By Kelly Rouse
Did you celebrate National Ice Cream Day on July 21? If not, don’t fret – you can make every day ice cream day by visiting one of these sweet St. Pete spots!
KILWINS
When you find yourself on Beach Drive, you must make a stop at Kilwins. The aroma when you walk in the door is truly heavenly. The delicious smell is a combination of the World’s Best Mackinac Island fudge, their yummy caramel apples and endless varieties of chocolates and, of course, their original recipe ice cream. There are so many flavors to choose from and you can’t go wrong with any of them: toasted coconut, butter pecan, pistachio, salted caramel, chocolate and strawberry to name just a few (served in a cup or cone of your choice). They also have a fantastic menu of milkshakes and ice cream sundaes.
Kilwins is a mom-and-pop confectionary shop that was founded in 1947 in Petoskey, Mich. The company now operates over 150 stores in 26 states and the St. Pete shop is full of classic charm. They use the finest ingredients and pride themselves with providing customers with great service. Indulge in a scoop- you won’t regret it.
Mon.-Thurs. 11am-10pm.
Fri.- Sat. 11am-12am. Sun. 11am-10pm.
www.Kilwins.com
PLANT LOVE ICE CREAM
Plant Love may be vegan but keep an open mind because your tastebuds won’t be disappointed. Made from scratch daily using organic non-dairy milk, Plant Love offers over 50 homemade rotating flavors, as well as seasonal offerings. Their ice cream has a thick, but smooth, consistency that melts in your mouth. The recipes are a “family secret, and every batch is made with intention and love.” Plant Love was opened by the Matchin family on Central Avenue in 2019 and expanded to a second location in Gulfport in 2023. “Mama Jo” (JoAnn) is the mastermind behind the ice cream recipes and production and her son Jordan helps with the business which her son Matthew helped found.
Be sure to request the five “flight” sampler and choose from delights like cookie butter to s’mores. Other flavor highlights include: Snickers, matcha, espresso latte, moon pie, berry bliss and more. They also cater, so you can book their tasty treats for yournext celebration.
St. Pete Hours Wed.-Thurs. 2-9pm.
Friday 2-10pm. Saturday 1-10pm.
Sunday 1-9pm.
www.plantloveicecream.com
LARRY’S ICE CREAM AND GELATOS
For over three decades, the place to go for your sweet tooth in St. Pete Beach is Larry’s Ice Cream and Gelatos. Featuring over 100 flavors of ice cream, this old-fashioned parlor has one of the largest selections of frozen desserts in the area. Their freshly made ice creams and delectable waffle cones are a major attraction but save room for mini craft donuts such as the French toast, cotton candy, and the Elvis- peanut butter icing topped with crumbled bacon. They also offer sundaes, milkshakes, and authentic Italian gelato, as well as frozen yogurt in over 35 flavors. For coffee lovers, try an “affogato,” a scoop of ice cream smothered in either fresh brewed Kahwa coffee or Jimmy’s cold brew espresso. Larry’s has a VIP club, and all their desserts are served with a smile. And you can enjoy your confection on their pet-friendly patio with your pooch.
Sun.- Thurs. 10:30am-10:30pm.
Fri.- Sat. 10:30am-11pm
www.larrysicecream.com
BRIGHT ICE SCOOP SHOP
As they say on their website, “our super premium ice cream is like a little bit of sunshine in every bite.” Bright Ice strives for bold, intense flavor profiles using natural ingredients and they source locally whenever possible. Popular selections include balsamic strawberry, espresso with Kahlua, caramelized bananas with peanut butter and honey, and Key Lime pie with an incredible homemade graham cracker crust. For festive gatherings, they have ice cream party packs of any 25 pre-scooped flavors. They have locations in St. Pete, Pinellas Park, Tampa, and their newest scoop shop in Venice. The interior of the St. Pete location is fun and modern, and the staff is very helpful and will allow you to sample flavors if you’re overwhelmed by the choices.
Sun.- Thurs. 11am-10pm
Fri.- Sat. 11am- 11pm
www.brighticeisnice.com
