Raise Your Hand if You Like Ice Cream in Boise

Brooke Lark/unsplash

It doesn’t take a genius to know that our string of triple digit temperatures here in Boise and much of the Pacific Northwest makes it an ideal time for ice cream. I’ve already seen many shaved ice huts re-appear after their fall-winter-spring hiatus in various parking lots. While shaved ice with its flavored juices poured over the top are a big summer hit, ice cream has a year-round appeal to many people.

image of founder Earl Swensensfstation.com

I actually owned an ice cream shop for four [long] years while I was working full time as a computer programmer. It was a Swensen’s franchise operation that I eventually had to shut down because of financial losses. I personally made the ice cream five nights a week, and my young children were very popular with the neighbor kids as we would pull a little wagon up and down the cul-de-sac handing out pints of different flavors of ice cream. Bubble Gum was the typical favorite for all the children.

delsas.com

I live in the West Bench area of Boise, and so Delsa’s on Ustick Road is the go-to ice cream shop for this area. They also now have a shop in Meridian at McMillan and Linder. Here is a part of their story from their website: “It was in 1961, that Owen and Delsa Walton opened a tiny ice cream parlor in front of their farmhouse on Ustick Road, serving nothing but Mrs. Walton's homemade ice cream. Delsa's still stands by tradition, serving up homemade ice cream using Delsa Walton's Original Recipe from 1961. Today, Delsa's is still operating out of the original parlour (with some additions made as the years went by) bringing you an unforgettable experience. We believe ice cream should be full of flavor and free of unnecessary ingredients, so we use fresh high-quality dairy and fresh fruit and produce from local farms.”

goodyssodafountain.com

It is not unusual to find a hidden gem, especially one that deals with food, in Boise’s North End. Goody’s Soda Fountain is that gem when you are talking about ice cream and other fountain delights. Not only do they make delicious ice cream, but they also hand-make chocolate (more about that in another article). Open from 10 -10 seven days a week, Goldy’s Soda Fountain has this to say about their heritage: “Goody's has been a Boise tradition since we first opened our doors in 1997. Nestled in the heart of Boise's historic district, Hyde Park, we work hard every day to create delicious handmade ice cream, chocolates and candy that live up to our motto: Only Too Much Is Enough!”

ilovethestil.com

With shops in downtown Boise and in Southeast Boise The STIL (Sweetest Things In Life) talks about Reinventing the Ice Cream Experience: “We set out to create unique flavors made from real ingredients. No artificial flavors, colors, or additives. The STIL crafts small batch ice cream from Idaho dairy, creative and creamy vegan options from oat and coconut, and our famous booze infused creations. Pair your scoop with our wide selection of local beer and wine for an experience unlike any other, create your own ice cream sandwich, or try yours as an affogato with fresh local espresso.”

Now I had never heard the word ‘affogato’ before, so I had to look it up. Per Wikipedia, “an affogato or more traditionally known as "affogato al caffe" is an Italian coffee-based dessert. It usually takes the form of a scoop of fior di latte or vanilla gelato or ice cream topped or "drowned" with a shot of hot espresso.” So now you know. Perhaps the next time you’re out with friends, and it’s time to consider dessert, try impressing them with, “Hmmm. What would you think about having an affogato?” Watch their eyes roll.

There are other places to get ice cream in Boise and the surround area. Options include [in no specific order] C4 Creamery; Fanci Freez; Cold Stone Creamery; Baskin-Robbins 31 Flavors; Ben & Jerry’s, and certainly many more.

It’s hot outside. Enjoy some ice cream and cool off.

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