When it’s hot out, what better way to cool off than with a frozen treat? There are few people who don’t love ice cream, and there are some fantastic places throughout the state to indulge. But these ice cream spots are arguably the very best when it comes to this tasty dessert.
Walrus Ice Cream, Fort Collins
Walrus Ice Cream is a local favorite in Fort Collins, located just east of the Rocky Mountain foothills, one of three shops on Mountain Avenue west of College Avenue. Locally owned, the ice cream is homemade and includes some unique flavors like Red Velvet Cake. While it doesn’t have a vast selection the uniqueness makes up for that, it even serves root beer ice cream, while kids can play the huge Jenga game that sits on a toddler-size table. A variety of paraphernalia is strewn throughout as well, like a crocheted walrus and a 1987 baseball hat, all gifts from customers.
Sweet Action, Denver
Sweet Action in Denver is dedicated to using local dairy and some of the finest ingredients from around the state, which likely contributes to the delicious flavors of its ice cream. Opened nearly a decade ago, you can taste the love in every bite. Choose from more traditional scoops such as milk chocolate and toasted coconut and milk chocolate, or some rather bizarre but tasty flavors like sweet-potato curry and honey jalapeño pickle. It’s a place that’s likely to have you returning again and again with a goal to sample it all.
Inside Scoop Creamery, Littleton
Inside Scoop Creamery is an ideal spot for those who don’t want to stand in a long line to enjoy some fabulous flavors, particularly toffee. Owners Andrew Myhre and Steve Longman are renowned for their Minnesota salted toffee, in honor of their home state and the frozen version of Andrew’s grandma’s popular dessert. There are plenty of other options too, like the Key lime pie, salted caramel (especially good topped with hot fudge) and honey lavender. On a nice day, sit outside and watch the world go by.
Colorado City Creamery, Colorado Springs
Colorado City Creamery sits within a historic building on West Colorado Avenue in Colorado City. It’s been around for 30 years and the ice cream is still handmade right here. Even the waffle cones come right off the griddle each day. Customers can even watch them being crafted in the kitchen which sits adjacent to the parlor. The recipes are the very same ones shop has used since it first opened its doors, though new flavors have been added. Mango sorbet and chocolate indulgence are just two of them. The shop also hosts an old-fashioned sundae bar where patrons top their own banana splits or slather whatever toppings they like over the scoops of ice cream.
Glacier Homemade Ice Cream & Gelato, Boulder
Glacier offers two brick-and-mortar locations in Boulder, though the Baseline shop may be most ideal, with its old-fashioned parlor style, curved, metal-back seating and vibrant, colorful decor. An expansive display case anchors the shop and showcases a rainbow of various ice cream, gelato and sorbet flavors. It’s best known for its incredibly tasty traditional flavors like strawberry, a top pick that might remind you of your childhood days. For something unique, indulge in the sundae with chocolate raspberry truffle and coconut melt ice cream – it’s kind of like eating candy bars in a bowl. Similar to a Mounds bar, it features a mix of dark cocoa and fruit, along with a coconut scoop. If dairy doesn’t agree with you, there are lots of sorbet options, like the intense blood orange. Gluten-free baked goods are available too.
Magill's World of Ice Cream, Lakewood
If old-school ice cream is your thing, be sure to head to Lakewood. Magill’s has been around for nearly four decades, with multiple generations coming here to indulge in the dozens of classic creations that include standards like coffee and pistachio nut as well as mocha almond fudge, along with more bizarrely named concoctions you’ll probably have to ask your server about such as Blue Moon, Slam Dunk and Superman. There are many more so it may be a bit overwhelming, with 80 rotating flavors to choose from. If you dine inside, you can lick while you play a game of Connect Four.
Sweet Cow, Louisville
Sweet Cow has three locations but the Louisville location was the first. It makes its own product and features an ever-changing array of flavors like the Seventh Inning Stretch that mixes caramel, Cracker Jack and peanuts. Its Dutch chocolate is amazing, highlight the rich creaminess of the dark cocoa and ice cream sandwiches here are some of the best you’ll ever try, especially the one with Ozo coffee ice cream.
Third Bowl Ice Cream, Crested Butte
When in beautiful Crested Butte, don’t miss Third Bowl Ice Cream which is made from scratch in small batches. It includes a mouthwatering blend of traditional favorites and unique flavors. Ideal after a day of hiking!
