The Best Ice Cream Parlors To Celebrate National Ice Cream Month
July is commonly the hottest month of the year, so it’s only fitting that it is also National Ice Cream Month. Started by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, the month-long celebration of frozen dairy treats has been bringing a smile to people’s faces ever since. In honor of the cold culinary arts, we’ve put together a list of some of the best scoop shops across America.
The Creole Creamery: New Orleans
New Orleans is often praised for its food, and for good reason. The city is home to some of the country’s best chefs, and the seafood is as fresh as possible. But when it gets hot in New Orleans, it gets really hot, and you can’t cool down with a cup of gumbo. When you just have to have a cool treat in NOLA, stop by The Creole Creamery to beat the heat. The flavors in this celebrated shop pay homage to Louisiana’s heritage with selections like sweet potato sassafras and honey lavender.
Amy’s Ice Cream: Austin, Texas
Just like in New Orleans, when it gets hot in Texas you need something to help you cool down fast. Austin residents have found something better than central air conditioning: Amy’s Ice Cream. Opened in 1984, Amy’s quickly became a Texas favorite, with locations now in Houston and San Antonio as well. The shop offers seven staple flavors year-round, as well as an always-changing menu of seasonal favorites and fun concoctions that differs depending on which location you visit. Rotating menu items include Turkish Espresso and Chocolate Rice Crispie Treat.
Aglamesis​ Brothers: Cincinnati
This vintage ice cream parlor has been a part of the Cincinnati community for more than a century and both locations have been owned by descendants of the original founders, the Aglamesis brothers, ever since they opened. The shop offers customers specialty ice creams and Italian ices created using classic recipes in small batches, as well as a Victorian vibe that will leave you feeling nostalgic for summers past.
Salt & Straw: Portland, Oregon
The West Coast has been buzzing about Salt & Straw for a few years now, and the popular ice cream shop just expanded into California on top of its three Portland locations. The food scientists behind the treats at Salt & Straw are serving up traditional flavors like Birthday Cake alongside more unique options such as Goat Cheese and Avocado Strawberry Sherbet.
Little Baby’s Ice Cream: Philadelphia
This Philly staple has gained a local reputation for its somewhat creepy television commercials, but the only thing scary about the ice cream is how good it tastes. The imaginative flavor creations served up at Little Baby’s are definitely not your typical fare, but those with an open mind and adventurous spirit are sure to find something they love. Regular flavors include Balsamic Banana, Earl Grey Sriracha and even Pizza.