8 local places to celebrate National Ice Cream Day on Sunday
Summer in Spokane has needed a little help getting started. After a few brisk weeks, things finally heated up, only to shock with chillier days. • The point is, it looks like Spokane needs some help getting summer rolling. • So beckon in the warm months by celebrating National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, a time to honor the summer’s most iconic foodstuff (even though it’s great year-round). • If you’re unsure where to go, here are eight ice cream shops – some local, some chains – their promotions and what you can expect. • If you don’t wanna choose, just punch them all into Google maps and make a day of it, an ice cream tour of the greater Spokane area.
Pete & Belle’s Ice Cream Shop
Newly renovated and now at home in a beautiful space, Pete & Belle’s is Spokane Valley’s contribution to ice cream perfection. With 48 (incredible) flavors from superman to blueberry cheesecake to strawberry and everything in between, Pete & Belle’s has something for everyone. Most popular? “This $&@! Just Got Serious,” a salted caramel ice cream with cashews to blow your mind. Pete & Belle’s has been around since 2013 serving rich, creamy ice cream to the people, and they’ll be offering free waffle cones and cups with any double scoop to commemorate National Ice Cream Day. 1330 N. Argonne Road, Suite C, Spokane Valley; (509) 924-4718; petebelles.com
Sweet Peaks Ice Cream
Montana-based ice cream shop Sweet Peaks might technically be a chain (there are six locations, five in Montana and one here downtown), but it sure doesn’t taste like it. Sweet Peaks trucks in ice cream from Whitefish all the time to keep an awesome selection of seasonal and permanent flavors stocked in the downtown shop. Its flavors are Rocky Mountain ones, with ingredients (milk included) all Montana-based. Flavors like Honey Cinnamon, 10 Year Birthday Cake and Grizzly Tracks are among the favorites. 415 W. Main Ave.; (509) 474-9096; sweetpeaksicecream.com
Doyle’s Ice Cream Parlor
Doyle’s has been around since 1939 (whoa) and weathered everything since. The ice cream is a homemade, bucket-batch ice cream that hits the spot just so; it’s truly classic. Butter Brickle is a widespread favorite, and “butter” is a very apt word to describe it. Doyle’s is a multi-generational family establishment, which also features a fun “toy museum” display to keep you entertained. Doyle’s will be serving up a free waffle cone at no extra charge to celebrate National Ice Cream Day. 2229 W. Boone Ave.; no phone number listed; facebook.com/doylesicecream
The Scoop
Spokane’s local two-location ice cream shop is notable for serving ice cream of a smooth, silky, rich texture. From gelatos to ice creams, this place has everything to offer. The Scoop is taking walk-ins at the Kendall Yards location and pickup on the South Hill, so you can choose your own adventure on how to take advantage of the Scoop’s delicious offerings. Try flavors like Mud Pie, Milk and Cookies and more, with the Cheese Plate a customer favorite. 1001 W. 25th Ave. and (509) 535-7171; 1234 W. Summit Parkway and (509) 703-7042; thescoopspokane.com
Abi’s Artisan Ice Cream
For those across the state border in Coeur d’Alene, Abi’s is a hot spot for locally sourced, organic, dense and creamy ice cream. With offerings for all diets (vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free), Abi’s is a place for everyone. The rotating stock of flavors is bound to intrigue with quirky flavors like Rosemary Olive Oil. The most popular flavors are Malted Vanilla Toffee Chocolate Chip and Mint Chocolate Gooey Brownie. Abi’s will be offering celebratory flavors and a special sundae for National Ice Cream Day. 112 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene; (208) 930-0699; abisicecream.com
Baskin-Robbins
In 1945, Baskin-Robbins opened up with 31 flavors of ice cream and have since developed more than 1,300(!), so they kind of know what they’re doing. With a time-tested texture and economical price points, B-R is a reliably good choice for ice cream needs. There are several locations in the area, too, so find the closest one. Various locations; baskinrobbins.com
Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery is known for its distinct process of customizing each ice cream right before the customer’s eyes. Select an ice cream and some stuff to go in it, watch them fold it all together into an aesthetic and coherent serving atop of chilled granite stone, and then enjoy. Various locations; coldstonecreamery.com
Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s makes some of the best mass-produced ice cream in the world. The company originated with a small converted gas station in Vermont and grew to an internationally recognizable brand. Ben & Jerry’s is notable for its collaboration flavors (Dave Matthews, Phish, Jimmy Fallon, etc.) and a commitment to social justice, donating a big amount of money (and ice cream) to great causes each year. Various locations; benjerry.com