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Lindsey Levin
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Let’s get straight to the pint. There’s only so much that air conditioning and shade can help cool things down on a Music City summer day. Read on for one-of-a-kind ice cream spots perfect for lifting spirits and lowering temps.
“Splendid” is an understatement. With both classic and unique flavors across the board in dairy, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, everyone can enjoy a scoop (or a couple) at this nationwide favorite. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams can be found at Fifth + Broadway, 12 South, East Nashville, Hillsboro Village, Brentwood, Franklin, and other locations around the city. Or if you really want to beat the Tennessee heat, you could always pick up a pint at the grocery store.
Legendairy Milkshake Bar offers stunning gourmet milkshakes in a fast, casual setting downtown. The presentation — mason jars piled high with all the ice cream, toppings, and sweetness imaginable — makes these shakes almost too pretty to eat. After the first taste, though, it should be no problem. Share with a friend or have one to yourself. We won’t judge.
Can’t decide between cooling down with a refreshing cocktail or an oh-so-delicious treat? Look no further than this boozy new favorite in SoBro. This ice cream barlour even offers Nashville exclusive flavors: Salted Caramel Whiskey Pecan Pie infused with Jackson Morgan Southern Cream and My Bachelorette Party sorbet infused with Pickers Pink Lemon Vodka. Want to bring the kiddos? No problem, because Tipsy Scoop offers a variety of classic alcohol-free flavors and handcrafted mocktail-inspired ice creams.
A local favorite across Middle Tennessee, Hattie Jane’s Creamery serves phenomenal modern takes on Southern traditionals like Nana Puddin’, Brown Butter Pecan, Goo Goo & Jack, dairy-free Strawberry Jam, and more. Hattie Jane’s Creamery offers a small-town feel in the big city. Their ice creams begin with either their Tennessee Dairy Base or Dairy-Free Coconut Base, and detailed ingredients can be found on their website. Shops can be found in Assembly Food Hall, Donelson, Murfreesboro, and Columbia.
Just like it sounds, Fryce Cream is all about to-die-for fries and made-from-scratch soft serve perfect for those who want a little savory with their sweet. Choose from vanilla, chocolate, swirl, or vegan soft serve, then add toppings or a chocolate dip. T he fries can be served plain or with a variety of seasonings and dips (yes, of course, there’s Nashville Hot). Dip your fries in your ice cream or don’t; both are elite individually and together. Head to 12 South or Donelson to taste this classic combo.
Calling all cookie monsters: make the ultimate ice cream sandwich at The Baked Bear in Midtown. Mix and match from over a dozen baked-from-scratch cookies, brownies, original-recipe ice cream flavors, and add some toppings. For a lighter treat, the bear bowl (consisting of ice cream over a warm cookie or brownie skillet) is a must-try choice.
We do want a spoon. Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar in 12 South blends nostalgia with happiness in every bite. Try a cereal bowl or mix your favorite cereal in ice cream or a shake. Don’t forget to check out the bevs menu with coffee, tea, seltzers, cocktails, and more. A great spot for kiddos or date night, it’s a fun space with multiple murals, a backyard with firepits for s’mores, picnic-style tables, and cornhole boards.
New to Edgehill, Van Leeuwen is a NYC-born and nationally beloved brand known for its made-from-scratch dairy and vegan ice cream. Taste more than 30 of the brand’s signature flavors along with custom sundaes, handmade ice cream sandwiches, root beer floats, milkshakes, and pints to-go. This location is the brand’s first expansion in the southeast, so indulge in a taste of the Big Apple from Music City.