WHETHER you're a popsicle person, an ice cream traditionalist, or a beer fan who happens to really want ice cream at the same time, Savannah's got all kinds of options to beat the heat.
Pelican's Snoballs
609 East Montgomery Cross Rd.
We rarely see snow down South, but that’s all changed now that Pelican’s Snoballs has arrived in town. The New Orleans-style shaved ice sensation has a new hot pink home on the Southside, spooning out over a 100 flavors of pure glacial bliss. Sizes vary from kiddie to “avalanche,” and the first two flavors are included in the price ($2-$5).
We recommend Black Cherry/Vanilla Cola with a gummy worm topping ($.50), and you really haven’t lived until you’ve sipped Pink Champagne doused in cream flavor. The Red Velvet Cake tastes exactly like the real thing.
Unbelievably, Pelican’s Snoballs contain no fat, no gluten, and no high-fructose corn syrup, and are safe for those with nut allergies. The hut is walk-up only, and on busy days you might have to stand in the sun for a few minutes. Believe us, it’s worth the wait. You won’t melt, promise.
Exit Strategy Ice Creamists
310 East Bay St.
A newer addition to the Bay Street corridor, Exit Strategy Ice Creamists is certainly offering something fresh to the ice cream scene: craft brew-infused frozen custard.
One of those “it’s-so-crazy-it-just-might-work” ideas, the results are delicious: head toward the river to sample Raspberry Lambic, Smoked Porter, Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean, or Chocolate Stout in a waffle cone, pretzel cone (!!!), dipped cone, or a good ol’ standard cup.
It’s not all about the boozery, though: Exit Strategy also offers traditional flavors and more adventurous ones, like Blueberry Pancake. Think cake-flavored ice cream with fresh berries—it’s way better than licking the batter spoon!
The Bay Street location has ample seating and a great view of the river. Exit Strategy’s pints and push pops are also available at The Beer Growler and Whole Foods—a perfect pickup for a cookout, don’t you reckon?
Leopold's Ice Cream
212 E. Broughton St.
In the heat, the line of patient ice cream fiends winding down Broughton could rival that of Mrs. Wilkes’ Jones Street formations of eager diners—but we all know why. The Savannah original is totally worth it.
Plus, a little time in the sun will only make it all the more rewarding when you step into the cool-tiled vintage soda shop, greeted by cheery kids in paper caps and sweet, sweet air conditioning.
Take a seat and admire film producer/owner Stratton Leopold’s eclectic memorabilia collection when you finally get your hands on that crisp waffle cone. Pile it high with historic faves, like hand-dipped Tutti Frutti (Leopold’s was the first to dish out the scoop that inspired Johnny Mercer’s “wop-bop-a-loo-bop, a-lop-bom-bom”), or seasonal hits like Huckleberry Cheesecake, Dutch Utopia, or Spicy Caramel Pecan.
And hey, since you waited that long, may as well grab a sandwich, too! Leopold’s savory menu is criminally overlooked—snag a picnic-worthy egg salad or (weirdly delicious) cream cheese and olive sandwich to munch in a nearby square.
King of Pops
1510 Butler Ave. Tybee Island
An Atlanta-based family company, King of Pops makes the best all-natural popsicles around.
With an array of unexpected and traditional flavors (in the past, they’ve even teamed up with Southbound Brewing Company to make a chilly Grapefruit IPA treat), you can hit their brick-and-mortar shop on Tybee to get a taste; otherwise, hunt down their pushcart via their online schedule.
This week, King of Pops can be found at Pooler Farmers Market (Wednesday, June 24), Bluffton Farmers Market (Thursday, June 25), and Wilmington Island Farmers Market (Saturday, June 27).
Flavors are rotated, but some of our longtime favorites have gotta be Key Lime Pie (a little cakey goodness mixed in with bright citrus), Chocolate Sea Salt (perfect blend of lux chocolate drizzled in salt to enahnce the sweetness), and Strawberry Lemonade. Hit up the Whole Foods King of Pops inventory and stock your freezer, too!
Lovin' Spoons
7400 Abercorn St. (Savannah)
479 Pooler Parkway (Pooler)
95 Towne Drive (Bluffton)
Out of the FroYo craze, Lovin’ Spoons continues to reign supreme, voted Best Frozen Yogurt by Connect Savannah readers over and over again.
A bright, clean ambiance meets 1960s flower child vibe inside their Abercorn location. Kids can climb in a vintage Volkswagen bug, while along the wall, the coolest edible options await. Mix and match yogurt flavors (or twist!), then pile on the toppings, including fresh fruit, nuts, and a full spectrum of candies.
We opted for vanilla yogurt with berries, toasted coconut flakes, almonds, and yogurt and chocolate chips—sitting on the cheery patio in the 100 degree weather, the combo was deliciously refreshing and sweet.
Lovin’ Spoons has three locations in Savannah and its surrounding areas, so you can twist it up in SAV, Pooler, and Bluffton.
