The scoop on the very best places to celebrate National Ice Cream Day

Of course National Ice Cream Day happens smack dab in the middle of the summer. That’s pretty much the time of year when the frozen treat becomes a major food group for many of us. And when National Ice Cream Day rolls around on Sunday July 17, many shops will be celebrating. Carvel, for instance, is offering a BOGO deal for a cup or cone of soft serve; Baskin Robbins is donating 75¢ from every ice cream float sold on July 17 to the USO (in honor of its 75th anniversary); and Ohio-based Graeter’s is selling cones for $1.46 at its 50-plus retail locations (the deal coincides with the company’s 146th anniversary). Even Uber is hitching a ride on the ice cream wagon, delivering something sweeter than just cheap transportation. Users in 400 cities can order yummy ice cream treats through the app. Looking to go the indie ice cream route? Check out these smaller scoop shops, where everyday is National Ice Cream Day:

Celebrate with Bi-Rite with their limited Birthday Cake Flavor | Photo courtesy of Bi-Rite Creamery

Bi-Rite Creamery

There’s often a line wrapped around the block at this popular San Francisco ice cream parlor, but it’s worth the wait. The seasonal flavors (think Balsamic Strawberry, Maple Walnut, and Orange Cardamom) are made in small batches to guarantee exceptional quality. The menu also boasts an impressive selection of baked goods, too. Bonus: To celebrate its 10th birthday this month, the shop will offer a special Birthday Cake Flavor (vanilla ice cream studded with handmade chocolate cake chunks and rainbow sprinkles).

Try an ice cream sandwich at Jeni’s | Flickr CC: stu_spivack

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

This Columbus, Ohio-based brand has shops in Chicago and Nashville, as well as a few other U.S. cities. Fansflock to Jeni’s for its inventive flavors like Sweet Cream Biscuits & Peach Jam, Wildberry Lavender, and the best-selling Salty Caramel. In fact, Jeni’s was one of the first brands on the market to offer the now ubiquitous salted caramel flavor.

Bananamon looks so appealing | Photo credit: Lucy Schaeffer, Ample Hills Creamery, Bananamon

Ample Hills Creamery

The artisanal, hand-crafted vibe that many hip Brooklyn neighborhoods have become known for has found its way to this bustling neighborhood ice cream shop, too. The sweet treat here is made from start to finish (whichmeans the owners pasteurize the milk and other ingredients on site). Popular flavors include Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, Snap Mallow Pop, and the classic Vanilla Bean. Since debuting in Brooklyn in 2011, the shop has opened additional locations in other parts of New York City.

There is no other place like Azucar Ice Cream Company in Miami | Photo courtesy of Azucar Cream Company

Azucar Ice Cream Company

Many modern ice cream shops aren’t afraid to experiment with over-the-top flavors, and this Miami institution is no different. Taking inspiration from the Florida city and its Cuban heritage, selections include Abuela Maria ice cream (made with crushed up Maria cookies) and the Café con Leche (which features Cuban coffee and Oreos).

Make sure to scoop up the Blueberry Cheesecake! | Photo courtesy of Catherine Cuddy

Izzy’s Ice Cream

This family-owned shop, with locations in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, is known for inventing the Izzy Scoop. The gratis top hat-like 3/4-ounce scoop sits atop a regular cone, and allows customers to try an additional flavor without the commitment of ordering two scoops. The ice cream (classics like Blueberry Cheesecake and Peppermint Bon Bon) is so popular here, that customers can sign up to get e-mail alerts when their favorite flavors become available in the shop.

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