Let's Scream for Ice Cream! Celebrate National Ice Cream Day in Atlanta

As the summer sun reaches its peak, there's no better way to beat the heat than indulging in a delightful treat (I did not mean to rhyme that whole thing, haha). This year, on National Ice Cream Day, why not take a flavorful journey through Atlanta? Whether you're a classic vanilla purist, a chocoholic seeking the ultimate fudge fix, or an adventurous soul craving exotic flavors with whimsical names, Atlanta's vibrant ice cream scene has shops catering to every taste bud.

One of my personal favorites is Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream. My mother introduced me, and she is really the one who loves this place. When we go on vacation, she always searches to see how close Jeni's is to us. In Tampa, a few years ago, we went to get Jeni's every day for the week we visited. At the time of this writing, there are 9 Jeni's locations in Atlanta and surrounding cities. The ones I frequent most are on Howell Mill and at The Battery Braves Baseball Field. Seating is limited at all the locations I have visited. Jeni's is known for its inventive flavors and high-quality ingredients. From classics like Brambleberry Crisp to seasonal delights such as Sweet Cream Biscuits & Peach Jam, there's something for everyone. My personal favorite is the Gooey Butter Cake. Jeni's also caters to non-dairy eaters and has dairy-free options as well as sorbet.

Another spot that I enjoyed was Honeysuckle Gelato in Ponce City Market. According to their website, they have four Georgia locations, including Ponce City Market (Trilith, Fayetteville; Eastern Wharf, Savannah, GA; Lee + White, Atlanta, GA). I've visited the one located in Ponce and thoroughly enjoyed it after a meal in the Ponce City Food Hall. I like the mango sorbet! It's a refreshing treat for this Atlanta heat and tastes like a fresh mango. They offer a variety of gelato and other sorbet flavors.

If you are looking for a place that serves sugar on top of sugar, check out The Yard Milkshake Bar. I haven't visited here yet, because as delicious as their menu looks, it also seems like so much sugar to drink/eat. If you venture here, be sure to take someone (or three) and split a dessert. They are located on Marietta Street in Atlanta. They offer a few gluten and vegan friendly options, too.

For those of you who may be outside the perimeter and north, in Kennesaw there is the Frozen Cow Creamery, right in downtown Kennesaw. Frozen Cow has so many flavors that they aren't even listed on their website! But they do have their most popular flavors listed to give an idea of what flavors are available. Their process of making the ice cream is fun to watch. They start with a sweet cream liquid base, then you add your favorite ingredients. Finally, they will freeze the ice cream right in front of you with liquid nitrogen. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, but since it's in downtown Kennesaw, you can enjoy a stroll through the city or sit in the local amphitheater that was recently finished in Summer 2024.

A little further north is Scoops in downtown Acworth. I've only ever visited Scoops in Acworth, but they have 17 total locations in Georgia! In addition to ice cream, they also sell nostalgic, old-fashioned candy and homemade treats such as chocolate, fudge, brownies, and candied apples. Every time I visit here, I try something new, and it's always delicious! They have booths inside and picnic tables outside in the back for customers to sit and enjoy their sweet treats.

Have you been to any of these local ATL shops? Let me know in the comments which you enjoyed. And if you've been to The Yard, let me know your thoughts.

Happy eating!

Stay Peachy!