Sweet Nostalgia Returns to Kerhonkson Summers

A Sweet Legacy in the Hudson Valley

Nestled in Kerhonkson, New York, a small town with a rich history, Robert Christian has carved out a unique space in the local community with his ice cream shop, Sleeping Giant Ice Cream. Opened in 2021 on 3 Sunset Drive, the shop is more than just a place to grab a treat—it’s a reflection of Christian’s deep connection to his roots and his family's long-standing love for ice cream.

Christian, a native of Kerhonkson and a graduate of Rondout Valley High School, grew up surrounded by the charm of the Hudson Valley. His grandfather once ran an ice cream store, which left a lasting impression on him. “That was really the inspiration for what’s going on here,” he shared during an interview. The idea of creating a space where people could pause and enjoy simple pleasures became the driving force behind his venture.

The name "Sleeping Giant" pays homage to the Shawangunk Mountains, a natural landmark that stretches across the region. According to Christian, the name symbolizes the beauty and majesty of the landscape that surrounds the shop. This theme is reflected in the shop’s vibrant green and orange décor, which stands out along U.S. Route 209. Every detail, from the dark green base to the bright-colored furniture and the fire pit, was carefully chosen to create a welcoming environment.

“We want to create a space where the little moments in life can be celebrated and appreciated,” Christian explained. “This is the spot.”

A Variety of Flavors and Treats

Sleeping Giant offers a wide range of ice cream options, both soft serve and hard-packed. Classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate are available, as well as unique twists such as cake batter soft serve and strawberry Dole Whip. Customers can also customize their cones with various dips, including chocolate, cherry, butterscotch, and toasted coconut.

For those looking for something a bit different, the shop serves hard ice cream in flavors like French vanilla, pistachio, cotton candy, cookie dough, and Kahlua almond amaretto. Milkshakes, affectionately called "Shawangunk Shakes," are another favorite, while the "Shawangunk Conglomerate" offers a customizable mix of soft serve and mix-ins like M&Ms, peanut butter cups, or chocolate chips.

Ice cream tacos and waffle cones and bowls made on-site are also popular choices. Christian credits the quality of his ingredients and equipment for the shop’s success. “Our soft serve is phenomenal,” he said. “We’ve got an electro-freeze machine that’s like a Ferrari. That thing puts out thick, creamy product.”

The Magic Behind the Ice Cream

Christian believes that the magic of ice cream lies in its ability to bring joy and nostalgia. He often references the Thornton Wilder play "Our Town," which resonates with his vision for the shop. “We get tied up in stuff,” he said. “We pay attention to the news like we control it, like we can do something about it. We’re always running around, worried about things we can’t control. If you’ve got a couple of bucks in your pocket and a couple of minutes, I’ll make you feel like an 8-year-old.”

This sense of simplicity and wonder is what keeps customers coming back. Whether they're 8 or 80, they can find a moment of happiness at Sleeping Giant. Christian emphasizes that the shop’s success is not just about the ice cream, but also about the people who work there. “The ice cream is the magic,” he said. “The people who work there have the magic wand that brings it together. Most of the success here is due to them because they led the way.”

A Seasonal Destination

Sleeping Giant Ice Cream operates for six months out of the year, typically from late spring through early fall. During this time, the shop is open daily from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. For those interested in visiting, more information can be found online at sleepinggianticecream.com or by following the shop on Instagram at @sleepinggianticecream.