Summer may seem far off on the gray days when it is still raining, but we're in fact only about three weeks away. And while we're firm believers that it's never a bad time for ice cream, summer is arguably the best time to enjoy a scoop. So if you're new to the area, or just looking for a different shop to try, here are our recommendations.
While Bliss Small Batch Creamery has been around in University Place for quite some time, it will soon make an appearance in Dupont, conveniently located across from JBLM. This locally-owned small batch ice cream shop, founded by two sisters, knows how to do ice cream right. Flavors range from lemon ginger poppy seed, vegan s'mores, peach honey habanero and more! Flavors rotate and are varied depending on the day you visit.
BLISS SMALL BATCH ICE CREAM, open 3 to 9 p.m., Monday-Friday; 1 to 9 p.m., Saturday-Sunday; 3556 Market Place W, University Place,www.icecreambliss.com.
Humble Cow Ice Cream is another new addition to the local area. This independently-owned ice cream shop located in Olympia places an emphasis on using only the most natural ingredients and makes ice cream fresh in their kitchen daily. Dairy free and vegan options are always on the menu along with craft root beer floats and milkshakes.
HUMBLE COW ICE CREAM, open 2 to 9 p.m., Monday-Friday; noon to 9 p.m., Saturday-Sunday; 4528 Maple Lane SE, Olympia, www.humblecowicecream.com.
Ice Cream Social, located in Ruston, is a family-owned business that is whipping up hand crafted scoop's with ingredients sourced from some of Tacoma's favorites. These include ingredients from Valhalla Coffee, Mad Hat Tea and Spooner Farms. Combine these flavors with other natural ingredients, you get decadent handcrafted flavors that are worth splurging for ice cream any day! If that doesn't convince you, we will leave you with this flavor list: Salted Caramel, Almond Poppy seed, Valhalla Coffee, Roasted Banana, Cookies and Cream and so many more!
ICE CREAM SOCIAL, open daily noon to 9 p.m., 5107 Main St., Ruston, www.icecreamsocialtacoma.com.
Gabe's Old Fashioned Ice Cream located in Puyallup recreates old fashioned ice cream in the best way possible! All their ice cream is made in their store using an old fashioned oak churner, resulting in the most decadent ice cream flavors. We're talking candied pecans in a homemade rich butter ice cream base and pure peppermint ice cream base with chocolate chip morsels. Don't believe us, check it out for yourself! Plus, since it's Philadelphia-style ice cream, it is always egg free.
GABE'S OLD FASHIONED ICE CREAM, open 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, 11012 Canyon Road E #5, Puyallup, www.gabes-icecream.com.
Sofie's Scoops Gelateriaislocated inside the 222 Market in downtown Olympia. Sofie's has a small batch from scratch mentality. Meaning all of their gelato is made in small batches in house with the freshest local ingredients. Visiting the 222 Market allows you the opportunity to grab oysters at Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar, or bread at the Bread Peddler and then head to Sofie's for a delicious scoop of Gelato, or a pint to take home.
SOFIE'S SCOOPS GELATERIA, open noon to 8 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; noon to 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday; noon to 7 p.m., Sunday; closed Monday, 222 Capitol Way N, Olympia, www.sofiesscoops.com.
Another great option located in the heart of Olympia's historic area is Juju's Iced Cream & Frozen Custard. With 20 flavors of iced cream - yes they use the spelling of iced to ensure no one thinks there is ice in their cream - plus vanilla and chocolate custard, as well as a daily rotating custard flavor, there are plenty of delicious options here. Plus, they have daily rotating flavors of vegan soft serve as well.
JUJU'S ICED CREAM & FROZEN CUSTARD, open 2-9 p.m., Friday; 1-9 p.m., Saturday; 1-8 p.m., Sunday; 2 to 8 p.m., Monday; 208 Fourth Ave. W, Olympia, www.jujusicedcream.com.