While I haven’t experienced a full G-ville summer myself, April and August are enough to show me that summers in Gainesville are hot, humid, and hard to manage. The only way to truly survive the heat is to treat yourself to a frozen treat every once in a while (or everyday). Check out this list for some of Gainesville’s finest and coolest (literally) ice cream, custard and popsicle stores.
1. The Hyppo
Photo by Casey Leopold
The Hyppo sells all natural, gourmet ice pops that are anything but what you used to eat during your childhood days. These unique pops range in all types of flavors like Avocado, Mango, Champagne, Blackberry Clove, Guava Hibiscus, Apple Pie, or Cranberry Habanero. And the best part: you can have any popsicle dipped into a layer of chocolate shell.
2. Sweet Dreams Homemade Ice Cream
Photo by Katie Brady
Sweet Dreams has some of the most unique flavors of ice cream in Gainesville, many of which contain a hint of alcohol–cheers to summer. If you’re leaning towards a “buzzed” ice cream you can get flavors like Bailey’s or Guinness.
If you want to keep it virgin some of their other creative flavors include Mayan Chocolate, which is a chocolate ice cream with a hint of ground red chili peppers or Love Sick, which is a cherry ice cream with fresh black and maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
3. D’Lites Emporium
Photo courtesy of @rkrockwell on Instagram
D’Lites’ soft serve is the epitome of summer. They serve up super creamy and sweet ice cream without the guilt. You can get a small 4oz cup for only 50 calories or a pint of your fav flavor for only 200 calories. D’Lites also has different flavors each day like Caramel Cappuccino Fudge, Yellow Cake Batter, Angel Food Cake and Chocolate Egg Cream.
4. Karma Cream
Photo courtesy of @roldyxvx on Instagram
Karma Cream has a rotating selection of 24 ice cream flavors, 12 of which are vegan coconut milk ice creams. All of the ice cream is organic, free from artificial flavorings, food coloring, and harmful chemicals.
If you want to get creative with your ice cream, Karma Cream offers up a variety of vegan and non vegan toppings in addition to homemade cookies which you can use for an ice cream sandwich.
5. SweetBerries Eatery & Frozen Custard
Photo courtesy of @a_girl_named_jeremy on Instagram
SweetBerries is known for their frozen custard, they even say that “it’s the best thing we do” on their menu. The frozen vanilla or chocolate custard can be blended with almost anything: fruits, nuts, candies, or flavorings.
My favorite flavor is the Caribbean Kick which is vanilla custard, pineapple, coconut and mango–this tropical treat is perfect for the summer heat. In addition to their usual menu flavors, SweetBerries has a flavor of the week which is always a hit.
6. The Gelato Company
Photo courtesy of @The Gelato Company on Facebook
The Gelato Company is a cute little spot in downtown Gainesville with amazing sandwiches, salads, crepes and most importantly, gelato. They boast a variety of special flavors that are different everyday and made daily, so make sure to call ahead to see if your flavor is in. Some of their flavors include S’mores, Cheesecake, Butter Finger, Chocolate Covered Banana, Nutella, and Moon Pie.
7. 3 Natives
Photo by Jocelyn Gordon
If you’re looking for a healthy, trendy, and very Instagram-worthy option, 3Natives is the ideal place. 3Natives is known for their frozen açai bowls which are filled with tons of fruit, granola and nut butters. One of my favorites is The Bird which has açai, peanut butter, granola, banana, strawberry, pineapple, kiwi, coconut and honey.