Advantages of living in the desert include, but are not limited to: never shoveling snow from your driveway, choosing to be in shorts a T-shirt and flip-flops all year long, an almost year round use of the pool, and dry heat!

One big disadvantage is the atmosphere literally bursting into flames come summer time. We may be over exaggerating a bit, but when summer hits it certainly feels this way.  

Summer is fast approaching, and though you were able to boast to your friends up north and back east that you could have ice cream treats during months like December, January, and February, you’ll learn fast why this city has so many places with frozen treats.

You will also learn relief from the scorching desert heat can simply be found in the form of a bowl, a cup, or a cone.

There are many available options, and you can easily find yourself in a national chain like Dairy Queen, Baskin Robbins, or Thrifty’s, but Phoenix has some local gems that will fulfill your ice cream need and give you a memorable experience.

Here are 5 of our local favorites:

1.  Novel Ice Cream

Nestled in a small eclectic huddle of shops off of Grand and 11th Avenue, this uniquely modern mom and pop ice cream shop is home to the ice cream stuffed donuts. The shop has a friendly atmosphere and the original ice cream flavors are all made in-house (the warm donuts are also locally sourced). Add delicious crunchy cereal toppings to your bowl, cone, or stuffed donut for a grand textured experience!

#FrayLife Tip: Not sure what you’re in the mood for? Choose “The Indecision” –  a flight of 5 scoops of any flavor of your choosing.

2. Melt

This shop was once housed in a historic home off of 5th Street and Roosevelt, but now sits at a temporary location in front of Jobot coffee (3rd Street and Roosevelt). This shop boasts quirky, uniquely original flavors that are made in-house. The main difference between Melt and other shops? Instead of a cone, cup, or bowl, you are served in a Chinese take-out style box complete with fortune cookie.

#FrayLife Tip: Make sure to check out Jobot while you’re at Melt. This little coffee shop has some great menu items for late night snackage-and if you like curry you are in for a treat.

3. Nami

If you prefer frozen treats of the non-dairy sort, you owe it to yourself to stop by Nami, just off of 7th Street and Palm. You’ll find an amazing selection of vegan ice cream mixes as well as delicious sweets you will never know are dairy-free.

#FrayLife Tip: This dessert shop is located in the vegan trifecta corner of Phoenix. While you’re there, check out Green (right next to Nami), or the Coronado across the street. Both offer amazingly delicious foods you will not feel guilty eating.

4. Mary Coyle’s

This Phoenix staple offers the nostalgic feel and timeless flavors of an ice cream shop your parents would have frequented as a kid. They offer small bites of ice cream up to very large portions you and your family can share together. Check this place out, not only for the delicious familiar ice cream flavors, but also for the amazing concoctions of ice cream you can find on their menu.

#FrayLife Tip: Feeling like you need a bigger cool down than one or two scoops of ice cream can provide? Ask about the house specialties like the “Hill”, “Mountain” and “Grand Canyon”.

5. Gelato Spot

This local hot spot has three locations across the greater Phoenix metropolitan area and you’ll find a variety of menu options at each. The Scottsdale location offers delicious wood fired pizza, whereas the North Phoenix location off of Greenway offers amazing baked goods, and the more central Phoenix location offers fresh juices. The gelato, which boasts richer, creamier flavors than traditional ice cream, is the main star of the show at each shop.

#FrayLife Tip: Check out the Scottsdale location, order some pizza and sit on the outside patio for a great date night experience with their rich and creamy gelato as the finish.

Where’s your favorite spot in Phoenix to head when you’re craving the sweet, cool refreshment of local ice cream? Let us know in the comments, or tag us using #FrayLife next time you’re showing off your favorite ice cream spot on social!