Summer in Alabama is stuff of legend. The thick humidity combines with the high temperatures to create a heat that you practically have to swim through. Our home state is a place of great beauty during these months, but Alabamians and visitors alike have to take precautions while enjoying the great outdoors. Fortunately the Greater Birmingham area has plenty of tasty ways to cool down while enjoying these hot summer days. Here are a few of our favorites.
Big Spoon Creamery
Big Spoon has long been one of the Magic City’s favorite places to enjoy a cold treat. The two locations - one in Homewood and one in Avondale - offer up a variety of flavorful ice cream options including a long list of ice cream sandwiches and sundaes. You can even order an ice cream flight - now that’s tough to beat.
Cannella Gelato
The Mercantile on Morris has brought a whole slew of innovative shops and restaurants to Birmingham. Bridge + Root, Pizza Grace, and the frozen wonders found at Cannella Gelato to name a few. Every day flavors like Honey, Goat Cheese, Lavender, Lemon, Chocolate, and French Vanilla are joined by a rotating seasonal list that is bound to grab your attention then tingle your taste buds.
Edgewood Creamery
Am I biased towards Edgewood Creamery because it’s where my oldest brother proposed to my wonderful now sister-in-law? Probably so, but that’s part of the charm of the store. In addition to serving delicious cold treats they feel like a part of the community around them. It’s a great place to enjoy time with those who mean a lot to you.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
A variety of creative flavors? Check. A schedule that accommodates later ice cream hours? Check. One of the best views to enjoy a cold dessert in the Magic City? Check! Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams truly offers the best of everything. Plan a trip to stop by the Pepper Place or Lane Parke locations and enjoy a great walk to visit some other local treasures after.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
I was lucky enough to try a Mango flavor of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice while visiting with out-of-town family this weekend, and wow was it delicious. Blueberry and lemon were among the other options found on the cart, with even more being found at the Vestavia Hills and Chelsea store locations. You can keep up with what flavors are in stock on the company’s website.
K & J’s Elegant Pastries and Creamery
K & J’s has cemented itself as Birmingham dessert royalty. Although the pastries have a lot to do with that - the fun ice cream, milkshakes, and sundae flavors found at the Uptown and Hoover locations have made this fact undeniable. Options include Pecans and Pralines, Banana Pudding, Butter Crunch, and Cotton Candy. Get your sweet tooth ready for this tasty treat.
La Sabrosita Ice Cream Shop
It takes a special kind of place to serve spicy popsicles alongside ice cream flavors that include options like tres leches, coffee, and pistachio. That place for the Birmingham metro is La Sabrosita Ice Cream Shop. Found on Lorna Road, this fun store includes all sorts of fun snacks and desserts - especially the frozen kind!
Stay cool, Birmingham!
Cover image from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
