I scream, you scream, every person in the whole world screams for ice cream.
Although we enjoy ice cream year round, there’s something about a summertime cone (or cup, if you’re feeling simple) that really hits the spot. Strolling through your neighborhood with a mountain of salted caramel slowly dripping onto your hand (but you know what? you don’t even care) can pretty much melt your heart – and hopefully not your cone. To celebrate National Ice Cream Day, we thought we’d highlight some of our favorite ice cream spots in the city so you can get your frozen treat on. You deserve it, champ. Here we go:
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Deliciously Weird Ice Cream
VIBE:
Light, breezy, and pretty much always busy!
GREAT FOR:
A post-meal sweet tooth craving.
POPULAR DISH:
If you’re feeling adventurous, try Goat Cheese & Cherries. Whiskey Pecan & Brambleberry Crisp are also popular!
NEIGHBORHOOD:
In addition to the original East Nashville location, there’s one that popped up this past year in 12 South, a friendly hipster’s paradise. You’ll hear musician dudes talking gear, see Etsy store owners taking photos for their blog, and pass semi-famous people pushing their baby in a stroller whilst enjoying a popsicle. Everyone is pretty much smiling all the time.
Sweet Cece’s
Fab Fro-Yo For The Fam
VIBE:
Clean, busy, and full of delightful families and fresh-faced college kids.
GREAT FOR:
A post Little League game treat or a quick dessert after a dinner date!
POPULAR DISH:
Toasted marshmallow with graham cracker dust and hot fudge (though that’s kind of just our favorite and is one hundred percent subjective, but they’ll have what ya like!)
NEIGHBORHOOD:
It’s got locations all over, but the Belmont/Hillsboro area is always buzzing with activity. Whether it’s a group of college students or a huge extended family visiting from out of town, this is the visitor-friendly area that the locals still love. You can walk around and find just about anything, from shopping to independent film to ridiculously decadent food.
Mike’s Ice Cream
The Most Decadent Pit Stop On Lower Broad
VIBE:
This cozy little throwback ice cream spot is decked out in soda parlor white, with a line that wraps arounf the tables. Grab a cone and talk a walk through Lower Broad (oh, and make sure you check out the celebrity pictures when you’re in line – a lot of famous faces love them some Mike’s)!
GREAT FOR:
A spontaneous sweet tooth craving with a walk through downtown to follow!
POPULAR DISH:
Nutter Butter, Toasted Coconut, Mixed Berry Sorbet – there really is something for everyone.
NEIGHBORHOOD:
Downtown Nashville: the heart of the Music City reputation and home to Honky Tonk lane. This area has the allure of the big city in an action=-packed stretch of crowded streets, attracting tourists (on the weekend, you can spot a bachelorette party every 10 feet) and locals alike. A must-see Nashville neighborhood, whether you’re a seasoned Nashvillian or brand new to town!
Legato Gelato
The Smoothest Gelato Outside Italy
VIBE:
Legato Gelato is the Italian answer to Nashville’s ice cream scene, and the flavors are wonderfully decadent. The shop has a coz, romantic vibe with plenty of outdoor seating!
GREAT FOR:
Ending a date on a sweet note (sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves). Bella Napoli is nearby and might be one of the most romantic vibes in Nashville, so come here if you’re looking for amore, Romeo.
POPULAR DISH:
Coconut, Strawberry, Dark Chocolate. They do the classics right!
NEIGHBORHOOD:
Edgehill may be a smaller strip, but it’s bursting with character. The thrift shops/bridal boutiques/taco joints/art galleries are strung together within walking distance (most are even under the same roof), and the local crowd is friendly and diverse! This is the best place for exploring while you walk through town with your frozen treat – you won’t get bored!
Bobbie’s Dairy Dip
Eat Like A 1950’s Teenager
VIBE:
This true-blue drive in is filled to the brim with retro kitsch in the best way. The menus look like a Happy Days prop, offering drive in favorites that would be T-Bords/Pink Ladies approved.
GREAT FOR:
An indulgent bite to eat after a day of sun-bathin’.
POPULAR DISH:
The Barney Rubble milkshake is nothing short of magical. You can also go with the classic chocolate dipped cone!
NEIGHBORHOOD:
Bobbie’s is on Charlotte near the Sylvan Park neighborhood (there’s also a smaller location downtown)! Sylvan Park is an outdoorsman/woman’s paradise. Greenery, tons of joggers, people chillin’ on the front porch – it’s a great place to walk around and take in the beauty of the city. It’s family-friendly and has some great shops/bars/restaurants!
There you go, Nashville. Get out there and celebrate the holiday – it’s your civic duty. For all your restaurant suggestions, happy hours, live music, outdoor movies, and more, grab Wannado. We’ve got you covered.
