On a sweltering, Thurston County summer day our palettes yearn for something sweet and cold. The best solution to this problem – ice cream! But not just any old tub of frozen dairy will do. Instead, we want the creamy, local variety.
One of the signature ice creams of our area has to be Olympic Mountain Ice Cream. Created by two Washingtonians in the Skokomish Valley, this local staple utilizes fresh, local ingredients from the Pacific Northwest. With well over 100 flavors that include bubblegum, mint chocolate chip, double chocolate truffle, and white chocolate caramel swirl, there is bound to be an option for everyone in the family. They even offer a variety of fresh sorbets. A scoop of this delectable delight can be found in all corners of Thurston County, from grocery stores to local restaurants, so be sure to check out their locations page.
Limeberry is an institution in Thurston County boasting two locations – Tumwater and Lacey. Limeberry constantly changes their list of 15 yogurts on tap and toppings to accompany your bowl. They even provide sugar-free and dairy-free options for people with dietary needs. It’s a great option for those who enjoy personalizing their dessert.
Our next stop is more of the classic ice cream experience. Grandpa’s Soda Fountain and Ice Cream Parlor takes customers back to the 1950s for a classic scoop. Along with generous helpings of Olympic Mountain Ice Cream, this downtown Olympia shop also provides incredible root beer floats, Italian sodas, and a plethora of ice cream sodas. You may even be served by Grandpa or Grandma, the owners of the shop.
The next option comes with a twist…baked goods! Blue Heron Bakery is known for their slogan “Natural before it was fashionable” and their creamy ice cream is just that. Made from a base of natural ingredients, this artificial-free dessert is some of the best in Olympia. Flavors rotate frequently but can be enjoyed in scoop, cone, or milkshake form. You can even add fresh baked cookie or cake to the mix.
Van’s Burger isn’t just about meat and buns. This burger joint has The Sweet Spot. This building adjacent to the burger joint has some of the best ice cream desserts in the county. Gourmet shakes, sundaes and cones are made at the walk-up or drive-thru window. The soft serve mix is homemade and the mix-ins are fresh. When berries are ripe, they are available as milkshakes until they run out. When summer is over, be sure to swing by for the tantalizing pumpkin pie milkshake. It’s divine!
Gelato also makes the cut for as it should not be overlooked as one of the best frozen desserts around! i.talia restaurant serves Olympic Mountain Gelato in either a cone or a cup with rotating flavors as does Bayview Thriftway. Grab a cup or cone from the downtown store (sorbet available, too!) and stroll the boardwalk while you lick flavors like lemon basil, chocolate hazelnut or favorite lemon lavender Also joining our gelato list with an early July opening is Hawley’s Gelato & Coffee which will be serving local, award winning gelato from Nutty Squirrel Gelato. The shop will also be serving Santa Lucia Coffee Roasters from Centralia.
No matter how high the temperature rises this summer, ice cream is around every corner in Thurston County for your enjoyment.
