just want a quick treat. The setup is flexible.
Whatever you fall for during your tasting, you can usually buy more of it before you leave. That way your favorites travel home with you.
Hours, Value, and Planning Your Visit
Timing matters here, so plan before you go. The shop is open Tuesday through Monday from 10 AM to 5 PM, with later hours until 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and it is closed on Sundays.
The staff have a reputation for kindness. People who arrived just after closing have still been welcomed with a scoop, which speaks to the friendly spirit of the place.
On value, flights are described as affordable with generous portions. A useful tip from careful spenders is that buying three of the 4-item flights can work out cheaper than one 12-item board, so do the quick math for your group.
Sharing a board is often the smart move for couples and small groups. It stretches the fun and the flavors further.
Since it sits near Watkins Glen and the wineries, it slots easily into a day of touring the Finger Lakes. A little planning around the hours keeps things smooth.
