As Springtime makes way for Summer heat, we may be looking for a little relief. Cooling off with rising heat and humidity isn't easy, but luckily, Morgan County has plenty of places to source a sweet treat for summertime. From ice cream to snow cones to delicious desserts, Madison and nearby Rutledge will be serving up cool treats for hot days.
Best of Morgan County
Best For Homemade Ice Cream
For a taste of homemade ice cream, visit Antique Sweets at 127 South Main Street in Madison. This charming sweet shop has plenty to offer for chocolate and ice cream lovers alike. Whether you're a resident craving a sweet treat or a tourist just passing through, you won't want to miss what Antique Sweets has to offer.
Best For Variety
For the most variety, head to Scoops at 123 West Washington Street in Madison. This small-batch, locally-crafted ice cream boasts all-natural ingredients (sweet cream, pure cane sugar, and natural flavorings) and 32 flavors to choose from. So, what are these flavors?
Mint Chip, Cookie Monster, Yellow Cake Batter, Fresh Strawberry, Cotton Candy, Pralines and Cream, Sea Turtle, Snick-a-Ripple, Black Bing Cherry, Oreo Cheesecake, Superman, Butter Pecan, Orange Sherbet, Raspberry Sherbet, Italian Ice, Raspberry Chip, Pineapple Sherbet, Mint Cookies and Cream, Birthday Cake, Brownie Batter, Key Lime Pie, Double Chocolate Chip, Hawaiian Coconut, Cappuccino Chip, Italian Coffee, Belgian Chocolate, Madagascar Vanilla, Peanut Butter Chip, Deer Tracks, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Banana Pudding, and Chocolate Covered Cherry
But don't be surprised if you see a few other flavors thrown in the mix. My most recent favorite has been Strawberry Lemonade.
Best For a Sundae
While you can certainly grab a sundae at Scoops, consider driving to nearby Rutledge to sample the brownie sundae at The Caboose at 102 West Main Street in Rutledge. It's worth the drive, and it can be a great treat after a day of swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding at nearby Hard Labor Creek State Park.
Best in Snow Cones
Okay, to be fair, it's the only local snow cone location that I know of, but it still is worthy of being the best. Visit the Facebook page for Kona Ice to find out when and where this snow cone truck will be next. Daily posts will share where they'll be--so you can find them and get your snow cone to cool down this summer.
Best for a Caffeine Boost
Visit Oconee Coffee Roasters at 142 Academy Street in Madison for a sweet treat with a big hit of caffeine this summer. Order an affogato--or espresso poured over ice cream--to cool down on a hot day. Other recommendations include any iced specialty drink--such as an iced mocha.
While local chain restaurants offer their own ice cream, sundaes, and shakes, remember that it supports the community and local economy when you shop local--even when it's something as simple as an ice cream cone on a hot day. Your business matters to small shops and the dollars you spend could help a small business stay in business.