Gabriel's Fountain Satisfies With Hand-made and Delicious Ice Cream

Few things are as soothing as ice cream on a hot summer afternoon—part guilty indulgence, part childhood memory, part plain delicious snack, ice cream is an obsession for many people.

Consequently, we're more than happy to help feed that obsession with a rundown on the more than 48 flavors of ice cream you can enjoy at Gabriel's Fountain, at 1948 Washington Valley Road in the Martinsville section of Bridgewater.

Somewhere in the bowels of Gabriel's, there lives an evil genius busily crafting exotic and—dare we say it? unique—flavors for ice cream, which his minions make onsite.

So far, this ice cream genius has masterminded flavors like "Sponge Bob" (vanilla ice cream with yellow coloring, M&M candies, caramel and bits of brownies), Dulce de Leche, "Funny Bones" (banana ice cream with peanut butter swirls and pieces of fudge brownie) and many, many more.

Since the ice cream is made on-premises, the real proof is in tasting—and Gabriel's ice cream is tasty. They will let you sample any or all of their favors, but for many, that will just confuse: each sample is as delicious as the last and after five or 10 you may feel no closer to a decision on which to order.

I selected a small coconut and almond cone, which really burst with fresh coconut flavor. With the almond pieces, it was a delicious treat.

For those looking for a refreshing non-dairy or low-calorie treat, Gabriel's can help: they have four flavors of gelatos, and three non-fat, low calorie hard ice cream flavors. There's even a no fat, no lactose soft serve ice cream, which they offer in vanilla or a special flavor of the day, such as strawberry. 

And if you feel like topping and don't want to add to the calorie count, try the sugar-free, fat-free fudge topping...

Of course, Gabriel's Fountain also offers shakes, smoothies, slushies (including peach and new Jasmine's Choice Mango Drink), and about anything else you might want from an old-fashioned fountain.

Speaking of old-fashioned, Gabriel's also offers service that's reminiscent of days gone by...the staff is attentive and incredibly patient, and everyone seems to be truly interested in talking about their ice cream and the business. It's a pleasant treat that's a perfect match for their ice cream.

Gabriel's is also a full service restaurant, so if you need to eat a meal before visiting the ice cream counter, you can.

Gabriel's Fountain is open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays; and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays (with the ice cream window open to 10 p.m.).