Here are some Lubbock local spots, suggestions for National Ice Cream Day 2024

In what may have been the best mental health decision we could have made this week, the Three Spoons review team of Alana Edgin, Annie Rice and Mateo Rosiles went ice cream hopping to find the best local eats ahead of National Ice Cream Day.

The holiday began in 1984 with Ronald Reagan's designation for July to be National Ice Cream Month, along with the third Sunday of the month becoming National Ice Cream Day. For 2024, the day falls on July 21.

The team hit four locally-owned locations: D'Lish Sweets and Gelato, 5017 Milwaukee Ave. #200; Holly Hop Ice Cream Shoppe, 3404 34th St.; J's Creamery, 5101 82nd St.; and Mi Linda Michoacana, 2331 34th St. These were chosen because they are locally-owned physical locations known for the coolest of treats.

Here's what Three Spoons recommends for people hoping to get a Sundae on Sunday (yes, we know, but it had to be done), or any day.

D'Lish Sweets & Gelato

One of the newer options on the list for local desserts, D'Lish opened in January 2023. Owner Amy Hayes and her husband, Mark, make homemade gelato, sorbet and dairy-free options, along with a selection of cupcakes, cheesecakes and other treats. All but six of the gelato and sorbet flavors are changed with new options each week.

The team tried the Cookie Butter, Salted Caramel and Banana Pudding gelatos, which are the typical mainstays, and a Mangonada sorbet.

Three Spoons recommendation: Mangonada Sorbet.

Alana Edgin: I've been a fan of D'Lish since it opened in 2023, and I've never had a gelato or sorbet here that I have not liked. My partner loves the banana pudding gelato, and even though I don't typically like bananas, this is a wonderful food memory that brings me back to a family reunion with the table of sweets. You can even taste the whipped cream. The salted caramel gelato has a gentle flavor that pairs perfectly with the waffle cone chip, and you cannot go wrong with cookie butter. The Mangonada sorbet offers a delicious dairy-free option with a notable mango base and the subtle Tajin spice. Outside of what we tried, my all-time favorite is the Rocky Road Gelato. Every time it is available, I always make the trip to go buy a pint.

Annie Rice: Is there ever a time that gelato fails you? All four flavors were fantastic and perfect for a hot (and boy has it been hot lately) summer day. The Mangonada sorbet is a great entry point if you've been curious about having Tajin in your dessert, but if you're a dessert-dessert purist I would suggest the banana pudding gelato. Gave that "dessert table at the summer cook-out" taste, including strong flavors of whipped cream, banana and Nilla Wafers.

Mateo Rosiles: Everything was fantastic and—just like the shop's name—delish (sorry, it had to be done). The banana pudding gelato was definitely a fan favorite, but the salted caramel was fantastic. It reminded me of a Snickers candy bar but in ice cream form. But as we all decided, the Mangonada sorbet was unique and worth a try. Although I'm not a huge fan of mangos, I would definitely get this one again.

More: D'lish: Lubbock family continues sweet traditions with upcoming gelato shop

Holly Hop Ice Cream Shoppe

Longtime Lubbockites have likely been here many times. The nostalgic 1950s-themed ice cream parlor opened in 2008 at 2703 26th St., and moved to its current location at 3404 34th St. in 2010. Wesley Trook purchased his former place of employment in 2022, when he was a 20-year-old student at Texas Tech University. Holly Hop, with a name inspired by music icon Buddy Holly, is one of the iconic must-see places in Lubbock.

The team tried the Lip Smackin' Lemon Sorbet Slush, the Banana Split and the Winter Morning Malt.

Three Spoons recommendation: Lip Smackin' Lemon Sorbet Slush.

Edgin: Holly Hop is one of those places you should go to at least once, even if you just want to experience the cute 1950s vibes. The Lip Smackin' Lemon Sorbet Slush is a solid choice for someone looking for a cool lemonade-like drink on a scorching summer day. Or any day. Get your poodle skirt or Greaser-style jacket and enjoy the nostalgia with a classic banana split or a malt.

Rice: This was our third stop of our ice cream tour, so we went for the mini banana split instead of the full-sized. Like almost every bit of Holly Hop, it is capital-N "Nostalgia." Great strawberry ice cream with banana, pineapple sauce, chocolate ice cream, cherry, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. Peanuts are optional, if you needed anything else to that long, long list. The Lip Smackin' Lemon Sobert Slush was also the ideal summer beverage, but if you're going with the family after dinner here is my advice: Split the banana split. Bonus points if you put Buddy Holly's "Peggy Sue" on the juke box.

Rosiles: Now I love a good nostalgic moment, and Holly Hop definitely does that for me. I remember when it was by Roscoe Wilson (next to J&B Coffee) and getting out of school on a Friday and my parents taking my brother and me there for a sweet treat. I was really excited to try a malt, as I've always seen it in the Archie comics I read growing up, and it was definitely interesting and worth trying. But I will certainly go back to try the sorbet slush again in different flavors.

More: Caprock Chronicles: Holly Hop Ice Cream Shoppe

J's Creamery

Initially named Sheridan's when the business opened in 2003, the Fletcher family changed the name to J's Creamery in 2017. The place is known for long lines, but there is a reason for its popularity. J's specializes in custard, which is like a thicker, creamier and more decadent ice cream.

The team tried the Oreo Shake, the Royal Turtle Sundae and the Dirt & Worms Concrete.

Three Spoons recommendation: Royal Turtle Sundae.

Edgin: This was my second time at J's Creamery, the first time being just a week ago, and I plan on going there more often. The Royal Turtle Sundae, with its rich caramel sauce and pecans, may seem simple, but simple done well is the reason flavors become classics. If you try one thing at J's, it needs to be the Royal Turtle. And then you should go back for the Oreo Shake. Again, you might be thinking, "Oreo shakes? Aren't they everywhere?" You have not had an Oreo shake this good, where you get Oreo in every sip. The Dirt & Worms Concrete is also a nice treat for all ages.

Rice: J's Creamery equals summer for me. There's a reason there's always a line wrapped around the street at any given time from May to September. I was a massive fan of the Oreo Shake just for the simple fact that every sip gave me an Oreo chunk. It's a simple dessert, I know, but it is so nice knowing that I will get large Oreo bits every slurp. The Royal Turtle Sundae surprised me with how simple flavors (caramel, pecans, vanilla ice cream and a cherry) really do make for a phenomenal dessert. Outside of this tasting, my other favorite J's Creamery desserts are the Brownie Bling concrete and the Wedding Cake concrete. But as many people know, you can rarely go wrong ordering anything off their menu.

Rosiles: You can never go wrong with J's. The shake was highly addicting (I did go back later in the day to get another one) and is the perfect treat your self-treat. But if you want to indulge yourself a little, get the Royal Turtle. For three simple ingredients, it was fantastic, and I see why it's a fan favorite. It's nothing fancy, but it definitely hits the spot.

More: Sheridan's changes name, not ownership

Mi Linda Michoacana

Previously at 2002 34th St., Mi Linda Michoacana has been serving Mexican eats and treats since 2016. From classic tacos to "loca" ice cream, this has something for everyone. This was the team's last stop in the two-hour quest to find the best. After four locations and 13 different sweet treat options, this was crowned #1 for the best scream-worthy ice cream option.

The team tried the Fresas Con Crema, the Raspa Especial blue coconut and the Mangonada Loca. Here, we found the number one must-have frozen treat for the summer, The Mangonada Loca.

Three Spoons recommendation: Mangonada Loca.

Edgin: If you only try one thing we recommend in this entire review, it has to be the Mangonada Loca. This spectacular mango sorbet with mango bits and chamoy swirls may seem intimidating with the mountain of coated candies and fresh strawberries, but trust me. The fruit and sorbet offered a refreshing retreat from the heat, the chamoy and Tajin added a dash of semi-sour spice, and the gummy candy mountain was just fun and delicious. This was our top choice. If that seems like a bit much, the Fresas is a not-too-sweet strawberries and cream option, and the Raspa is a must-try for snow cone lovers. Mi Linda Michoacana also is a master of treating fruit well, and I plan on going back for lunch soon.

Rice: Some people might be hesitant to try chamoy and Tajin-style desserts but let me be the first to say: Be brave, it is worth the try. The Mangonada Loca is intimidating at first grab with the overflow of chamoy-drenched candies and gummies, but the sweet and smooth mango sorbet is its perfect canvas. The sorbet, which also generously has mango chunks throughout, mixed with the Tajin gives an incredible, balanced and refreshing dessert. If you are a staunch "no chilies anywhere near my dessert," then you would love the Fresas Con Crema. It is a vanilla-based shake with large slices of strawberries. Perfect for the person in your life who says "not too sweet" as the highest compliment for a dessert.

Rosiles: This brings back so many memories of childhood of getting the fruit cups during the summer with my family. As I said before, I am not a huge mango fan, but I would buy the Mangonada again in a heartbeat. It was the perfect balance between savory and sweet, and you definitely get your money's worth. Don't want anything too fancy? Try the Raspas or the Fresas Con Crema. The menus might be daunting, but it has so many different treats and snacks that you are bound to find something you like, and I am already planning my next trip back here. I think everyone should try this place once for the experience and to try something new!

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Here are some Lubbock local spots, suggestions for National Ice Cream Day 2024