The summer heat is here in Boulder, and there’s nothing quite like a frozen treat to cool off with as the thermometer inches upward. Opportunities are abound in Boulder to indulge in ice cream, frozen yogurt, and gelato around town in flavors both classically traditional and creatively wacky. Whether you’re ready for a break after spending a hot day perusing Pearl Street Mall or are on your way home after a sunny summertime adventure, here are some of Boulder’s best spots for a frozen dessert.
Cool & Creative
From the same mind that brought Boulderites BRU Handbuilt Ales + Eats, Heifer and the Hen Organic Creamery takes traditional ice cream flavors and injects out of this world creativity into the mix. With wildly varying flavors like Bourbon Maple Ripple, Orange Blossom, and White Russian (amongst many, many others), Heifer and the Hen also offers dairy-free options, ice cream sandwiches, floats, and more.
A Colorado company with two locations in Boulder and additional shops in Louisville, Denver, and Aurora, Sweet Cow creates unique ice cream concoctions in small batches using local ingredients. Sustainably made and with funky, fun shops to visit, Sweet Cow offers unique flavors in ice cream sandwiches, classic cones, cakes, and more.
Gelato Dreaming
One of the most lauded locations in Boulder for a high-quality treat during the summer, Fior di Latte takes authentic Italian gelato and enhances it with flavors dreamed up by its owners, who are committed to the finest ingredients and scratch recipes. With two locations in Boulder, Fior di Latte ramps up the variety with flavors like Blueberry Mascarpone Cheesecake, Strawberry Pink Peppercorn, and many more.
Frozen Yogurt Fantasies
Boulder Chill on Arapahoe has served Boulderites looking for a frozen yogurt treat for decades, and their store is as classic a full-service yogurt shop as they come.
If you’re looking to create that unique conglomeration of flavors and toppings you’ve been craving, look no further than Ripple Pure Frozen Yogurt on 30th Street and get as creative and kooky as you want.
More Local Staples
If you like to add a little something extra to your ice cream, perhaps in the form of fudge, a caramel apple, or other toffees and candies, stop by Kilwins on Pearl Street Mall.
With two locations in Boulder, Glacier Homemade offers dozens upon dozens of unique flavors, and the staff is always looking for customers’ new ideas for ice cream flavors that they just might bring to life in the future.
The Classics
For some of your favorite old-time flavors, stop by Lindsay’s Boulder Deli on Pearl Street Mall for some Häagen-Dazs options or pop into the Ben & Jerry’s shop for the ever-reliable Cherry Garcia, Chunky Monkey, or whatever other classic flavor you’re craving.
May your ice cream indulgences this summer be brain freeze-free, Boulder. Enjoy!
