Coolest Ice Cream Shops You Can Visit Now

by Annette BenedettiJuly 27, 2021

This summer, Portland showed us how hot it can get! And while we seem to have made it through the record-breaking temps, our city is certainly staying warm. There’s no better way to stay cool than with a sweet scoop of ice cream. These awesome shops serve up some of the best ice cream, gelato, froyo, and sorbet in the city. You’ll want to try them all before the temps start to drop again.

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Sugarpine Drive-In:There's nothing sweeter than getting your soft serve cone from a retro drive-through after a day on the Sandy River. Located in Troutdale, Sugarpine serves up great lunches, but it's the cones that'll make you beg for more. Go for the Larch Mountain, a chocolate and vanilla swirl topped with crumbled brown butter blondies, blueberry lavender sauce, and homemade pine nut honeycomb crunch. Also, they serve froze (frozen rose) popsicles.

1208 East Historical Columbia River Hwy.
Troutdale, OR
Online: sugarpinedrivein.com

Fifty Licks: Fifty Licks started as a food cart then swiftly moved into the spotlight at their two locations (both currently open for takeout). Quality ingredients mixed into a custard base means flavors like Hood Strawberry or Toasted Milk shine through. The vegan options are coconut-based and will not disappoint anyone, like the turmeric-yellow Golden Milk or the Mango Sticky Rice.

Multiple locations
Online: fifty-licks.com

Salt and Straw: Portland’s ice cream craze basically kicked off with this shop and their curious flavors--you can find their shops flung far in LA, San Francisco, Miami, Seattle, and even Disneyland (yep). Closer to home, it’s still massively popular. The one good thing about 2020 is that you can now skip those heinous lines by ordering online ahead of time for pickup (or delivery!). They keep a list of favorites like strawberry and balsamic, olive oil, and sea salt and caramel, but their monthly rotating flavors are surprisingly unique, but crazy good— like goat cheese marionberry habanero.

Multiple locations
Online: saltandstraw.com

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Pinolo Gelato: Founded by a native Italian, Pinolo Gelato lets ice cream’s European cousin shine. Gelato is mostly made without eggs--because it has less fat and is also served slightly warmer than ice cream, it’s argued to be more flavorful. Take a Roman holiday with classic flavors like chocolate, stracciatella or pistachio, or enjoy the seasonal rotation like almond fig. They also serve Cafe Umbria espresso.

3707 SE Division
Online: pinologelato.com

Ruby Jewel: Delicious ice cream, sandwiched between two thick cookies. It’s the dessert for when you can’t decide if you want ice cream or baked goods, and nobody in Portland does it like Ruby Jewel. Try the Double Chocolate and Peanut Butter, or the Lemon and Honey Lavender, or test out a new flavor! The four store locations are town are open for business this summer, and perfect for your warm-weather breaks.

Multiple locations
Online: rubyjewel.com

Cloud City Ice Cream: This gem in the Woodstock neighborhood of Southeast Portland has been impressing kids of all ages since 2011, using natural and local ingredients to serve up a prolific menu of dairy and non-dairy scoops, sundaes, and shakes. They’ve simplified their menu to the classics (like Golddigger with chocolate ice cream and peanut butter ripple, or the honey lavender), and are offering scoops and pints to go. As it says on their door, everything is made with equal parts love and magic.

4525 SE Woodstock Blvd.
Portland
Online: cloudcityicecream.com

Eb and Bean: The froyo from Eb and Bean has taken the city by storm the last few years. The swirling cones of goodness come in fantastic flavors (dairy or non-dairy, without artificial sweeteners, flavors, preservatives, or corn syrup). It’s then topped with seasonal, all-natural goodies, many from local Oregon companies. They have three locations around town, making it the perfect spot for families wherever they may live.

Multiple locations
Online: ebandbean.com

We’re Planting Ourselves at ALDI in June for These New Releases

by Sarah ShebekMay 28, 2021

There’s competition in the plant decor market—ALDI is releasing several cute new options in June! In keeping with the chain’s normal discounts, all are quite the bargain, too.

Fairy Castle Cactus

Over the month the company will roll out various green options across stores. Look for this whimsical Fairy Castle Cactus for $3.89 starting on June 2!

Money Tree

For a bit more of a challenge, see if you can find the Money Tree when it comes out on June 23. It's petite at five inches tall, with plenty of room to grow.

Fiddle Leaf, Snake Plant, Dragon Tree

Even more plants will come your way June 30: a Fiddle Leaf Fig, Snake Plant, or Dragon Tree. They're all six inches tall and $6.99 each in neutral white pots.

Air Plants

Don't forget the most delightful option of all, the air plants! These are a steal at $2.99 each and perfect if you don't have much of a green thumb. Plus those pineapple pots are totally adorable. You'll also be able to find them starting June 30.

If you’re not a plant person, there’s plenty more to find at ALDI in June, from inflatable waterparks to unicorn cones. And with locations all over the country, you’re probably closer to one than you think!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of ALDI

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Time for an ALDI Run: Unicorn Cones Are Coming

by Jennifer SwartvagherMay 27, 2021

There is always something fun happening at ALDI. Now there are new ice cream varieties to excite kids and adults!

Starting Jun. 16, the Sundae Shop brand’s new Unicorn Cones and Galactic Cones will be available for a limited time.

The colorful Unicorn-themed ice cream confections are made up of raspberry and vanilla-flavored frozen dessert. The wafer cones appear to be lined with chocolate and the ice cream swirl is topped with raspberry flavored topping and rainbow sprinkles.

The Galactic cones are chocolate filled and feature a chocolate and vanilla flavored frozen dessert. The ice cream swirl is covered in raspberry topping and space-themed sprinkles.

Each box consists of four ready-to-eat cones and retail for $3.49.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of ALDI

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It’s Girl Scout Cookie Season All Year Long with These Thin Mint Cones

by Karly WoodMay 21, 2021

Everyone looks forward to Girl Scout cookie season and getting their hands on their fave cookies. Now you don’t have to wait to enjoy one of the most popular flavors.

Keebler Girl Scout Thin Mints Dipped Cones have arrived! The brand’s first flavored fudge-dipped cones are made with custom dark chocolate and the exact same peppermint oil used in Girl Scout Thin Mints.

photo: Courtesy of Keebler

“With the help of Girl Scouts and a little magic from the Keebler Elves, we’re able to bring a delicious Girl Scout Cookie flavor to summertime,” said Brian Lutz, Senior Brand Manager, Keebler Cones.

You can find the new Keebler Girl Scout Thin Mints Dipped Cones in a 12-pack at retailers nationwide for $3.69. Summer just got a whole lot sweeter!

––Karly Wood

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Haiku for You: Simple Poetry for Kids

by Amber GuetebierApril 21, 2021

The haiku is an uncomplicated form of poetry that kids will take to with natural skill. This traditional Japanese verse is just three lines. All you need is to remember that and the 5-7-5 rule. Read on for the how-to.

photo: cegoh via pixabay

Here’s the basic structure of the haiku:

1st line: 5 syllables
2nd line: 7 syllables
3rd line: 5 syllables

The biggest challenge is teaching them the difference between words and syllables and helping them count it out if they need it. Kids can count on their fingers as they try and figure out the perfect way to say it with words. Here’s an example:

1st verse:
It is ice cream time (5)

2nd verse:
Serve it in a cup or cone (7)

3rd verse:
Ice cream time is here (5)

More examples:

Ride your tricycle
It is red and has a bell
Take it to the street

Mom is tired now
But soon she will rise again
No rest for mommy

—Amber Guetebier

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Carvel Has a Whole New Line of Crunchies Treats—Plus a Sweet Cereal

by Erica LoopApril 8, 2021

Crunchies in your breakfast bowl? Carvel’s iconic chocolate Crunchies are coming to your breakfast table.

The chocolate cookie pieces covered in a chocolate bonnet shell are a fan fave. Now this sweet treat topping is getting a whole new look—in a lineup of fab foodie finds you won’t want to miss! Carvel recently announced the debut of a brand-new chocolate Crunchie limited-edition cereal. Before you rush out to your local grocery store, read on to find out how to score a box of this delish breakfast blend.

Instead of the cereal aisle, you can only get this chocolatey breakfast goody at Carvel shoppes and food delivery platforms. The first 150 in-store and delivery platform customers at each Carvel shoppe location can nab a limited-edition box of cereal with purchase from Apr. 16 through Apr. 18, 2021.

Nicolle DuBose, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Carvel, said in a press release, “More and more, fans are telling us they want to experience Crunchies in new ways – and we listened to them. With the introduction of Crunchies Cereal and our lineup of limited-time Crunchies-filled ice cream treats, we’re kicking off ice cream season in a big way and providing fans new opportunities to create Crunchies-filled memories.”

Along with the cereal, Carvel fans can also feast on other limited-edition Crunchies treats. These include:

Crunchies To-Go – Carvel’s famous chocolate Crunchies coated with Brown Bonnet.
Crunchies Shake – Vanilla soft ice cream blended with fudge and Crunchies.
Crunchies Dasher – Vanilla soft ice cream with layers of Crunchies and bittersweet fudge topped with whipped cream and a chocolate medallion.
Flying Saucers Rolled in Crunchies – Flying Saucer crackers filled with Vanilla soft ice cream rolled in Crunchies.
Crazy for Crunchies Cake – Deluxe cake made with vanilla ice cream, chocolate Crunchies in the middle, and chocolate ice cream on the bottom, loaded with milk fudge, and covered in Crunchies on the side.
Crunchies Celebration Cake – Carvel Crunchies cake made with Vanilla ice cream, chocolate Crunchies in the middle, and chocolate ice cream on the bottom loaded with Carvel whipped cream, trimmed with milk fudge and covered in Crunchies on the side.
Novelty Cones Rolled in Crunchies – Vanilla soft ice cream rolled in Crunchies on a sugar cone.
Vanilla soft ice cream on a Cake Cone or Cup Rolled in Crunchies.

Don’t wait too long to make your Crunchie dreams come true. These Crunchie-licious sweet treats are available exclusively in Carvel shoppes and from Carvel food delivery platforms for a limited time.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of Carvel

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Summer Is at Target & It Comes in an Ice Cream-Flavored Hershey’s Kiss!

by Erica LoopMarch 9, 2021

As if chocolate wasn’t already enough, Hershey’s has done it again and given the world (or at least Target shoppers) a super-sweet new Kiss. The limited edition Strawberry Ice Cream Cone flavor is here and it’s everything you’re imagining and more.

With summer on the horizon, you’re ready for a taste of the season. Even though nothing will replace the ooey, gooey, drippy cone that always seems to melt all over your kiddo’s favorite t-shirt on the warmest of summer days, Hershey’s new flavor is a close second to the real deal.

photo: Target

If you’re looking for a pre-season summer-time treat, minus the chill of an actual ice cream cone, nab a bag of these strawberry-flavored goodies ASAP. While the Kisses obviously don’t contain actual ice cream, according to the product description on Target’s website the Strawberry Ice Cream Cone candy, “Is the delicious KISSES treats you’ve always loved, but this version captures the taste of sweet strawberry ice cream cone in a fun sized treat with less mess!”

The description continues, “Enjoy the decadent taste of smooth, rich bite-sized strawberry flavored crème and cookies anywhere and at any time. Wrapped in festive pink foils, these creamy treats are perfect for the season’s candy dishes and anytime snacking.”

Score your own bag of these strawberry goodies from Target.com here. The summery Kisses retail for $3.69 for a nine ounce bag.

—Erica Loop

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Crikey! “Bluey” Gets Special Guest From Down Under This Season

by Karly WoodFebruary 22, 2021

Bluey is back! The Emmy Award-winning Disney show returned with Season 2 on Feb. 5 to the Disney Channel (during the Disney Junior block) and in DisneyNOW, with new episodes dropping on Fridays.

This season is going to be extra fun, with special guest star Robert Irwin! Hailing from one of the most famous Aussie families will Irwin voice Alfie, the helpful store clerk who saves the day in “The Quiet Game,” premiering Fri., Feb. 26. Want to know what Bluey is all about? Watch an adorable clip below!

The Bluey series follows a lovable 6-year-old Blue Heeler pup, Bluey, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her 4-year-old little sister, Bingo. Viewers follow along on everyday events of family life and watch as the fam turns normal experiences into extraordinary adventures.

Season two will take preschoolers along as Bluey heads to the movies, has a birthday cake mishap, Muffins has to wear a cone and much more. Don’t forget to tune in on Fridays for all new episodes on The Disney Channel and the DisneyNOW app.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Disney

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What Would You Do for a Klondike Chair?

by Karly WoodFebruary 22, 2021

Klondike wants to know Wwhat would you do-o-o for a few minutes of alone time? With everyone spending so much time at home the last year, the ice cream brand is stepping in to give everyone a way to grab a much-needed break.

Say hello to the Klondike Cone Zone: a premium ice cream cone-shaped hanging chair that serves as your cozy private retreat––complete with a zipper so you can shut out the noisy, outside world.. This completely unique piece of furniture not only gives Klondike-loving fans an outlet for doing whatever it takes to get a Klondike, but also as the ultimate spot to devour one of the new Klondike Cones.

“These days, many of us could do with a little less multitasking at home and a little more ice cream,” says Russel Lilly, Vice President of U.S. Ice Cream at Unilever. “Eating a delicious Klondike Cone deserves its own moment of bliss, which is why we engineered the Klondike Cone Zone, so fans can literally escape, take a break and enjoy their sweet treat in the most satisfying way possible.”

Klondike wants to know what you would do to get a free limited-edition Klondike Cone Zone in their new sweepstakes. To enter for the chance to win, check out @KlondikeBar on Twitter and retweet the brand’s post with the hashtag #IWouldDoANYTHINGForAKlondikeConeZoneSweepstakes.

The sweepstakes runs from Feb. 22 through Mar. 8 in the U.S. only for adults 18 and older. Full rules can be found at unileversweepsrules.com/klondikeconezone. Winners will receive a Klondike Cone Zone chair, stand and coupon for new Klondike Cones with limited quantities available.

Next time you head to the grocery store, be sure to also pick up some of the new Klondike Cones in flavors like Vanilla Chillin’, Nuts for Vanilla, Classic Chocolate, Double Down Chocolate, and Unicorn Dreamin’. Later this month you’ll also be able to find new Klondike Shakes in Wind Down & Chocolate and Chill Out & Vanilla in a 6-pack for a suggested retail price of $5.99 at major retailers nationwide.

––Karly Wood

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Score Some Treats (No Tricks) at DQ This Halloween

by Jennifer SwartvagherOctober 16, 2020

Ghosts, ghouls and creepy clowns may give you a fright this Halloween. Fans who visit DQ on Oct. 31 have nothing to fear if they are looking for a delicious meal and a great deal. At participating DQ locations, for one day only, you can get a Kid’s Meal for $1.99 using the DQ mobile app.

A DQ Kid’s Meal comes complete with a choice of an entree, side, drink and classic vanilla or chocolate Kid’s Cone. 

For adult fans looking for a scary good treat this Halloween, minus the tricks, the new Oreo Mocha Fudge Blizzard Treat will have jack-o-lanterns turning orange with envy. The October Blizzard of the Month combines Oreo cookie pieces, choco chunks and coffee blended with world-famous DQ soft-serve. 

Fans can head to DQ.com to find their local store and can connect on social media using @DairyQueen and #HappyTastesGood. The DQ app is available for download on iOS and Android devices.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of DQ

ML Interest Tag: cone

We’re Planting Ourselves at ALDI in June for These New Releases

Fairy Castle Cactus

Money Tree

Fiddle Leaf, Snake Plant, Dragon Tree

Air Plants

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