For those of you who are lucky enough to still be in Ann Arbor for Spring term, you know that it’s finally warm. The tundra is no longer, and naturally, that means we want ice cream all of the time. That’s why we’re here to tell you about all of the wonderful ice cream options that Ann Arbor has to offer.
1. Ben & Jerry’s
Photo by Meredith Davin
With a plethora of flavors, Ben & Jerry’s has something for everyone. Last year, Ben & Jerry’s debuted their BRRR-ito, which consists of two scoops of ice cream, topped with chocolate cookie crumbles, drizzled in fudge and rolled into a soft waffle wrap. If you weren’t able to try one last year, now is your time.
2. Blank Slate Creamery
Photo by Zoe Zaiss
If you’ve never heard of Blank Slate, you either don’t go to Michigan or you live under a rock. Blank Slate has the most unique flavors in all of Ann Arbor, ranging from Blackberry Riesling Sorbet, to Blueberry Pancake and even Fresh Basil. Although it’s a bit of a walk from campus, it is definitely worth it, especially now that the weather is nice.
#SpoonTip: Make sure to get your ice cream in one of their homemade waffle cones.
3. Iorio’s Gelateria
Photo by Alex Weiner
Although it’s not technically ice cream, Iorio’s serves a ton of gelato flavors. It was started by two University of Michigan alumni, whose family comes from Morrone del Sannio, Italy. In addition to gelato, Iorio’s also sells espresso beverages, including Affogato, which is a shot of espresso poured over gelato.
4. Kilwin’s Chocolates
Although it’s a bit off of the beaten path, down on the corner of Liberty and Main, you’ll find Kilwin’s, and it is definitely worth the walk. Since 1983, Kilwin’s has been serving delicious handmade chocolates and homemade fudge, and later, they expanded to sell ice cream, too. Although they don’t have as many unique flavors as Blank Slate, they do the classics very well, and the mouthwatering smell of the store is sure to get you inside.
5. Stucchi’s Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Photo by Alex Weiner
Stucchi’s has been around since 1986 and is located right next to Ben & Jerry’s on State Street. Stucchi’s is a local shop, and almost all of their products come from manufacturers in Michigan. They serve a wide variety of flavors, and if it is snowing outside, you get free sprinkles, (which hopefully won’t happen for a long time).
6. Washtenaw Dairy
Photo courtesy of @spoon_michigan on Instagram
If you love huge scoops, this is the place for you. Seriously, their portions are giant. They carry a wide variety of Stroh’s Ice Cream flavors, and in addition to delicious ice cream, they serve eight different flavors of donuts.
#SpoonTip: Go with a friend and try both.