Celebrate National Ice Cream Day in The Villages!

There may not be a better way to cool off during a Florida summer than with a scoop (or two!) of your favorite ice cream. This Sunday, July 19, is National Ice Cream Day, and it’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself, your family, your grandkids—and yes, even your four-legged friends—to something sweet!

I spent the day visiting some of my favorite ice cream shops around The Villages and surrounding areas, and let me tell you—there is no shortage of delicious options! I started in the south and worked my way up north.

New & Noteworthy: Sundaze in Eastport

If you’re near Eastport, be sure to visit the brand-new Sundaze located in Hotel Eastport along the boardwalk. Not only can you enjoy hand-dipped ice cream, creative specialty sundaes, milkshakes, and plenty of toppings, but you’ll also be treated to a beautiful waterfront setting overlooking the lake. If you’re bringing your pup along, Sundaze has thought of them, too! Their adorable Pumpkin Purée Pup Cup is made with plain Greek yogurt, chicken broth, pumpkin purée, and a Milk-Bone treat, making it the perfect reward for your furry best friend. Sundaze also offers a great assortment of dairy-free, gluten-free, and reduced sugar options. And have you see their Super Sundaze Sundae with 12 scoops of ice cream?!

A Sweet Stop at Sawgrass Grove

Over in Sawgrass Grove, Darlin’s Sweet Shoppe offers a charming old-fashioned candy store atmosphere with premium ice cream, baked goods, and plenty of sweet treats. They’re pet-friendly, too, with a complimentary pup cup made with whipped cream and a dog treat, so no family member has to miss out on the fun. So if you’re outside enjoying the entertainment, make your move inside to cool off and have a seat.

The New Twistee Treat Has Arrived!

Another exciting addition to the area is Twistee Treat at Pinellas Plaza. Housed inside the iconic giant ice cream cone-shaped building, this Florida favorite serves soft-serve cones, sundaes, banana splits, milkshakes, floats, and more. The drive-through is a nice feature to take your goodies on the go. It’s already becoming a popular stop for locals looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. They will be celebrating their Grand Opening on National Ice Cream Day!

A Brownwood Favorite: Scooples

If you’re spending time in Brownwood Paddock Square, don’t miss Scooples Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant, a longtime favorite known for its generous portions, homemade waffle cones, and wide variety of flavors. It’s the perfect stop after dinner or while enjoying an evening of shopping and live music. Make sure to check out the Sunday’s Daily Specials tab for their specials. I had their July Special Sundae, the Raspberry Dream…and it was definitely dreamy!

Waterfront Treats at Lake Sumter Landing

For a truly relaxing treat, head over to Häagen-Dazs in Lake Sumter Landing. Grab your favorite flavor and enjoy it while taking in the beautiful waterfront views along Lake Sumter. Or sit outside and enjoy the music from the square. Between the rich, creamy ice cream and the scenic setting, it’s hard to think of a better way to spend a summer evening.

A Classic Stop in Spanish Springs

Up in Spanish Springs, Kilwins continues to delight guests with its premium ice cream, handmade fudge, chocolates, caramel apples, and other irresistible sweets. I was honestly not going to have any ice cream there today (I was pretty full at that point, and I’ve had it many times before so I know how delicious it is), I was going to get a caramel apple (which I did!) and go home…but then I saw the Mango Sorbetto. Can we just take a moment for this refreshing treat? It’s served with chamoy sauce and Tajin…that takes it to a whole different level. I highly recommend giving this a try – you’ll thank me later.

Worth the Drive: Sweet Alps

Just outside The Villages on U.S. Highway 441 in Summerfield, Sweet Alps Ice Creams is another destination worth the short drive. In addition to serving premium ice cream, they offer several vegan and dairy-free options, making it easy for everyone to enjoy a frozen treat. If you’re looking for something a little different, I highly recommend their Amaretto-Infused Cherry Chocolate—one of their delicious alcohol-infused flavors that’s packed with flavor and perfect for adults.

Don’t Forget Mystic Ice Cream!

Celebrate National Ice Cream Day Your Way

Whether you’re a fan of classic vanilla, rich chocolate, fruity sorbets, over-the-top sundaes, vegan treats, or even alcohol-infused creations, there’s truly something for everyone in our area. National Ice Cream Day is the perfect opportunity to support these wonderful local businesses while making a few sweet memories along the way.

So gather the grandkids, call a friend, take your dog, or make it a fun date night—and celebrate National Ice Cream Day one delicious scoop at a time!

Happy National Ice Cream Day from Villager Eats!

Did I miss your favorite ice cream shop? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear where you go when you’re craving something sweet, and your recommendation might help someone else discover their new favorite spot.

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