Warm weather has its perks—including giving us another reason to indulge in some delicious frozen treats. From milkshakes to smoothies, popsicles to frozen hot chocolates, these destinations in the Raleigh area will surely hit the sweet spot.
 

Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich at lucettegrace

Available only during the summer months, the macaron ice cream sandwich at lucettegrace is a perfect post-lunch treat. Currently featured is a delicious chocolate chip cookie dough macaron ice cream sandwich, but the flavors rotate based on popularity, so get ready to be surprised with delicious, creative flavors when you stop in. So far we've seen strawberries and cream, passionfruit mango and birthday cake flavors.

 

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Ice Cream Cone at Two Roosters Ice Cream

Operating out of a camper attached to a pickup truck since 2015, Two Roosters Ice Cream opened its first brick-and-mortar location in North Raleigh this past year. Known for inventive but refined ice cream flavors that use local ingredients, Two Roosters has built a much-deserved loyal following in the Raleigh area. There are new flavors every month like the Earl Grey Lemon Cookie, using black tea with hints of bergamot and lavender and edible lemon cookie dough, or the Leprechaun’s Delight with Lucky Charms ice cream and marshmallow pieces tossed in. Pro tip: Get a cone and go for multiple flavors!

 

Milkshake at The Cowfish at North Hills

Offering more than 15 varieties of hand-spun milkshakes, The Cowfish in the North Hills shopping and entertainment area is serving up decadent shakes created with vanilla ice cream and tasty mix-ins like Oreo cookies, Rice Krispies, birthday cake, marshmallows and more. Want a little buzz with your shake? The spiked shakes, including the Buttered Rum Pecan Spiked Shake and the Peanut Butter Nana Time Spiked Shake, make for that extra-special treat. Summer pro tip: Pair a shake at The Cowfish with a night out at the free Thurs. Midtown Beach Music Series in North Hills!
 

Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie at Juicekeys

Don't let the name of this smoothie fool you! The strawberry cheesecake smoothie at Juicekeys certainly tastes amazing while also featuring immune building ingredients like vitamin C and other healthy ingredients like ginger, wheatgrass and turmeric. Do your body and health some good while you sip on this icy, flavorful treat! Smoothie flavors also include apple pie, "Green Goodness," piña colada and more.

 

SnoBall at Pelican's

With temperatures climbing, a SnoBall at the original Pelican's on the grounds of 401 Par Golf in Garner (just a short drive south of downtown Raleigh) is the perfect treat. After visiting the driving range or playing a round of golf, indulge in an original New Orleans SnoBall. Flavors range from the popular cherry and blue raspberry to even the quirkiest of flavors like dill pickle and egg custard. With more than 100 flavors, there's bound to be something for everyone in your group. Can't make it to Garner? Pelican's also offers up a great list of additional locations all around the Raleigh area!
 

Chocolate Ice Cream Push Pop at Escazú Artisan Chocolates

When it's hot out, head to Escazú Artisan Chocolates to cool yourself down with one (or two!) scratch-made ice cream push pops. Be a kid again as you enjoy this gourmet version of a favorite childhood treat. This local chocolatier features a variety of push pop flavors including chocolate, spicy chocolate, coconut chocolate (dairy-free), coconut passion fruit (dairy-free), caramel chocolate chip, vanilla chocolate chip and roasted corn and chili.

 

Ice Cream Soda Float at FRESH. Local Ice Cream

FRESH. Local Ice Cream has not one, but two locations in the area! One in the heart of downtown Cary, and the original location in Raleigh. Of course the ice cream is not to be missed but the soda floats are equally as amazing! Just pick your favorite fizzy drink like root beer, Coke, orange cream or Sprite.
 

Ice Cream Doughnut Sundae at Andia's Homemade Ice Cream

Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream’s brick-and-mortar store recently opened this past year and has already become a popular sweet treat stop. The Instagram-worthy doughnut ice cream sundae, which includes a decadent glazed doughnut with Andia's ice cream in the center, is warmed and topped with chocolate or caramel glaze. Other great treats to try are the constantly rotating and exciting homemade flavors like blueberry cobbler and sunrise sorbet, a delicious blend of mango, strawberry and banana in a refreshing sorbet!

 

Frozen Hot Chocolate at Videri Chocolate Factory

Located in downtown Raleigh's Warehouse District, Videri Chocolate Factory offers a frozen hot chocolate that's perfect for sipping on as you tour the factory and see the chocolate-making process right before your eyes. Don't forget to grab a few chocolate bars to take home with you, too!
 

Hand-Rolled Ice Cream at Milk Lab Cafe

At Milk Lab, you can get delicious hand-rolled ice cream and organic milk tea beverages, including bubble tea, strawberry jasmine tea and oolong tea. Hand-rolled ice cream is originally a sweet Thai treat but has become increasingly popular here in the States. When you order your ice cream, it is made right in front of you! The milk base is poured onto a frozen surface, toppings are added and then the mixture is smoothed and rolled into cups. Try their new flavor, black magic, a coconut base with pineapple chunks and activated charcoal mixed in!

 

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Summer Slushie + Baked Good at Anisette

Anisette is the place to go for a refreshing summer slushie and a sweet bite to eat! Inspired by beautiful Mediterranean sweet shops, Anisette’s cookies, cakes and sweets are thoughtfully crafted and flavorful. We’re cooling off this summer with one of their peach or lemon slushies, which are homemade with fruit that is juiced in house, sugar and water. Try pairing it with a baked good like the summer berry babka filled with strawberry and blackberry jams, vegan olive oil cinnamon rolls, cardamom donut muffins or a blueberry scone.
 

Fruit Pop from Citizen Pops

Citizen Pops makes the highest quality fresh fruit pops that are locally made in micro batches, and they never use processed juices, colors, flavors or preservatives. You can find these delicious treats in farmer’s markets, outdoor events and festivals throughout the Raleigh area. We’re big fans of flavors like the watermelon basil, strawberry balsamic and pineapple.

 

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Gelato Roses with Gelato at Amorino

Amorino offers up delicious Italian gelato with more than 22 flavors waiting to be artfully scooped and formed into an edible rose! Another delicious treat on the menu are Amorino’s waffle sticks with gelato and drizzled with chocolate, hazelnut chocolate or caramel sauce.

 

Chocolate Dipped Cheesecakes at Cocoa Forte Desserts

Cocoa Forte Desserts is a family-owned and -operated business by husband and wife Freddie and Nicole. Currently operating out of a food truck and soon to open at the Morgan Street Food Hall, they bring the Raleigh area delicious chocolate dipped cheesecakes and offer various flavors with an assortment of toppings! A crowd favorite is the New York-style cheesecake with toasted coconut dip, coconut flakes and kiwi-lime drizzle.
 

Churro Split at Vida Dulce

Located in Cary, Vida Dulce is a local family-owned business that just opened in May and serves up delicious popsicles, ice cream, fruit water and snacks. Their churro splits are a must, and feature three scoops of ice cream that are wedged in between two churros, then topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce! If you’re in the mood for a popsicle, try one of their constantly rotating flavors like Oreo, orange creamsicle or chocolate.

 

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Header photo via Escazú Artisan Chocolates

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