I know I'm not alone when I vent about this humid heat wave. High temps are admittedly preventing me from enjoying the outdoors and prompting me to eat more ice cream than a Ben & Jerry's breakup. However, I've chosen to satisfy my frozen fix with local scoops and sips. Try these and out let me know who to add. photo by City & State
1.CITY & STATE
The hot coffees and lattes declare perfection at my Broad Avenue morning retreat. However, the baristas' creative coffee program expands regularly with seasonal offerings--this time in affogato form. Area 51 mint chip ice cream is coated in a shot of bold espresso and quickly becomes the best dessert you've ever tasted.
2. JERRY'S SNO CONES
From mid-morning to mid-evening, summertime visitors expect to pull up to a legendary line winding ‘round the fluorescent pink sno cone stand on a Memphis neighborhood corner. The consistent crowd is remarkable, though it speaks volumes of the quality and pure satisfaction of syrup-heavy flavored ice. The popular “supreme” differentiator adds a swirl of soft-serve yogurt atop the sno cone.
3. A. SCHWAB'S
In the heart of Downtown Memphis’ Beale Street boasts the famous A. Schwab’s General Store and soda fountain. Beyond the ingenious knick-knacks and historical treasures throughout the two-story shop, the in-house crafted sodas, floats and ice cream sundaes are the ultimate draw during hot summer days. Take a step back in time with a cold glass of root beer and vanilla cream, Elvis music in the background, and tourists trotting throughout.
4. MEMPOPS
The first handcrafted, specialty popsicle—dubbed a Mempop—was first sold in a renovated, retro blue mail truck one year ago; and now, the local business’ multiple ice pop trucks and carts collectively sell thousands of frozen flavors a day. All-natural flavors change frequently, typically dependent upon the season; and at the East Memphis brick-and-mortar location, a chocolate-dipped ice pop add-on pleases customers with an extra sweet tooth.
5. DEEP SOUTH POPS
Okay, this isn't in Memphis; but the Jackson-based pop and coffee shop was a pure highlight of my summer road trip, and I couldn't resist sharing. Blueberry and creole cheesecake flavors wildly impressed our taste buds.