And just like that, summer is almost over and it brought the heat and plenty of fun. We have had some scorcher days where the only relief was staying inside (no fun), a dip in a pool or lake (fun), or a cool icy treat (really fun). Sure, we could have enjoyed a freeze pop or an ice cream sundae at home, but what fun is that? The local area has so many great options to get a cool treat, it would be a shame if we didn’t enjoy them.
Here is a list, in no certain order, of some local places in Lake Country to grab a treat to keep you cool.
Murfs – This has quickly become our family favorite, but we don’t overdo it to keep it fun every time we go. On top of the huge burgers, the frozen treats are on point! I love the Brown Cow (Murf’s specialty)—Barq’s root beer and vanilla ice cream blended together. This truly brings the best of both a root beer float and a shake and really makes a great treat. They also have excellent turtle sundaes, chocolate shakes, and more. Custard is something that Wisconsinites hold dear to our hearts and we pride ourselves on its amazingness (rightfully so)
Divino Gelato – If you are looking for something a little lighter in flavor than custard and no need for toppings, consider gelato. Downtown Waukesha holds a gem that has many, many flavors of gelato and I have never found a flavor I didn’t like. They give out samples before you commit, so take a moment to try a few before you indulge in a cup of the creamy deliciousness. Take the treat with you as you stroll around cute downtown Waukesha as I promise you it won’t take long to finish this treat.
The Chocolate Factory — With locations throughout Lake Country, this place provides sandwiches and ice cream that is top notch. I have been a lover of this shop since I was a very young. I remember that if I finished my sandwich, I was then allowed to get a cone of ice cream and it was always soooo difficult to figure out which flavor I loved most. The unique thing about this store is that you pay by weight—ask for two scoops and it will be a slightly different cost each time, but you know they filled the cone up rightly. May I suggest butter pecan or Blue Moon? Or one of their signature chipwich ice cream sandwiches.
John’s Root Beer Stand – This mainstay in Waukesha, since 1937, survived some pretty nasty road construction last summer and I am so glad they did. In addition to their own special blend of root beer, that they don’t share the recipe, they offer sandwiches, nachos, and ice cream treats. This is truly a stand, with a walk-up window and picnic tables outside. Take a step back in time and enjoy the nostalgia of having a root beer float that has kept this place alive in Waukesha for decades.
My hubby and I took a road trip to Marquette, Iowa a few summers ago and ironically it was there that we learned of Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream from Madison. There are many places in the local area, including Whelan’s Coffee & Ice Cream, Allo! Chocolat, and the Marcus Majestic Theatre, that sell this brand. Their selling tactic is what drew me in before my first bite—
And they use dairy from southwest Wisconsin, which is local enough for me!
There are so many options in and around Lake Country to tempt your sweet tooth, you can’t not indulge at least once this summer. So support your local creamery and grab a sweet treat to keep you cool this summer. I’m sure I have missed a few local places, feel free to reach out and let me know where I have missed and where I need to go next.
The Kiltie Drive-In – Oconomowoc
LeDucs – Wales
Oscars – Waukesha
Bubba’s- Pewaukee
Whelan’s Coffee and Ice Cream – Oconomowoc
Wholly Cow – Delafield
Sarah Appleton
Hi! I’m Sarah, 36, and have lived in Waukesha for the past 10 years. My husband and I bought a home and got married in the same month last year—it was a crazy time, but when you find your forever home, you have to jump on it. (And what a way to start our new life together). My husband has two daughters, Violet is 11 and Samantha is 8 and they live with us half the time. The newest addition to our household is our pup, Letty, who just turned 1. She keeps us on our toes, stealing socks at every chance, but also gets us outside for walks and playtime. Becoming an insta-mom has brought its challenges but also many amazing experiences and I’m loving every minute of it. I love Waukesha and have my own blog about my experiences in the area. When I’m not out and about in the city, I’m enjoying time with my friends grilling out, drinking wine, and playing games—Uno is one of our faves. Or I’m in my kitchen trying new recipes or recreating ones I have had at local restaurants. FoodFunWaukesha Facebook // Instagram // Blog
Hi! I’m Sarah, 36, and have lived in Waukesha for the past 10 years. My husband and I bought a home and got married in the same month last year—it was a crazy time, but when you find your forever home, you have to jump on it. (And what a way to start our new life together). My husband has two daughters, Violet is 11 and Samantha is 8 and they live with us half the time. The newest addition to our household is our pup, Letty, who just turned 1. She keeps us on our toes, stealing socks at every chance, but also gets us outside for walks and playtime. Becoming an insta-mom has brought its challenges but also many amazing experiences and I’m loving every minute of it. I love Waukesha and have my own blog about my experiences in the area. When I’m not out and about in the city, I’m enjoying time with my friends grilling out, drinking wine, and playing games—Uno is one of our faves. Or I’m in my kitchen trying new recipes or recreating ones I have had at local restaurants. FoodFunWaukesha
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