National Ice Cream Day: 4 places to celebrate in Gainesville 

Gainesville may not be in the panhandle, but July can easily become too hot to handle. Temperatures soar regularly into the 90s, and it feels more like 110 degrees. Ready to cool down? In honor of National Ice Cream Day, here are four decadent places to celebrate the sweet holiday in Greater Gainesville.  

Go au natural at Karma Cream 

Three words: vegan ice cream, and it is actually really good. Karma Cream is located near  the University of Florida campus, and it is a popular stop for students and residents alike. The vegan menu features delectable plant-based ice creams with flavors including pistachio, chocolate peanut butter and cappuccino.  

For those with a raging sweet tooth and a taste for something a step above a traditional scoop or cone, try one of their chocolate chip cookie sandwiches or sundaes. For a little bit of European flair, Karma Cream offers affogato, an Italian ice cream–based treat that is drowned in a shot of hot espresso.  

They also offer take-away pints, so patrons can bring the deliciousness home with them. Stop in for a treat at 607 W. University Ave.  

Beat the heat with frozen custard at Sweetberries 

Named the Best of the Best by the Gainesville Sun in 2019, Sweetberries Eatery & Frozen Custard was the first place to offer frozen custard in the area. While there are also locations in Sarasota and Bradenton, the Gainesville location offers a beautiful dine-in experience, with local artwork provided by the Gainesville Fine Art Association. Customers can try one of their famous concrete ice creams, which include flavors like birthday cake, kookie concrete and Georgia blues. Customize cones with extensive options of fruits, candies and syrups. 

For something a bit sweeter, order one of Sweetberries’ sundaes. Menu offerings include utterly Reese’s, monkey business or the boiler maker. For those who are feeling the Florida heat but are not in the mood for a dessert, Sweetberries offers smoothies with or without their famous frozen custard. 

Ready for a boiler maker? Check them out at 505 N.W. 13th St.  

Feelin’ fruity? Check out The Hyppo 

For some people, the last thing they want on a hot day is a sweet treat. In this case, try out The Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops, an adorable little artisan ice cream shop in the heart of downtown Gainesville. The shop has eclectic flavors ranging from blueberry lavender limeade to champagne mango to blackberry goat cheese, so there is no shortage of opportunities to get adventurous. 

For something a little more delectable on a stick, try the dark roast espresso, peanut butter pie or chocolate sea salt ice pops. 

The Hyppo has got something for every taste. Find them downtown at 214 S.E. 2nd Ave.  

For the carb-conscious, try D’Lites Emporium 

There is always somebody in the group who is counting calories and carbs, right? That is not a bad thing — but it can make an outing for a cold dessert a bit tricky. For a refreshing and healthy confection, head on over to D’Lites Emporium. 

D’Lites’ cold concoctions are made with low sugar and low-fat ingredients and contain no artificial sweeteners, and a half-cup is only 50 calories. In fact, their healthy ice cream sandwich is loaded with chocolate sprinkles and only rocks 15 calories. 

For those who are thinking, “Diet ice cream? It’s probably boring,” think again. D’Lites has more than 100 flavors to choose from, and they are far from boring. The best deal is to get an ultimate bowl, where customers can choose the base flavor for their ice cream and load it up with healthy, fruity and sweet toppings. 

Indulge and stay healthy at the same time at D’Lites, located at 4216 N.W. 16th Blvd., across the street from the Garden Gate Nursery. 

For more creameries to celebrate National Ice Cream Day in Greater Gainesville, visit the Directory at https://gainesville.guide.directory/listing-category/eat-drinks/ 

Written by Jen Clark