Trying to beat the heat? Or simply craving a frosty treat? You’re in luck, because National Ice Cream Day is almost here. After all, who could pass up a creamy banana split or a decadent chocolate ice cream cone? It’s the perfect excuse to press pause on your diet and stop by one of Martin County’s top ice cream parlors.
National Ice Cream Day was actually created with the help of former President Ronald Reagan. According to popular lore, the holiday came about because Reagan believed the frosty treat (loved by a whopping ninety percent of the country) shouldn’t go unnoticed. So in 1984, he declared that every third Sunday in July would be officially recognized as National Ice Cream Day. His efforts not only satisfied the country’s taste buds, but also benefited the nation’s dairy industry by providing a unique marketing opportunity that’s still popular to this day.
Head on over to Martin County’s best ice cream spots to satisfy your sweet tooth and celebrate this festive holiday.
Palm City Ice Cream Spots
A rainbow-colored ice cream creation from Shark Shack Sweets
Pay a visit to Shark Shack Sweets, located on Mapp Road in Palm City, and try their signature Pineapple Dole Whip ice cream for a tropical treat! You could even sample some s’mores ice cream or try their popular Graham Central Station treat (combining graham cracker swirl, chocolate chunks and honeycomb candies). At Shark Shack Sweets, you can even grab a pet-friendly ice cream treat for your favorite furry friend! If ice cream isn’t your thing, take a drive over the Palm City Bridge and make a pit stop at Whit’s Frozen Custard and try their specialty flavor of the day, which is always guaranteed to impress.
Stuart Ice Cream Spots
Kilwins in Downtown Stuart
If you feel like going the extra mile for that special snack, S. Kanner Highway in Stuart holds the famous Culver’s, owned and operated by Stuart local Dale Rockefeller. They’re known for their classic chocolate shakes and mouth-watering malts. If you’re feeling nostalgic, you could even go for one of their irresistible root beer floats. If you feel like a night of social distancing on the town, drive on over to Historic Downtown Stuart and stop at Kilwins Chocolate and Ice Cream and try their signature Stuart Mud flavor. Another favorite spot is Signature Sweets Ice Cream & Sweets – be sure to test their specialty passion fruit gelato. If you don’t feel like leaving the comfort of your home, Signature Sweets even delivers right to your front door, so you can catch a sugar rush while binge-watching another episode on Netflix from your couch!
Jensen Beach Ice Cream Spots
Cup of moosetracks ice cream from The Scoop in Jensen Beach
There’s lots in store for ice cream-lovers in Jensen Beach, too! If you’re craving a good old-fashioned helping of vanilla or a cool mint chip, be sure to check out The Scoop, located just beyond the limits of Downtown Jensen. It’s one of the newer openings in Martin County but has already become a local favorite. Whether you’re looking for gourmet Italian ices, soft serve, sherbets, frozen yogurt, or classic milkshakes, The Scoop has you covered. They even offer low-fat, sugar-free, gluten-free, and lactose-intolerant-free options! Another popular option is TornadoZ, tucked away in the Treasure Coast Square Mall. They specialize in handmade Thai-inspired ice cream, and some of their unique flavors are mixed with habanero peppers to give a spicy kick. It really does feel like a tornado in your mouth!
Needless to say, there are plenty of ways to celebrate this special day! Whether you’re craving a milkshake, malt, cup, or cone, Martin County’s beloved ice cream specialists will meet all of your sweet tooth needs. So what are you waiting for? Wrangle the kids, bring the pup, and go grab your favorite frosty treat!