This time of year we are feeling the heat and ice cream is often the perfect remedy. You probably have some in the freezer but for an extra treat, head to one of these places. From Glendale to Goodyear, Peoria to Surprise, there are bound to be at least a couple that are convenient to you. Hit all 5 and it’s a little trip around the world to see how different places put their own special spin on life’s chillest delight.
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream - An All American Ice Cream Experience with so many fun excuses to go enjoy their delicious flavors.
- Family Night the 3rd Tues. of every month from 6-9 pm: Special Family Night prices + fun yard games = a great family outing
- Thursdays: Bring your own banana and your banana split will be ½ off
- Children 40 inches and smaller can receive a Free Baby Cone
- They have a loyalty program that can be quite advantageous
- Free Doggie Sundaes (because we can’t let our furry friends miss out!) Is a scoop of vanilla ice cream with crumbled pieces of waffle cone on top.
- Their shops make 150 flavors and about 35 are available on any given day. You can always request a certain flavor in advance with a minimum order of ½ gallon. They also make ice cream cakes.
- Their shops offer free 20 minute tours of how they make their ice cream. Perfect for a scout troop, homeschool group, or a large family of ice cream lovers! Just connect with a manager to set it up.
Locations: Arrowhead and Westgate
La Michoacana - Head here for South of the Border flavors and ice cream styles that will hit the spot in unique ways. Think flavorful paletas (popsicles), mangoneadas (ice cream and fruit with chamoy sauce), and more! A great option for those ready to go beyond classic vanilla in a sugar cone.
Locations: Glendale and Peoria shops, both on Olive
The Sicilian Bakery - Attached to Park West’s Sicilian Butcher is their Gelato & Bakery shop. In addition to cannolis, coffee, and Italian pastries, you can also enjoy a scoop of their gelato. There are lots of options so of course you should have fun tasting a few of them before committing to one! Indoor and outdoor seating is available making it easy to take a seat and have a little taste of Italy’s best.
Location: The Sicilian Bakery is in Park West next to the Sicilian Butcher.
Yogurtini - Here’s a fun fact for you. Frozen yogurt originated during the 1970s in New England. Who knew?! Most kids love it because it is endlessly customizable. Head to your local Yogurtini and have fun making your unique flavor and topping combos. If you are looking for a quick in and out, head to the Peoria location (107th & Olive), and if you’ve got time to linger, head to Surprise (Reems & Bell) where they have games and activities to play with while you are there. Each shop has its own personality.
Locations: Peoria, Surprise, Glendale, Goodyear, and Buckeye
Culver’s - Next stop on our little world tour of ice cream is America’s Heartland. Culver’s started in Wisconsin and, technically, they don’t actually serve ice cream, but frozen custard. The difference? I’m not exactly sure, but frozen custard is delicious in a different way than ice cream. Culver’s has much more than just frozen custard too, with great food also being offered. Kids meals come with a little coupon you can use to either get a free scoop of frozen custard during that visit, or you can save them up and use them to get a free kids meal later on.
Locations: Avondale, Peoria (2), Surprise, Glendale, Goodyear, and Buckeye
