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It's hot out! Discover SoCal's 8 best places to cool off and eat frozen desserts (Map)
It's time to eat ice cream! What's your favorite flavor?
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youngthousands/Flickr
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SoCal's scorching temps make it difficult to think about consuming anything other than ice cubes, ice tea, iced coffee and ice cream — basically ANYTHING freezing cold.
And sorry folks: it's expected to get even hotter. There's no better time to hit up some of the best local ice cream and gelato shops. We asked our Facebook friends to tell us where to go. Here's what they had to say:
| MAP |
RITE AID | everywhere
(Photo: Coco Mault/Flickr)
Chocolate malted crunch, coconut pineapple, rainbow sherbet, vanilla, strawberry — and the list goes on. Rite Aid's Thrifty Ice Cream is a longtime favorite and totally worth every penny. Find the closest location here.
RELATED: What's behind Southern California's recent heat and humidity?
FOSSELMAN'S | Alhambra
(Photo: m kasahara/ Flickr)
Fosselman's Ice Cream first opened in 1937 in South Pasadena. Today over 48 flavors are manufactured in Alhambra and folks throughout Southern California are still loving it. Enjoy root beer floats, sorbet or simple scoops in house for a truly authentic soda fountain and candy shoppe experience. See flavors here.
VITALY | Costa Mesa
(Photo: Courtesy of Vitaly)
This cafe sells gelato in just about any form: There's the gelato sandwich, gelato on a stick and the gelato flight. We recommend the latter, which allows the sampling of five flavors individually served on miniature ice cream cones. Toppings include pralines, various sauces and whipped cream. The display case alone will make you drool.
CARMELA ICE CREAM AND SORBET | Pasadena
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(Photo: Courtesy of Carmela Ice Cream)
Made with farmers market produce and organic dairy, Carmela serves up fancy flavors with pretty presentation. The store also offers classes that teach the basics of creating ice cream and sorbet. Sign up here.
SCOOPS | Culver City, Highland Park, Wilshire Center
(Photo: Courtesy of Scoops Westside Facebook)
Irish cream ricotta banana and pear white wine. Those are just a couple of the creative flavors available at this ice cream and frozen yogurt shop. They've even got vegan options. Stay up-to-date with its non-dairy offerings at the Westside location here.
MASHTI MALONE'S | Hollywood
(Photo: megpi/Flickr)
"No preservative, no eggs, no refined sugar, no corn syrup, no trans fat, no artificial flavor, no artificial color," touts this shop. Most of its ice cream is flavored with rose water. Try the rosewater saffron with pistachios or creamy mango.
GELATO PARADISO | Laguna Beach
(Photo: YC Chung/Flickr)
Located in a hidden alley of downtown Laguna Beach, this small shop sells handmade gelato with no artificial powders or syrups. Flavors include tiramisu, limoncello and amarena cheesecake.
MOTHER MOO CREAMERY | Sierre Madre
(Photo: Courtesy of Mother Moo/Mitchel Evans Photo)
Organic dairy and homemade cones served in flavors like cinnamon graham cracker, salty chocolate and raw honey. Also available: ice cream sandwiches, shakes and nostalgic sodas. Sign up for a canning class here.
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Map by Nuran Alteir
Where's your favorite place to grab a frozen dessert in SoCal? Let us know in comments, on Facebook or Twitter.
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