Making Summer Sweet in Carlsbad

Aug 3, 2023

If you’ve been feeling the summer heat, get ready to cool down with the ultimate treat. Since Carlsbad is one of the ‘coolest’ coastal towns around, it has some of the best places to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try one of these go-to ice cream spots to put the cherry on top of any summertime outing in Carlsbad:

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Founded by ice cream maven, Jeni Britton, this creative-led and community-spirited company is on a mission to redefine the world of ice cream.

Jeni's is not your ordinary ice cream store. They have established themselves as a new standard in the industry, building ice creams completely from scratch using a unique recipe perfected over more than 20 years. This dedication to craftsmanship results in ice creams that have a uniquely smooth texture, a buttercream body and flavors that leave a lasting impression.

What makes Jeni's ice creams truly exceptional are the flavors inspired by a world of curiosities. Drawing inspiration from art, history, pop culture and beyond, they create a range of flavors that simply don't exist anywhere else. From classics with a twist to bold and unexpected combinations, Jeni's has surprisingly new flavor combinations for every season.

The story of Jeni's began in 2002 when the first scoop shop opened its doors in the North Market, a centuries-old public market in Columbus, Ohio. From humble beginnings, Jeni worked tirelessly, perfecting her recipes and scooping for long lines of customers. It was here that signature flavors like Salty Caramel, Wildberry Lavender, and Brambleberry Crisp first emerged.

Today, Jeni's has become a national sensation, with over 65 shops across the country and an online shop that ships to all 50 states. Their commitment to using the best ingredients is unwavering, sourcing Direct and Fair Trade ingredients and fresh milk from family dairy farms.

The Carlsbad shop at The Beacon La Costa brings the experience of Jeni’s unique ice cream right to our doorstep. Jeni's ice cream creations are a testament to indulgence and ingenuity, with flavors that redefine the boundaries of traditional ice cream. You can try their captivating Pineapple Upside Down Cake ice cream, where tart pineapple, red cherries and golden cake swirl together with caramel to create a masterpiece of taste. Or, the Butterscotch Popcorn flavor bursts with the delightful crunch of sun-popped popcorn, showcasing an entirely new way of thinking about ice cream.

The entire menu ranges from inventive to nostalgic. Try new takes on beloved childhood favorites with the Pop-Tarts Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon flavor, or be transported to a porch swing in the summertime with the Sweet Cream Biscuits & Peach Jam flavor. Every scoop from Jeni’s is truly an invitation to embark on a thrilling new adventure.

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

Another great place to enjoy ice cream is at Handel’s in Carlsbad Village. With a rich history dating back to 1945 when Alice Handel created her first batch of ice cream in Youngstown, Ohio, Handel's has become synonymous with unparalleled quality and mouthwatering flavors.

Each batch of ice cream at Handel’s is created fresh daily. At any given time, Handel’s has a full menu of flavors to choose from, and there’s a good chance you’ll want to try more than one. There are classic favorites like Mint Chocolate Chip and Butter Pecan to innovative creations like Black Raspberry Chunk, Snappy Turtle and Graham Canyon. If you're in the mood for a celebratory treat, the Birthday Cake ice cream with yellow cake batter, blue icing ripple and sprinkles is a must-try. Chocolate lovers won't be disappointed either with options like Chocolate Almond with toasted almonds, Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie with Reese's Peanut Butter ripple and brownie chunks and the indulgent Chocolate Marshmallow.

At Handel’s you can choose how you want it – in a cone, in a dish, or in a milkshake. They have traditional cake cones, sugar cones, waffle cones (try them hand-dipped in chocolate!) or waffle bowls. There are also hand-held treats like Handel Pops, featuring homemade vanilla, chocolate, or mint chocolate chip ice cream dipped in rich gourmet chocolate. Bring the whole family and indulge in this local favorite in Carlsbad Village.

Gelato and More

And that’s just the tip of the cone! Carlsbad is home to many different ways to indulge your ice cream cravings. If you haven't already, check out GelatoLove in the Carlsbad Village Faire shopping center or make your way to 7 Mile Kitchen at The Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa for their selection of gelato flavors.

Keep your tastebuds on high alert! McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams will be opening soon at The Forum Carlsbad and Stella Jean’s Ice Cream will open in Carlsbad Village.

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