Now that Summertime is officially upon us here in Nashville, where are the must-stops in and around town for staying cool? Here's a little list of great ideas that will help you cool down as the temps continue to go up!
Bobbie's Dairy Dip
A Nashville staple for over 60 years, this needs to be a priority on your summer to-do list. Don't miss the soft-serve ice cream, available in vanilla, chocolate, or twist— available dipped in delicious chocolate. Other favs include the sweet potato fries, cheese fries, burgers, and the root beer floats! Divey and delish.
The Peach Truck
The best peach you will have in your life - ever. Freshly imported straight from the farm in Georgia, you must take advantage of their sweet goodness -- you won't find a more fresh, juicy, sweet peach anywhere in Nashville (especially from the grocery store). Posted in various locales all around town, you're sure to find a close and convenient outpost to take advantage of the most delectable fruit of summer!
Jeni's
Ya'll know my obsession with Jeni's, and it is stopping no time soon. Look for new summer flaves to hit the shelves soon, as the folks behind Jeni's continue to ramp back up production. PS - Dark and Milky Chocolates are back, and you HAVE to try the Charleston Sundae: Sweet Cream Ice Cream, Salty Caramel Sauce, Buckstrap Molasses, Peanuts, Whipped Cream, and a Cherry.
Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles
Nothing is more nostalgic than a fresh, homemade Popsicle on a hot summer day! My favorites from Las Paletas include: Oh wait. Everything. From creamy to savory to fruity, all of their creations are incredible. My advice is simple, be adventurous!
Mas Tacos por Favor
Luckily Mas Tacos has wonderful options when it comes to cooling your palette and rescuing you from the heat of the day! Swing in for a refreshing agua fresca: a drink made from ice, pureed watermelon, and lime juice. They also have a pineapple and cilantro version, both of which mix wonderfully with a little vodka (yes, I went there, and yes, it's BYOB so you can do this.. cheaply!).
Mike's Ice Cream
Long before Jenis hit our town there was Mike's handmade ice cream. Hand made in right in their shop, and a bit more on the traditional side when it comes to flavors (you won't find goat cheese and cherries here), this is a wonderful and cool option if you find yourself braving the tourists on Broadway, or wanting dessert at their east side locale after devouring a sandwich at Mitchell's Deli. My favorite flavors are strawberry and mint chocolate chip... Simple yet divine.
Pied Piper Creamery
Another local ice creamery that cannot be missed. The flavors are adventurous and fun and include one of my fav ice creams of ALL time, Nanna Nanna Nu Nu. This would be banana ice cream with Nutella, marshmallow fluff, and graham cracker. Yes, this is for real. Other favs are C is for Cookie, their version of cookies & cream, and Trailer Trash, which is vanilla with oreo, Twix, Butterfinger, Nestle Crunch, Snickers, M&M's, and Reece's Pieces.
Rosepepper Cantina
One of my absolute favorite ways to cool down in the summer happens to include a wonderful margarita on the patio. Luckily for me (and you), Rosepepper offers both. You must stop in to enjoy the best marg in town (hands down). Offered in multiple flavors, my favs are fresh lime, mango, and the plain ol' house. Make sure not to miss out on the cheese dip and quesadillas while you are there.
3 Crow/ML Rose/Edley's/ACME/Broadway Brewhouse
I am highlighting all of the above as they all serve the all-time best summertime adult treat EVER, the Bushwacker, best described as an alcohol-loaded chocolate milkshake. It truly doesn't get much better than this. Be careful though, as these bad boys tend to sneak up on you.
Cummins Falls/Fall Creek Falls/Burgess Falls
Looking for a reason to get out of town for a bit and beat the heat? These three locales offer some of the most beautiful and scenic waterfalls in Tennessee, and are all only roughly an hour from Nashville. A cool fact: Travel & Leisure recently named Cummins Falls one of
America's 10 best swimming holes.
What are YOUR favorite ways to cool down in Nashville?
