Photo credit: Jeni's Splendid.

Credit: Carolyn Desalu

icon to expand image

Credit: Carolyn Desalu

Here’s the scoop: While some like it hot, ice cream, gelato and popsicles are the perfect way to cool off. Best of all, some of the shops listed below offer a to-go option, so your favorite frozen treat can be stored in your freezer—for the next time.

A taste of Italy: With more that 60 flavors, Paolo's Gelato Italiano in Virginia-Highland satisfies the need for smooth, creamy gelato. Owner Paolo Dalla Zorza is Italian, so naturally the flavors are listed in the language, but don't fret. If you ask for a flavor like rum raisin or chocolate hazelnut, the server will know you want malago (mah-LAH-gah) or bacio ((BAH-cho). Pronunciation aside, hand-packed to-go quarts allow customers to savor the flavor anytime.

Ice, ice baby: When folks figured out a way to merge hip-hop and popsicles, Hip Pops in Athens was created. Fun, flavorful and often comical selections of frozen treats like Kanye Zest, a cucumber honeydew lime creation, Ludacrisp, a chocolate krispie concoction and Tea.I, a matcha green tea latte flavor are available. Note that ordering these handmade treats in-store or to-go may inspire a round of rapping or cause you to "Pop It Like It's Hot."

Grand reopening: In May, Jeni's Splendid reopened (they willingly closed all stores due to a possible health risk). Now, they're back in business, serving frozen faves like root beer and salty caramel ice cream, mango lassi frozen yogurt plus a new sundae called gooey butter, a brown butter almond brittle ice cream covered in butterscotch and salty caramel sauce at their Westside Provisions District, Krog Street Market and Decatur Square shops.

All in the family: Creamberrys's Ice Cream, a family-owned shop in Conyers, offers an assortment of ice cream, sorbet and sherbet. For the calorie conscious, there are a few no sugar added options as well. To top it off? Daily specials ranging from a free scoop of ice cream to dollar-off sundaes.

About the Author

Featured

The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC