Higher temperatures mean it's time to scream for ice cream

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By JEFF KORBELIK / Lincoln Journal Star

As temperatures begin to rise, our food thoughts tend to turn toward cool treats, especially ice cream.

We never realized just how many places there are to get ice cream in Lincoln until we started putting this piece together.

There are all types of shops, from those that make their own — Ivanna Cone, UNL Dairy Store, etc. — to soft-serve favorites such as Dairy Queen and Zesto.

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A scoop of Pistachio Turkish Delight, top, and Cherry Chip, bottom, in a freshly made waffle cone at Ivana Cone ice cream shop in this August,2007 file photo .(Michael McNamara)

A scoop of Pistachio Turkish Delight, top, and Cherry Chip, bottom, in a freshly made waffle cone at Ivana Cone ice cream shop in this August,2007 file photo .(Michael McNamara)

 There’s even several places that specialize in ice cream-like treats such a gelato, frozen custard and yogurt.

With summer just around the corner, we’re giving readers a rundown of where to find ice cream, and each place’s customer favorites and most unique or exotic flavors.

My own favorites are Ivanna Cone, which is a hop, skip and a jump from our offices in the Haymarket, and UNL Dairy Store, where I’ve cultivated a Butter Brickle habit.

Baskin-Robbins

6835 N. 27th St.

Customer favorites: Jamocha Almond Fudge, Peanut Butter and Chocolate

Most exotic: Baseball Nut (vanilla with a raspberry ribbon and cashews). The ice cream commemorates the Dodgers move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in 1958.

The Scoop: The legendary chain is known for its 31 flavors, one for each day of the month. The current promotion is Candy Bar Madness, with ice creams featuring York Peppermint Patties, Snickers and Reeses. The food court at Great Scott’s also sells a handful of B-R ice creams.  

Cold Stone Creamery

2910 Pine Lake Road, Suite P

232 N. 13th St., Suite 3

Customer favorites: Chocolate Devotion, Birthday Cake Remix, Founder’s Favorite, Coffee Lover’s Only

Most exotic: Mud-Pie Mojo

The Scoop: The store became an immediate hit when it opened its SouthPointe location, not only for its creamy treats, but for its over-the-top service. Staffers break into song for anyone who leaves them a tip.

Colby Ridge Popcorn

48th and Pioneers

70th and Van Dorn

14th and N

Customer favorites: Brownie Nut Fudge, Peanut Butter Fudge, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Cotton Candy

Most exotic: Blueberry Cheesecake

The Scoop: According to the Colby Ridge folks, Lincoln is the last place selling Goodrich ice cream in free-standing buildings. I grew up enjoying Goodrich products, which are made in Norfolk. I’ll always have a soft spot and sweet tooth for them.   

Ice Cream Shoppe

4500 S. 70th St., Suite 112

Customer favorites: Vanilla, Chocolate, Cookie Dough, Oreo, Mint Chip, Eskimo Kiss, Anniversary Cake

Most exotic: Spumoni (chocolate, pistachio almond and more)

The Scoop: Celebrating its fourth year this week, the store’s East Lincoln location is ideal.  Opening at 11 a.m. on Sunday, it’s the perfect spot to stop after attending services at one of the many nearby churches. 

Ivanna Cone

701 P St.

Customer favorites: Cinnamon, Birthday Cake, Blueberry and anything with peanut butter

Most exotic: Lemon Grass Ginger, Cardamom Rose, French Toast, Honey Custard

The Scoop: Of all the ice cream shops, Ivanna Cone easily boasts the most unique offerings. Owner Amy Green said the Honey Custard is one of the hottest (or coolest) on the menu. If you’re a tad skeptical, ask Amy or her staff for a taste. 

UNL Dairy Store

38th and Holdrege

Customer favorites: Vanilla, Chocolate, Scarlet & Cream, Rum Raisin, 4-H Mint Clover, Cappuccino Chocolate Chip

Most exotic: Morrill Orchard Medley (peach ice cream, crushed filbert nuts, black raspberry revel), Lemon Custard

The Scoop: I don’t mind driving from the other side of town to get my Dairy Store fix. Of all the ice creams in Lincoln, the Dairy Store’s is my favorite. It’s creamier than most. 

SOFT SERVE

Dairy Queen (eight locations) — Dairy Queen is the standard for soft-serve and has been since before many of us were born. I’m particularly fond of a chocolate-dipped chocolate ice cream cone.

Zesto (two locations) — The store makes me think baseball since I regularly stopped at the stand by Omaha’s Rosenblatt Stadium when I worked sports and covered the College World Series.

C&L Dairy Sweet — The summertime store continues to thrive thanks to its location near Pioneers Park at the corner of Van Dorn Street and Coddington Avenue. 

OTHERS

Frozen yogurt: For the “healthy” alternative, head to The Country’s Best Yogurt, better known as TCBY, at 64th and O streets.

Frozen custard: Culver’s (three locations) has cornered the market on frozen custard, which is best described as a cross between homemade and soft serve. The chain usually features a specialty flavor each week.

Dippin’ Dots: The kids’ favorite often is found at Lincoln sporting events. The “beaded” ice cream also is available at Westfield Gateway.

Gelato: There are a handful of places in town featuring the rich Italian ice cream, including Shadowbrook Salad Co.

Reach Jeff Korbelik at 473-7213 or jkorbelik@journalstar.com.