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Brain Freeze If there’s one thing most everybody loves, it’s a cool, frozen treat on a hot summer day. Whether homemade or made to order, it just hits the spot. Check out a few of our local favorites. // B Y K A R I N FA B R Y- C U S H E N B E R Y
THE SPOON LAGOON
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice photo Courtesy of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
Locally owned and operated, there really is no bad choice at the Spoon Lagoon. We say we will try something new every time we visit, but the Black and White, a mixture of Oreos, vanilla bean, bananas, almond milk and chocolate, is the one we go back to time and time again. The Spoon Lagoon // 5302 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview // (352) 470-0665 // thespoonlagoon.com
THE HAPPY PINEAPPLE
JEREMIAH’S ITALIAN ICE With more than 40 flavors to choose from, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose just one. Our Italian ice go-to faves are Scoop Froggy Frog (mint chocolate chip) or the strawberry lemon when we’re craving sweet and tart. Next time you visit, try a layer-in to make your treat that much sweeter. Jeremiah’s Italian Ice // 2707 East Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala // (352) 304-6577 // jeremiahsice.com 30
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Have you ever noticed the colorful surfboards on the side of Baseline Road as you’re driving by? Next time, pull in and get yourself a muchneeded dessert. The Happy Pineapple food truck serves up the creamy, tasty Dole Whip—yep, just like the one you get at Disney World! A little bit sweet and a little bit tart, this refreshing treat is described as a “non-dairy, soft-serve, frozen work of art” by disneytouristblog.com, and we can attest to the fact that it’s well worth the trip. The Happy Pineapple // 1750 SE 58th Avenue, Ocala // (352) 362-1993
LA DOLCE VITA GELATO & PASTRY La Dolce Vita is known for some pretty outstanding and unique treats. Our favorite, though, is the out-of-this-world gelato. The consistency is dense and creamy, and the treat is offered in a dozen delectable flavors. Our favorite
is the pistachio. You would never guess that this sweet concoction has less fat and calories than most other frozen desserts. It’s that good. La Dolce Vita Gelato & Pastry // 6146 SW Hwy 200, Ocala // (352) 857-8080 // Find them on Facebook
PEACHWAVE Who doesn’t love a trip to the froyo shop? The DIY dispensers and mix-ins makes the trip plenty of fun, especially for the little ones. Our favorite mix? Our homemade s’more dish. Mix vanilla frozen yogurt, graham cracker pieces, chocolate chips, marshmallow topping and chocolate sprinkles. Voilà! A frozen version of your favorite campfire treat. Here’s one more, just because it was super hard to decide. Try the strawberry yogurt Peachwave // 3035 SE Maricamp Rd., Ocala // (352) 694-0978 // peachwaveyogurt.com