Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival Happening In July

Summer here in Florida can be brutal, but to help cool you off, the Tampa Bay Ice Cream festival is happening in July.

Not only here in Florida are temperatures soaring, but all across the United States. Living in Fort Myers now for the last 5+ years, I feel like every summer is the hottest summer until the next one comes along and it feels hotter than ever. But that's why cold treats are essential. Not only do they cool you down, but they're delicious at the same time.

I've always been an ice cream junkie. I could give up pretty much all other sweets and never think about them again, but ice cream is the one thing I can't stay away from. And I don't discriminate. It really could be any flavor in any form. I do like a good waffle cone, but what's inside I like to switch up. There are a few local ice cream spots that are my favorites like Love Boat and Cape Creamery. And I have to say the seasonal flavors of Publix brand ice cream are delicious too. And if you love ice cream too, there's a festival you won't want to miss.

I don't know how I've never heard of this festival before, but it seems like an obvious choice for an ice cream lover like myself. The Tampa Bay Ice Cream festival is returning for its 3rd year from 11am-8pm on July 21st at Spa Beach Park near the St. Pete Pier. It's free to get in and there will be over 25 ice cream vendors from all over the state of Florida selling everything from gelato, soft serve, popsicles and more.

For more info on this year's Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival, click here

Living in Florida, we're always looking for ways to cool down on a hot day and there's nothing better and more tastier than to do that with some ice cream and one Cape Coral ice cream shop made Yelp's list of the Best in Florida.

When it comes to desserts, my absolutely favorite is ice cream. Asking if I have a favorite flavor is an almost impossible question to answer because with so many stand alone and great combinations, I can't possibly choose just one. And let's also not forget to mention all the varieties from true ice cream, gelato, custard, frozen yogurt, sorbet, sherbet, mochi...it's all delicious to me!

Yelp put together this list of Florida's best by looking at the total number and ratings of reviews from January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.

One review mentioned the owners being the kindest people they'd ever met. Another raved about the cookie dough ice cream saying "The cookie dough isn't the hard chunky stuff you might be used to, it's a softer texture and spreads out nice in the ice cream."

Sweet Aloha Ice Cream is a family-owned and veteran-owned ice cream parlor and shave ice shop. One reviewer was impressed with the service saying "My favorite thing about this place is the service. They are always helpful and always smiling which if you've ever worked with the public, you know that's not easy to do."

Unfortunately Joey's Custard was destroyed in Hurricane Ian. But their Instagram page offers a message of hope that they will rebuild!

Regulars rave about Matty's with one mentioning their favorite flavors of stracciatella, cookie butter, cannoli and the chocolate fudge. Another reviewer mentioned the generous portions.

Pecan Jacks describes themselves as an Ice Creamery and Candy Kitchen on the forefront of flavor, committed to crafting
delicious mouth-watering and unique ice cream, southern pralines, brittles, and chocolates. The top Yelp review rates it a 10/10.

At Ice Dreammm Shop, they make all of their ice cream in house themselves in small batches. Some favorite flavors include black raspberry, strawberry shortcake and brownie coffee swirl.

With almost 800 reviews, Cherry Smash is a definite favorite. Reviews mention the look of the place with stuff, including nostalgic items, everywhere you look.

One review calls Cleveland's Old Fashioned Ice Cream an absolute gem. Another says "10/10 100000% my FAVORITE ice cream!!!"