Illustrated by Anna Simmons
St. Pete Beach, Florida
Housed in the Loews Don CeSar Hotel, this old-fashioned parlor offers forty-four flavors of Tampa-made Old Meeting House ice cream. Go with the Don’s specialty flavor: vanilla (colored the hotel’s signature pink) with marshmallows, M&Ms, and chocolate-covered pretzels.
DAWSON’S YOGURT AND FUDGE WORKS
Seaside, Florida
Thought to be one of the oldest yogurt parlors in its original location in the nation, this sweets shop has been serving up frozen yogurt and homemade fudge for twenty-six years. Indulge in the Kahlua or the salted caramel, or opt for the organic, fat-free Yobe.
Pensacola Beach, Florida
Organic BeachPops at this healthy eatery are made in-house with fresh fruit, nut milk, and evaporated cane juice. Replenish after a day on the beach with one of thirty-two flavors, including the Ginger Rabbit (carrot, avocado, coconut milk, ginger) and the Baha Hot (mango, cilantro, cayenne).
Grand Isle, Louisiana
Shaved-ice SnoBalls are a warm-weather staple on the Gulf, and visitors to Grand Isle can get a taste of the original 1936 SnoWizard-style treat. Shop owner (and town mayor) David Camardelle puts his spin on the classic with options like the SnoBall Delight (vanilla ice cream–stuffed SnoBall) and the pickle juice SnoBall (they swear it cures hangovers).
Fairhope, Alabama
Stop in at this charming downtown cafe and coffee bar for a local favorite: the Fairhope Float, an iced mochaccino capped with vanilla yogurt and whipped cream. It’s the perfect way to perk up and cool down in the Alabama heat.
