Want to cool off with a cold, sweet treat in Hot Springs?  While there is no “official” ice cream trail in Hot Springs, we think there ought to be, so here’s the scoop: Our trail starts at Kringles and...

Want to cool off with a cold, sweet treat in Hot Springs?  While there is no “official” ice cream trail in Hot Springs, we think there ought to be, so here’s the scoop:

Our trail starts at Kringles and Kones, 115A Central Ave.  They serve real soft serve ice cream and world famous Danish kringles.  Don’t know what a kringle is?  You MUST try one!  A kringle is an oval-shaped pastry made with layers and layers of buttery  dough.  They can be filled with your choice of nuts, fruits, cheeses and custard, and are a perfect sweet treat to go along with a dipped cone, sundae or ice cream float!

Our next stop is in the Arlington Hotel, at Mamoo’s Paradice Cream at 239 Central Ave., Ste. E.  They offer the “only homemade ice cream in downtown Hot Springs,” made with “massive amounts of rich heavy cream, a smidgen of buttermilk and a lot of real ingredients.”  In other words, this is probably not the place to go while dieting! 

Just a few doors down at 264 Central is Kilwin’s Chocolates.  They serve over 40 flavors of original recipe ice cream.  Don’t forget to try a caramel apple or some hand-crafted chocolates while you’re there!

By now, you’re probably ready for lunch, so take a short detour off Central Ave. to the 4th oldest dairy bar in Arkansas. The Frosty Treat at 1020 E. Grand Ave., has been open since 1951.  Try their famous fried steak sandwich, or if you prefer a healthier option, the veggie burger has been a menu staple for years.  Add a soft serve cone or milkshake for dessert and enjoy an outdoor lunch at one of their picnic tables.

Next on the trail is Dolce Gelato at 222 Cornerstone Blvd. (just off Central Ave.) for some Italian style ice cream.  I’ve had gelato in lots of places, and in my opinion, this is the best!  Their amaretto flavor is my all-time favorite, but you can also get gelato pops, and even gelato pie! 

Last on the list is Scoops at 4043B Central Ave.  They serve 24 flavors of old family recipes, and have just renovated their store.  They’ve been making slow-churned ice cream in small batches for over 20 years, and are a favorite of locals and guests alike.  Most people don’t get very excited about vanilla ice cream, but trust me, their vanilla ice cream is the most “vanilla-y” I’ve ever tasted!

If you’ve hit all these stops, you’re probably ready to head back to the most charming small town bed and breakfast in Arkansas for a good night’s sleep.  Tuck yourself into your fabulous bed for some sweet (ice cream) dreams, and we’ll see you in the morning for breakfast at Tiffany’s!

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