Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon becomes crispy, around 4-5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Blot off excess grease and set aside.

Drain the bacon grease from pot and add a few sprays of cooking spray. Add onion, carrots, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and sauté until soft, around 4-5 minutes. Sprinkle with all purpose flour and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.

Add the clam juice, milk, and half and half, and whisk until combined. Add the potatoes, Old Bay seasoning, fresh thyme and ⅔ of the cooked bacon crumbles. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired, and stir to combine.

Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a low boil, then immediately reduce heat to a medium-low. Cover and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, approximately 15 minutes.

Once the potatoes are cooked, add clams and stir to combine. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, or until the clams are heated through. Taste and adjust seasonings, as desired. Remove from heat and serve immediately topped with remaining bacon crumbles and fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!