Cold Treats

There is nothing more appetizing than a cold treat on a hot summer day. Every day, people stand in lines simply to experience their favorite flavors. Fortunately, we have no shortage of places in the Tri-State to enjoy this pleasure. Here are our favorite places to get a good brain freeze.

Scooped Ice Cream

G.D. Ritzy’s

If you want to experience simpler times, G.D. Ritzy’s is the ideal place because of its old-time diner feel. With all 18 flavors made at its West Side location, they can offer varieties such as Praline Caramel Swirl and Just Peachy!, which only is around for the season.
4810 University Drive, 812-425-8700; 4320 N. First Ave., 812-421-1300; 601 N. Green River Road, 812-474-6259 

Lic’s Deli & Ice Cream

Locally owned and operated since 1950, Lloyd’s Ice Cream Shoppes, or Lic’s Deli & Ice Cream, churns ice cream Downtown for all nine locations. They still use the original recipe for more than 20 flavors. Try the limited-time Salted Caramel Truffle ice cream or the popular Choco-Cremes, which are ice cream balls dipped in milk chocolate and available in four flavors.
Seven locations in Evansville and Newburgh, Indiana, licsdeliandicecream.com

Emge’s Deli & Ice Cream

Emge’s Deli & Ice Cream has been a mainstay in Evansville for 38 years. They sell chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and banana flavors of the always popular Prairie Farms ice cream; owner Jan Howell says chocolate is the top seller.
206 Main St., 812-422-3026

Sweet Bettys Bakery

While not a traditional ice cream shop, Sweet Bettys Bakery recently began scooping with the help of Libby’s Gourmet Ice Cream in Jasper, Indiana. Its vintage interior makes it one of the most unique hotspots (or coldspots) in Evansville. Try the Black and Tan flavor, which mixes peanut butter with Nutella.
5600 E. Virginia St., 812-402-3889

Bliss Artisan

With a second location along Mount Vernon, Indiana’s newly developed riverfront, all of Bliss’ ice cream is homemade. With flavors like Maple Bourbon Bacon and Spiced Rum Raisin, Bliss Artisan lives up to its name.
111 E. Water St., Mount Vernon, IN, 812-643-5009; 518 S. Main St., New Harmony, IN, 812-682-6666

Ben & Penny’s

Overlooking the Ohio River, Ben & Penny’s serves Blue Bunny Premium ice cream, along with soft-serve Greek yogurt. Their hand-rolled waffle cones provide the perfect way to enjoy one of nearly 20 flavors while perusing local art.
20 Water St., Newburgh, IN, 812-858-2556 

Soft Serve Ice Cream

Zesto

Another staple in Evansville’s history, Zesto opened in 1949. People may come for the burgers, but they stay for the creamy Prairie Farms soft serve. Patrons also can enhance their ice cream with Twinkle Kote peanut topping or FlavorBurst by Taylor Products.
102 W. Franklin St., 812-424-1416; 920 E. Riverside Drive, 812-423-5961

Big-Top Drive In

This is the perfect place to enjoy some ice cream — maybe a chocolate-dipped cone — or a milkshake after a day in Garvin Park or an Evansville Otters baseball game. Big Top’s famous clown sign says you’re at the right place.
1213 W. Maryland St., 812-424-7442

TF Ice Cream

It may have gone through a few name changes since its opening in 1953, but one thing hasn’t changed — the quality. Its soft serve and sherbet are its most popular treats, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. The low buzzing sound of the ice cream machines will remind you of what summer is all about.
1002 E. Walnut St., Boonville, IN, 812-715-3367

Shaved Ice

Roy Boy Shaved Ice

Opening in 2006, Roy Boy Shaved Ice is a popular destination in the summer. Cool off with one of their many flavors and give it a kick with the new Super Sour Spray — if you dare.
Corner of Green River Road and Morgan Avenue, 812-483-0112

Ice Island Grill

This new store was created by the owner of Wok-N-Roll and sits adjacent to it. It is expected to open in July and carries many flavors of shaved ice and ice cream with toppings, as well as other Hawaiian-themed food such as kabobs and grilled items.
Wok-N-Roll: 311 S. Green River Road, 812-479-3118

Kona Ice of Evansville

You won’t miss this brightly colored truck driving on the streets of Evansville. Try a “kool kona creation” by bringing it to your next event. Kona Ice is family-owned and operated.
812-965-6620

Gelato

Jeanne’s Gelato & More

With award-winning gelato, Jeanne’s Gelato & More provides one of the best luxuries in town, only using fresh, natural ingredients. Say “Ciao” to summer by treating your inner Italian!
2003 Lincoln Ave., 812-479-8272

Frozen Yogurt

Orange Leaf

With constantly changing flavors, each trip is a new experience. Create your own masterpiece with their self-serve approach and dozens of fresh toppings.
701 N. Burkhardt Road, 812-401-5215; 222 S. Red Bank Road, Ste. G1, 812-401-4402

Sweet CeCe’s

With 71 rotating flavors, most of which are fat-free, Sweet CeCe’s is the place to go for endless combinations. Try flavors like Apple Pie Ala Mode and Salted Caramel Corn to give your taste buds a new sensation.
5625 Pearl Drive, 812-401-5232; 12414 U.S. Highway 41-N., 812-867-6228

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