A quick glance at Chattanooga’s weather forecast makes one thing abundantly clear — we’ve got a lot of hot and humid days ahead of us.
Don’t get us wrong, we love sunny days in the Scenic City, but it’s essential to find ways to balance the heat with ways to cool down. One way to do so? With a cool treat, of course.
Check out some of our favorite local spots that offer cool treats, along with a few suggestions from our Instagram followers.
🍦 Ice cream
When we asked our Instagram followers their favorite treats to cool down, an overwhelming amount of folks shared their love for Clumpies Ice Cream Co. Stop by the Southside, NorthShore, or St. Elmo locations to try out the classic flavors offered year-round or a scoop from the rotating seasonal flavors.
The Ice Cream Show is right by the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge.
Photo via @whosefoodisitanyway
Ice cream may be the star at The Ice Cream Show, but you’re the director. You can customize your creation with fruits, candies, and sauces to make a perfect, one-of-a-kind treat — plus, it has pup cups for your dog.
If you’re looking to take your ice cream game to the next level, Scoop Around Ice Cream Bar has been creating cold and indulgent creations since opening last summer. We recommend the Crazy Shakes + Crazy Cones for an over-the-top treat, like the Strawberry Cheesecake shake that actually has a slice of cheesecake on top.
Another suggestion from our followers was Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream shop located at 3924 Tennessee Ave. in St. Elmo. This local shop offers traditional, variety, and special ice cream flavors + you can order pints to take home your favorite flavors.
Downtown Dough may be named for its cookie dough, but it’s ice creams really stand out on a hot day. The shop is especially well regarded for its dairy-free, vegan + keto options.
❄️ Popsicles
The Local Juicery + Kitchen is home to many healthy and delicious snacks and treats, but its paleta pops are perfect on a hot day.
Look for the rainbow umbrella to find Chattanooga’s King of Pops at various locations. This pop-up cart has all kinds of delicious popsicles with vegan offerings + even some “King of Pups” options for your furry friend.
Bonus: We have to give a shout out to these folks for keeping Editors Kristen + Haley cooled down at this year’s Riverbend Festival. We loved the blueberry lemonade and mango tangerine flavors.
Milk & Honey serves up gelato the traditional way, with many flavors to be enjoyed at once.
Photo by @milkandhoneychattanooga
🍧 Italian ice + gelato
While you’re walking through Northshore or downtown, pop into Milk & Honey for a scoop (or three) of the delicious gelato. Try the classic “Milk & Honey” flavor or be more adventurous with the avocado or pineapple habanero flavors (which are incredibly tasty, btw.)
Head to Ooltewah to visit Tasty Scoops & Sweets to get a few scoops of gelato. Behind the counter you’ll find flavors like chocolate and vanilla, but you can also try something more adventurous like Trix or “unicorn.”
🍹 Frozen drinks
For our 21+ folks, cool off with a frosé from The Co-Op Frosé & Eatery. These drinks consist of frozen rosé wine, fresh lemon juice + fruit that come in all kinds of flavors.
Who says hot chocolate can only be served hot? Stop by The Hot Choclatier’s Southside + newly opened St. Elmo location for a frozen hot chocolate. Bonus: you can elevate your frozen hot chocolate by adding fresh fruit.
If you’re seeking a cocktail cooldown, the Big Chill & Grill may be just what you’re looking for. This spot specializes in frozen drinks, as you may have guessed from the name, that are just as colorful as they are flavorful.
