Nothing channels summer quite like lemon ice cream from Johnson’s. | Photo by @johnsonsrealicecream
We all scream for ice cream in the summertime. But after new openings (we’re looking at you, Johnson’s Real Ice Cream) and new menu items (like the Jeni’s Father’s Day Collection), we decided to refine our list. Here are 10 updated local spots to get your sweet treat fix.
Graeter’s, Multiple locations
This Cincinnati-based ice creamery is Hanna’s favorite shop, with 13 Columbus-area locations. Pro tip: Try the s’mores flavor, made with marshmallows and chocolate chips in graham cracker flavored ice cream
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, 5665 Feder Rd.
Choose from 100+ flavors, including peach, cinnamon sticky bun, and local options like buckeye.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Multiple locations
The Columbus-based brand has eight locations in the city, and has exploded with popularity across the country. Hanna can’t go to Jeni’s without ordering Gooey Butter Cake.
Gooey Butter Cake is made with cream cheese ice cream, crumbles of vanilla cake, and caramel-butterscotch sauce. | Photo via @jenisicecreams
Whit’s Frozen Custard, Multiple locations
If custard is more your style, order frozen custard sundaes or shakes with gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan options available.
Johnson’s Real Ice Cream, Multiple locations
Indulge in a wide range of flavors — from banana fudge to blueberry pie to cotton candy — at one of the six locations in CBUS.
Little Ladies Soft Serve, 673 Worthington Rd.
Top your soft serve with fun flavor blasts like Fruity Pebbles, candied pretzels, roasted marshmallows, or crushed potato chips at this local spot.
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, Multiple locations
Try Italian ice or frozen custard separately, or combine them for gelati, which has layers of both.
Try the green tea matcha ice cream in the puffle cone. | Photo via @getcrmd
CRMD, Multiple locations
Enjoy your ice cream in a waffle cone or puffle cone, which is an egg-based waffle that is served hot. The ice creamery has a Short North and Lewis Center location.
Simply Rolled Ice Cream, 968 N. High St.
Ice cream is served rolled into cylinders, or you can order the cotton candy burrito, buckeyes, or edible cookie dough.
Dulce Vida Ice Cream Factory, Multiple locations
This shop features Mexican artisan ice cream, with 40+ flavors of treats and popsicles, including salty and spicy options.
Wil Haygood | Wednesday, June 5 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Thurber House, 77 Jefferson Ave., Downtown | $21-$41 | Hear from the Pulitzer Prize finalist and New York Times bestselling author on his new book “Colorization.”
Thursday, June 6
Arch City Lights | Thursday, June 6 | 7 p.m. | Woodlands Tavern, 1200 W. 3rd Ave., Grandview | $10 | The local band will perform old-school soul and funk hits.
Friday, June 7
A Tribute to Queen | Friday, June 7 | 9-10:15 p.m. | Short North Church, 25 W. 5th Ave., Short North | $35.70 | Dance the night away to Queen’s biggest hits at this multi-sensory experience.
Friday Nites Vintage, Makers Market | Friday, June 7 | 5-10 p.m. | Taft’s Brewpourium Columbus, 440 W. Broad St., Franklinton | Free | Browse 30+ vintage vendors and listen to live music.
Saturday, June 8
Through the Vines: A Seasonal Journey | Saturday, June 8-Sunday, Jan. 5 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St., Downtown | $0-$26 | This is the kick-off of an art display of the four seasons through blooms and lights.
Michael Malul, a new immersive experience at TENSPACE, is here. The fragrance brand has taken over the Short North space through Sunday, Sept. 22. Explore the scent gallery, and leave with your own signature or customized fragrance.
Biz
Fortune 500 released its list of companies, include five from central Ohio. Among the list is Cardinal Health, Nationwide, American Electric Power Company Inc., Huntington Bancshares Inc., and Bath & Body Works. (Columbus Business First)
Featured
Donna’s Delicious Dozen was named the best donut shop in Ohio by Yelp Elites 2024. Donna’s was recognized for its completely customizable toppings and fresh donuts that “literally melt in your mouth.”
Regional
Whispering Cave at Hocking Hills State Park was named the best hiking trail in the country by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice. Trails were chosen based on scenic, leisurely day hikes for all experience levels.
Answered
Here are some of the performers you want to see at Scioto Fest: Kevin Ashba, The Deal Breakers, MoJoFlow, Hebdo, and New Standard Soul Jam. Do you have any other suggestions? Send them our way.
Watch
We tried the coffee shop Pistacia Vera in German Village for the first time over the weekend. It has peaceful outdoor seating in the heart of German Village, and yummy bakery options like the lemon tart. The honey butter cold brew is also a must-try.
Sports
Defensive back Lathan Ransom is looking to go out with a bang for the Buckeyes. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Ohio State Buckeyes with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Festival
Art enthusiasts, this one’s for you. The Columbus Arts Festival returns to the downtown riverfront this weekend, featuring work from 250+ Columbus-based and national artists. Experience visual art, music, performances, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and yummy bites + sips at this free fest — we’ll see you there.*
Finance
You know a restaurant’s good if other chefs eat there, and you can trust a gym where athletes train. So, we’ll trust this rec:This card recommended by The Ascent has no annual fee and offers up to 5% cash back, a sign-up bonus, and 0% intro APR into 2025.*
Culture
💌 Spread some love
What would you put in your love letter to Columbus?
The Easton fountain will be turned pink for Valentine’s Day. | Photo by CBUStoday
If you’ve been following along with us for awhile, you probably could’ve predicted some of the spots I included:
I had to add clips of The Scioto Mile (my favorite place for a stroll), and lots of sports: Ohio Stadium + Brutus; Huntington Park; and Lower.com Field after the Crew won the MLS Cup. Plus, no love letter is complete in my book without a good skyline view from a rooftop, and that’s where Goodale Station came into play.
I want to know what you would include in your love letter to CBUS. What are the spots that are special to you? Let us know, and we’ll share your responses in an upcoming newsletter.
The Buy
The Buy 6.05.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
The ultimate summer grill accessory: a wireless smart thermometer. Stick it in your food, cook as usual, and the thermometer will notify your smartphone when your meat has reached the ideal internal temp. Hello, perfectly cooked steaks…
This is my favorite time of year because of all the fun things happening around the city. Here’s another event to try this weekend: Columbus Natural Wine Festival.
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