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Road to Hana Best Stops (2026): Must-See Stops + Map & Honest Tips
Planning the Road to Hana? 🌴 This 2026 guide shares the best stops on the Road to Hana, a helpful map, how long the drive really takes, safety tips, what to avoid, and advice for visiting with kids. Perfect for first-time Maui visitors planning a stress-free day trip. Save this for your Hawaii trip planning!
Kahanu Garden - National Tropical Botanical Garden
Best Stops on the Road to Hana (2026 Guide + Map & Real Tips)
UPDATED January 1, 2026
The Road to Hana is one of Maui’s most iconic drives — and also one of the most overwhelming to plan. With over 600 curves, dozens of waterfalls, and endless pull-offs, it’s impossible to stop everywhere in one day.
This guide breaks down the best Road to Hana stops that are actually worth it, based on driving the route multiple times. We’ll cover must-see stops, how long the drive really takes, whether it’s worth it, tips for families, and include a map so you can plan without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii
Road to Hana Quick Facts
- ⏱ Time Needed: 8–12 hours round trip
- 🚗 Distance: ~64 miles round trip
- 🛣 Curves: 600+
- 🌉 Bridges: 50+
- 👶 Kid-Friendly? Yes (with planning)
- 🚙 Rental Car OK? Yes
- 🗓 Best Start Time: Before 7am
Download our ROAD TO HANA COMPLETE GUIDE for 23+ stops! It is filled with more information on popular stops including pro tips on what to do while you’re there, parking tips, and awesome food stops! It’s your guide to a perfect day along the Road to Hana! By purchasing, you’re helping support the blog with the time and effort put into these posts. 😉
Before you Begin - Road to Hana Map
Download our ROAD TO HANA COMPLETE GUIDE or something you can access Road to Hana stops offline. Cell reception can be spotty, especially when you're looking for that waterfall you've been dying to see. Make sure you save the guide to an offline source like the "Books" app on your iPhone.
Here is a Road to Hana map that coincides with all stops listed below that you can turn on, and save to your Google Maps app:
Prior to your departure, map out about 6 stops for the day. We have more stops below as we’ve done this drive multiple times, but you can't do all of these in one day.
PRO TIP: On your flight to Hawaii is a GREAT time to make your Road to Hana plan! Download our ROAD TO HANA COMPLETE GUIDE PDF prior to your flight to your computer, tablet, or smartphone in an offline app!
How long does it take to drive the Road to Hana? That’s a loaded question! It takes about 3 hours to get to Hana Town from Kaanapali or Wailea. It’s then up to you how long you want to spend at stops and how far you want to travel.
The Best Road to Hana Stops (If You Only Have One Day)
If this is your first time driving the Road to Hana, these are the stops that give you the best experience without rushing or burnout:
Coconut Glen's ice cream (15 mins)
Lava Tubes (30 mins)
Black Sand Beach (30-60 mins) - YOU MUST MAKE A RESERVATION
Red Sand Beach - Koki Beach (30 mins)
Haleakala National Park (2 hours - if you do the long hike)
Make sure you bring water (especially for the hike) and snacks for the car. Go for a swim! Don't forget to bring other necessities for the day - download our ROAD TO HANA COMPLETE GUIDE which includes a complete PACKING LIST.
Start early and come back before dark, the roads aren't well lit at night. Jeeps are the best for driving some of these trails. Get a great deal on rental cars with Booking.com.
To drive the Road to Hana you can go 2 ways:
Normal Way - Take highway 365 to 360 and start clockwise on the Northside.
Back Way - Head south on Highway 37 and come up counterclockwise to the Northside.
Total drive time is about 6 hours driving to the furthest point (Haleakala National Park) and back without stopping. Be careful on the turns, as some of them go down to one lane. Of course, with so many amazing stops and fabulous views, it doesn't seem that long!
We've driven around Hana both ways. The rental car companies advise you not to come "the back way" to prevent wear and tear on the unpaved, rocky, jagged roads. Here’s what the back way to Hana looks like (before it gets extremely bumpy for 20+ minutes):
I also used these sites to guide us along the highway:
Maui Guide - Beautiful photos and great info for all stops on the Road to Hana
MAUI GUIDE BOOK - great info for Hana, and all things Maui
It rains more often on Hana Highway, make sure you check the latest weather predictions and Road Closures - before you head out.
If you don't feel like driving (I don’t blame you), check out this amazing Road to Hana Tour with Activity Authority recommended by a local!
FIRST STOP: HALFWAY TO HANA
If you travel the traditional clockwise way, your first stop should be the Halfway to Hana stand! Stop for the banana bread - it's amazing, and perfect for breakfast! Try their shave ice on your way back, but no judgment if you have it first thing In the morning!
RELATED POSTS:
Check out our ULTIMATE MAUI TRAVEL GUIDE including where to stay, what to do and best restaurants!
BEST SIGHTS TO SEE ON THE ROAD TO HANA:
Is the Road to Hana Worth It?
✔️ Yes, if you enjoy waterfalls, lush scenery, and slow travel
❌ No, if you hate long drives or tight roads
✔️ Worth it for first-timers who start early
❌ Not ideal if you’re short on time or prone to motion sickness
The numbers and sights below are in order traveling clockwise representing the mile marker on the Road to Hana (there are markers you'll see along the side of the road).
Mile Marker #2 Twin Falls
Park in the lot and you can hike down to the falls. If you keep to the left split you'll find Ho’olawa li’ili’i; if you head up to the top, there is another waterfall Ho’olawa nui.
Twin Falls stop on Road to Hana
The Twin Falls have split waterfalls that feed into a pool. Many people love to swim here during the day, but beware - the water is pretty cold! Although it does feel nice on a warm day!
Twin Falls with rope swing on Road to Hana
Parking: Lot available but fills up quickly with tour buses, or you can park along the road. Make sure you turn in your mirrors; those roads are narrow and we've seen them get knocked off! Don't let it happen to you. They also have a snack stand and porta-potties.
Rainbow Eucalyptus
Mile Marker #7 Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees
The largest grove of rainbow eucalyptus trees can be found near mile marker 7. No need to stop as they can be seen along the highway. These trees with streaks of beautiful colors are scattered throughout the drive, and prominent at the Ke’anae Arboretum as well as areas right before Hana town.
What is a rainbow eucalyptus?
Per Wikipedia: Patches of outer bark are shed annually at different times, showing a bright green inner bark. This darkens and matures to give blue, purple, orange, and then maroon tones. The previous season’s bark peels off in strips to reveal a brightly colored new bark below. The peeling process results in vertical streaks of red, orange, green, blue, and gray.
Mile Marker #19 Upper Waikani Falls - 3 Bear Falls
3 Bears Falls also known as Upper Waikani Falls
You can see from driving along the road (pictured above). There are so many waterfalls, I don't think this one is worthy of an actual stop.
Parking: There are spots to pull over on the side of the road.
Mile Marker #27 1/2 Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream
Coconut GLen’s Ice Cream
Organic, vegan ice cream made with coconut milk from coconuts found in the jungles of Maui. I was skeptical of the words "vegan" and "coconut milk," but it was quite delicious. Also, they serve their ice cream in coconut shells! We went there on our way back to the hotel; just note their hours when you go.
Check out our full review here: ICE CREAM REVIEW: Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream
Parking: Has a parking lot with a turtle. Look closely under the shrubs.
Nahiku Marketplace (1546 HI-360, Hana, HI 96713) is also close by, and is a great place to stop for coconut shrimp, fresh fruit, smoothies, or Hawaiian mixed plates!
Mile Marker #31 Lava Tubes or Ka'leleku Cave
Just past mile marker 31, turn left onto Ulaino Road. Drive 0.4 miles to the “Hana Lava Tube” visitor center entrance. The entry fee was $12 a few years ago. It may have gone up (cash only), which provides a quick overview and history as well as a map and a flashlight to explore.
The Lava Tube is about 1/3 mile long and was formed when massive lava flows cooled off on the surface, creating an insulating conduit with lava flowing underneath. During eruptions, the cave served as a channel for the lava to travel along underground until it reached the ocean. In the tubes, you will find lavacicles, stalactites, and a few skylights along the way. We spent about 30 minutes getting to the end and back. Above ground, there is a maze full of ti plants (a maroon color). Good luck!
Parking: There is a parking lot!
Mile Marker #31 Kahanu Garden - National Tropical Botanical Garden
Address: 650 Ulaino Rd Hana, HI
Just down the street from the Lava Tubes, lives a lush botanical garden with waterfalls & gorgeous coastal views.
Per their website: Plant collections from the Pacific Islands are the focus here, particularly plants of value to the Hawaiian people as well as other cultures of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. Kahanu Garden is situated in the storied land of Honoma'ele and home to Pi'ilanihale Heiau, a massive lava-rock structure that is believed to be the largest ancient man-made structure in Polynesia.
You can take a guided tour or just wander around (which we did for about 30-45 minutes). Tour info per their website:
Tour Duration: 2 hours
Check day and operating hours on their website
Ticket Prices for a guided tour: Adults (13 and older) - $30 | Children (12 and younger) - free*
Ticket Prices for self-tour: Adults (18 and older) – $12 | Kamaaina – $7 |Teen (17-13) – $5 | Children (12 and younger) – free | Hana Residents – free*
*ticket prices are subject to change. Make sure you check their website for the latest info!
Pro Tip: Just past the twin falls there is the Garden of Eden Arboretum (10600 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708), but the views are better at Kahanu Garden.
#32 Waianapanapa State Wayside Park - Black Sand Beach
Black Sand Beach views
This is the main black sand beach with a few sea caves to explore. It’s really different to see the black sand between your toes! According to Skylinehawaii.com, a common way that black sand and black sand beaches are formed is when hot lava hits the cold ocean water and cools very quickly, causing it to shatter and break into pieces of basalt fragments of all sizes-- including grains of black sand.
There are a couple of paths that you can get a little hike and take a moment to stretch your legs! You can even bring food and eat at the picnic tables. Camping is available here if you’re into that!
NEW: All visitors and commercial operators will need to make reservations to enter the popular Waiʻānapana State Park on Maui, beginning on March 1, 2022. Make your reservation HERE. There are 2-3 hour blocks including an entrance fee per person and parking fee per vehicle:
Entrance Fee
Hawaii Residents = Free w/ Drivers Lic. or ID
Non-Residents = $5.00 Per Person
Children 3 and Under = Free
Parking Fees
Non-Commercial Vehicles
Residents = Free w/Hawaii ID or Drivers Lic.
Non-Residents = $10 per vehicle
Commercial PUC Vehicles
1-7 passenger vehicles: $25
8-25 passenger vehicles: $50
26+ passenger vehicles:$90
Parking: There is a parking lot as well as public bathrooms!
Hana Town
Hana Town stretches for a few miles and here are a few sites you can't miss!
Mile Marker #50 Hamoa Beach
Hamoa Beach
One of Hawaii's most spectacular beaches hidden on the beautiful Koki Peninsula. Perfect for a refreshing swim or working on your tan on the shore.
Parking and Directions: Drive south on Hana Hwy, turn left on Haneoo Road, then continue driving through the neighborhood until you see the ocean and an area with cars parked along the road. Park on Haneoo and walk down the hill or steps to the beach.
Lunch Spots in Hana
Shave ice at the Food Truck Stop
See our COMPLETE ROAD TO HANA GUIDE for a detailed list of restaurant options in Hana (farm stand and even more stops!).
We love to stop at the food trucks - Da Fish Shack and I Lava Tacos!
Address: 5260 Hana Hwy, Hana, HI 96713
Da Fish Shack - Food truck along Hana Highway. Have fish any way you like it, tacos or burgers - they have it all. There was also a shave ice truck right next to It where you could get a sweet treat, ice cream, or coffee.
I Lava Tacos - AMAZING burritos and tacos can be found at this food truck!
Don’t forget to grab some shave ice or a sweet vanilla cone!
KAIHALULU RED SAND BEACH
Kaihalulu: Red Sand Beach
A gorgeous private red sand cove. The sand is actually more deep red-black, which contrasts with the blue water. The cinder cone behind the beach erodes constantly, which enlarges the sand cove. The iron-rich hill makes the beach's sand deep red in color.
Many people have been hurt or killed over the years trying to get to this spot. A local has told me this is sacred ground and we need to respect the Hawaiians!
Instead, visit Koki Beach, another red sand beach that is easy to get to and find out more in our Road to Hana Guide!
Mile Marker #41 Haleakala National Park - Kipahulu
Directions: Continuing clockwise past Hana Town, you will find the entrance for Haleakala National park near Mile Marker #41. Parking is $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 per pedestrian or bicyclist. Although it is probably the furthest stop on the Road to Hana, there is a lot to do here, so it is best to try and start your day here and work your way back. Pro-tip: For GPS directions, search Kīpahulu Visitor Center.
From this entrance, there are some great hikes in the park, including our favorite trail to Waimoku Falls. You can also follow another trail to take a dip in the Seven Sacred Pools. This is not the same entrance you would use to watch the sunrise at the top of Haleakala, which is located on the other side of the dormant volcano.
The Haleakala National Park site has all info regarding closures as well as hiking trail maps: Click Here
PIPIWAI TRAIL - BAMBOO FOREST
Our favorite hike is to take the Pipiwai Trail, a 4-mile roundtrip hike through the lush bamboo forest, ending at the gorgeous waterfall known as Waimoku Falls.
The hike can be a little steep at times, but not a severe incline, filled with stunning sites and walking through a thick bamboo forest. I loved the sound of the bamboo stems hitting each other in the wind.
WARNING: On one of our trips, there was a "closed" sign due to the fallen trees blocking the trail ahead. Sometimes a ranger patrols the post to prevent people from passing. If violated, you can get a $100 fine, so I'd play by the rules for your safety.
WAIMOKU FALLS - HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK
After following the Pipiwai Trail, there were signs to follow a trail to get to the waterfall. There were quite a few places where you had to cross streams and jump onto rocks, but that just adds to your "adventurous" life status.
At the end of the trail, you'll be standing and gazing at a huge 400ft waterfall that is known as Waimoku Falls. The more rain, the bigger the stream!
Mile Marker #42 'Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) - in Haleakala National Park
Around mile marker 42, look real quick to catch a glimpse of ‘Ohe‘o Gulch, a cleft in the island that has layered pools and numerous waterfalls on the east end of Haleakala National Park. 'Ohe'o means "Something Special", which definitely suits these special pools. Also known as the Seven Sacred Pools, when water levels are safe, there are actually more than seven pools open to swimming.
Make sure you obey all signs; some areas are known for rock slides and have killed people. Also, be mindful when swimming directly below a fall, as natural debris may flow over.
We finally swam in the pool in October 2019, which was cold but felt refreshing after our long hike. There are tons of slippery rocks that didn’t work out well barefoot or with flip flops. I HIGHLY recommend water shoes with tread.
Haleakala National Park site has all info regarding closures as well as hiking trail maps: Click Here
Driving the Road to Hana With Kids
Is the Road to Hana worth it for kids? Yes, but you MUST plan ahead! It is an all day adventure in the car so keep these in mind:
Bathroom stop reality
There are a lot of stops that have restrooms, but not all do
Make sure you know where the closest restrooms are (state parks, general store, restaurant)
Snack strategy - Pack snacks like you are leaving for 5 days
Nap expectations - Hopefully if your toddlers are still napping, they can sleep in the car! If not, maybe a stroller walk around the Black Sand Beach.
When to turn around
Try and make your last stop before lunch your furthest point.
Start making your way back after lunch, you can make more stops along the way as long as your little one(s) can handle it!
Safety near waterfalls
Be Cautious of Freshwater Illness - Avoid swimming if there are posted warnings and don’t let kids swallow waterfall water.
Toddlers and young kids should stay within arm’s reach at all times.
Rocks near waterfalls are often slick with algae so wear water shoes with good grip are safer than flip-flops or bare feet.
Here are the most Toddler Friendly Stops and the order we recommend:
Haleakala National Park for a hike through the Pipiwai Trail (Bamboo Forest) to Waimoku Falls (park near Kīpahulu Visitor Center)
'Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) for a swim
Lunch in Hana Town - Food trucks will give you the most options
Black Sand Beach (Wainapanapa State Park)
Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream
See more things to do in Maui and full guide for Maui with kids including a 5-day itinerary!
Drive It Yourself vs a Road to Hana Tour
One of the biggest decisions when planning the Road to Hana is whether to drive yourself or book a guided tour. Both options have real pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your travel style.
🚗 Driving the Road to Hana Yourself
Best for: Independent travelers, families with kids, early risers, photographers
Pros:
Go at your own pace
Stop (or skip) whenever you want
Easier with kids who need snack, bathroom, or nap breaks
More flexibility to turn around early if needed
Cons:
The driver can’t fully enjoy the views
Requires navigating narrow, winding roads
Parking at popular stops can be competitive
Good to know:
Starting early (before 7am) makes a huge difference if you’re driving yourself. Roads are quieter, parking is easier, and the experience feels far less rushed.
🚌 Taking a Road to Hana Tour
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, travelers who don’t want to drive
Pros:
No driving stress
Local guides share history and hidden spots
No worrying about directions or parking
Often includes lunch and key stops
Cons:
Fixed schedule and limited stop time
Less flexibility with kids or nap schedules
Can feel rushed at popular spots
Long day sitting on a bus
Good to know:
Tours are a great option if you’re nervous about the drive or want to relax and take in the scenery without navigating tight roads.
⭐ Our Honest Take
If you’re traveling with kids, we strongly recommend driving yourself. The flexibility to stop when you want, adjust the day as needed, and skip crowded spots makes the experience far more enjoyable.
If you’re visiting without kids and prefer a stress-free day where someone else handles the logistics, a guided tour can be a great choice.
There’s no wrong option — the best Road to Hana experience is the one that fits your travel style.
What to Avoid on the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana can be an incredible experience — but a few common mistakes can turn it into a stressful or unsafe day. Here’s what to avoid to make the most of your drive.
🚫 Trying to Do Too Much
It’s tempting to stop at every waterfall and lookout, but that’s the fastest way to feel rushed and exhausted.
Pick a handful of must-see stops
Build in time for bathroom and snack breaks
It’s okay to skip stops and enjoy the drive
🚫 Starting Too Late in the Day
Late starts lead to traffic, full parking areas, and pressure to rush back before dark.
Aim to start before 7am
Morning drives are quieter and more enjoyable
You’ll have better lighting for photos
🚫 Driving Past Your Comfort Level
The road is narrow, winding, and not the place to push through stress.
Turn around if the drive becomes overwhelming
Don’t feel pressured to complete the full loop
There’s no “right” endpoint for everyone
🚫 Parking Illegally or on the Roadside
Illegal parking is one of the biggest safety issues on the Road to Hana.
Never block the road or bridges
Avoid stopping where parking isn’t clearly allowed
Fines are common and roads are too narrow for mistakes
🚫 Ignoring Weather and Water Conditions
Conditions can change quickly, even on sunny days.
Skip waterfall swimming after heavy rain
Avoid muddy, fast-moving water
Respect all posted warnings and closures
🚫 Trespassing or Ignoring Signs
Many roadside areas are private property.
“No Trespassing” signs are there for a reason
Stick to clearly marked public stops
Respect local communities and residents
🚫 Letting Kids Wander Near Water or Roads
This drive requires extra attention with children.
Keep kids within arm’s reach near waterfalls
Watch carefully near roadside pull-offs
Use water shoes and avoid slippery rocks
🚫 Relying on Cell Service
Cell service is unreliable along much of the route.
Download maps ahead of time
Screenshot directions and stop lists
Don’t assume GPS will work everywhere
⭐ Parent Tip
The best Road to Hana days are flexible ones. If kids are tired or conditions don’t feel right, it’s always okay to turn around early — you’ll still see plenty of beauty along the way.
Watch our video that has a collection of a few trips along the Road to Hana:
Click photo for Top 10 Restaurants in Maui
Heading Back Before Dark
After our adventure in Haleakala National Park, we turned around and went back the way we came, stopping for ice cream halfway at Coconut Glen’s (see above - Mile Marker 27.5).
The roads are narrow and harder to see at night as there aren’t many street lights. It can take up to 3 hours to get from Haleakala National Park back to Kaanapali Beach.
We stopped and had dinner at the infamous Mama's Fish House (make a reservation ahead of time on Opentable).
Pro Tip: You can continue on the Road to Hana from Haleakala National Park, but the roads are very bumpy, narrow (1 lane most of the time), and unkempt. It also breaks your terms with most rental car companies. The safest way is to go back the way you came, especially if it is your first time on the Road to Hana.
TRY OUR FREE ROAD TO HANA GUIDE: CLICK HERE
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Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii
Get your FREE Road to Hana guide by clicking here: FREE ROAD TO HANA GUIDE
Here are some more Maui posts:
100+ Ice Cream Quotes and Holidays, Fun Ice Cream Jokes and Silly Ice Cream Puns!
Find all ice cream and sweet related holidays and download our FREE printable ice cream calendar! I’ve also collected some great ice cream quotes, along with fun ice cream jokes, as well as silly ice cream puns! I HAD to include movie quotes and memorable ice cream scenes. As a bonus, I’m throwing in some great ice cream song and lyrics!
The Best Ice Cream Quotes and Ice Cream Related Holidays, Funny Ice Cream Jokes and Silly Ice Cream Puns!
Looking for the best ice cream quotes for Instagram captions, summer signs, kids’ parties, or just a little happy inspiration? From funny ice cream sayings to cute quotes perfect for kids and photos, these ice cream quotes are sweet, simple, and guaranteed to make you smile.
If you haven’t noticed, I’m OBSESSED with ice cream! I have collected some fun ice cream facts for the social media channels I run as well as my own @thesweetestescapes account. I love celebrating all ice cream and sweet-related holidays and have even put some dates in my calendar with a recurring reminder so I never forget! What a dork, right? I do it for the blog! wink wink 😉
I’ve also collected some great ice cream quotes, along with fun ice cream jokes (some are great dad jokes!), as well as silly ice cream puns! Since I work in the entertainment industry, I HAD to include movie quotes and memorable ice cream scenes. As a bonus, I’m throwing in some great ice cream song and lyric suggestions because at this point, why not?!
Is it July (if not, pin for later)? Then it is National Ice Cream Month! Did you know that MANY scoop shops all over celebrate with FREE Ice Cream scoops or other sweet ice cream deals and offers? To find these deals, check our annual post called: Where to get FREE ICE CREAM and DEALS on National Ice Cream Day and throughout the Month
Download our Fun Ice Cream Holidays Calendar here
Fun Ice Cream and Sweet Related Holidays (Calendar Style)
Who knew there could be so many sweet holidays?! Download our FREE printable Fun Ice Cream Calendar for the inside of your kitchen cabinet, classroom decorations, or to have in a kids playroom!
January
National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day - January 3rd
National Whipped Cream Day - January 5th
National Milk Day - Jan 11th
National Strawberry Ice Cream Day - January 15th
National Blonde Brownie Day - January 22nd
National Pie Day - January 23rd
National Peanut Butter Day - January 24th
February
Ice Cream for Breakfast day (first Sat in Feb)
National Dark Chocolate Day - February 1st
National Carrot Cake Day - February 3rd
National Chocolate Fondue Day - February 5th
World Nutella Day - February 5th
National Frozen Yogurt Day - February 6th
Chocolate Mint Day - February 19th
March
National Peanut Butter Lovers Day - March 1st
National Oreo Cookie Day - Mar 6th
National Frozen Food Day - March 6th (does ice cream count?)
National Pi Day - Pie day! March 14th
April
National Chocolate Mousse Day - April 3rd
National Caramel Popcorn Day - April 7th
National Peach Cobbler Day - April 13th
National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day - April 20th
National Jelly Bean Day - April 22nd
National Cherry Cheesecake Day - April 23rd
May
National Apple Pie Day - May 13th
National Chocolate Chip Day - May 15th
National Devil’s Food Cake Day - May 19th
National Taffy Day - May 23rd
June
National Donut Day - first Friday in June
National Chocolate Ice Cream Day - June 7th
National Fudge Day - June 16th
First Day of Summer - June 20th
July
July is National Ice Cream Month!
National Strawberry Sundae Day - July 7th
National Sugar Cookie Day - July 9th
National Free Slurpee Day - July 11th
Cow Appreciation Day - July 14th
National Ice Cream Day - (third Sunday in July)
National Vanilla Ice Cream Day - July 23rd
National Hot Fudge Sundae Day - July 25th
National Coffee Milkshake Day - July 26th
National Cheesecake Day - July 30th
Is it July? Then it is National Ice Cream Month! Did you know that MANY scoop shops all over celebrate with FREE Ice Cream scoops or other sweet ice cream deals and offers? To find these deals, check our annual post called: Where to get FREE ICE CREAM and DEALS on National Ice Cream Day and throughout the Month
August
National Ice Cream Sandwich Day - August 2nd
National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day - August 4th
National Sponge Cake Day - August 23rd
National Waffle Day - August 24th
National Banana Split Day - August 25th
September
National Chocolate Milkshake Day - September 12th
National Ice Cream Cone Day - September 22nd
National White Chocolate Day - September 22nd
National Cherries Jubilee Day - September 24th
National Coffee/Starbucks Day - September 29th
October
International Coffee Day - October 1st
National Homemade Cookies Day - October 1st
National Cinnamon Roll Day - October 4th
National Frappe Day - October 7th
National Cake Decorating Day - October 10th
National M&M Day - October 13th
National Dessert Day - October 14th
World Food Day - October 16th
Sweetest Day - October 17th
National Chocolate Cupcake Day - October 18th
National Boston Cream Pie Day - October 23rd
National Chocolate Day - October 28th
National Candy Corn Day - October 30th
Halloween/ National Caramel Apple Day - October 31st
November
National Candy Day - November 4th
National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day - November 7th (very specific! haha)
National Vanilla Cupcake Day - November 10th
National Sundae Day - November 11th
National Cake Day - November 25th
National French Toast Day - November 28th
National Lemon Cream Pie Day - November 29th
December
National Cookie Day - December 4th
Gingerbread House Day - December 12th
National Ice Cream Day - December 13th (not sure why there are two different National Ice Cream Days but I am happy to celebrate both occasions!)
National Cupcake Day - December 15th
National Chocolate Covered Anything Day - December 16th
National Cookie Exchange Day - December 22nd
National Candy Cane Day - December 26th
National Chocolate Candy Day - December 28th
To throw the BEST Ice Cream Social you need an Ice Cream Garland and our MUST HAVE Scoop! Check out our Amazon Shopping list!
Best Ice Cream Joke
Silly Ice Cream Jokes - Good for Kids!
Q: Where does one learn to make ice cream?
A: Sundae school!
Q: Why did the Teddy bear say no to ice cream?
A: Because he was stuffed!
Q: Why is ice cream so bad at tennis?
A: They have a soft serve.
Q: What do you get from an Alaskan cow?
A: Ice Cream
Q: How did Reese eat her ice cream?
A: Witherspoon.
Q: What do you get if you divide the circumference of a bowl of ice cream by its diameter?
A: Pi a'la mode.
Q: Why did the ice cream truck break down?
A: Because of the Rocky Road.
“Hey Ernie, would you like some ice cream?”
“Sure Burt!”
Q: What do you call someone else’s ice cream?
A: You scream
Q: What is ice cream’s favorite day of the week?
A: Sundae!!
Q: How do dogs like their ice cream served?
A: In a woofle cone!
Q: What did the ice cream cone do on the weekend?
A: It spent the day chill-axing!
Q: Where did the ice cream cone go to ride its mountain bike?
A: It went to a Rocky Road!
Q: Why was the ice cream cone a good reporter?
A: It always got a scoop!
Want a silly Ice Cream gift for a kid? Check out the Ice Cream Playdoh set or the Leap Frog Ice Cream Cart our Amazon Shopping list!
Ice Cream Puns
You Got Soft Served.
If we are what we eat, well, I am awfully sweet.
You are the sprinkles to my ice cream.
We are mint for each other.
Ice cream makes everything better.
I want abs, but I want ice cream more.
Go Shawty, It’s Sherbert Day.
It’s always ice cream o-clock somewhere.
Life’s better with a cherry on top.
I’m A Big Softie.
If you believe, anything is popsicle.
Game Of Cones.
The only man worth chasing is the ice cream man.
Peace, love, and ice cream.
In-Cone-Ceivable!
Ice Cream Quote "Life is like an ice cream, enjoy it before it melts."
Fun Ice Cream Quotes (great for Instagram or Social Media captions)
"Life is like an ice cream, enjoy it before it melts." — Unknown (my personal favorite)
"The best time for ice cream is always." — Unknown
“I love you more than ice cream” - Unkown (I say this to Josh!)
“My head says go to the gym. My heart says eat ice cream!” — Unknown
“If you were ice cream, you’d be my favorite flavor!” — Unknown
“A balanced diet is ice cream in each hand.” — Unknown
“Every day should start with coffee and end with ice cream.” — Unknown
“I go running when I have to. When the ice cream truck is doing sixty.” - Wendy Liebman
“A day without ice cream was a day wasted.” - Iain Pears
"I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream." — Unknown
"Tomorrow we can eat broccoli, but today is for ice cream." — Malory Hobson
"I never say no to an ice cream." — Ingrid Betancourt
"When I'm no longer rapping, I want to open up an ice cream parlor and call myself Scoop Dogg." — Snoop Dogg
Inspirational Ice Cream Quotes
“Don’t let your ice cream melt while you’re counting someone else’s sprinkles” - Akilah Hughes
”You can't buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream and that is pretty much the same thing." — Unknown
“Life is like an ice-cream cone, you have to lick it one day at a time.” - Charles M. Schulz
"Never ask a woman who is eating ice cream straight from the carton how she's doing." — Unknown
"There were some problems only coffee and ice cream could fix." — Amal El-Mohtar
"Without ice cream, there would be darkness and chaos." — Don Kardong
"If life is a bowl of dark ice cream, small moments we enjoyed are colorful sprinkles all over it." — Unknown
"Ice cream is cheaper than therapy." — Unknown
Ice Cream Movie Quotes and Memorable Television Scenes
“The only good thing about being wounded in the buttocks… is the ice cream” and "Lieutenant Dan, I got you some ice cream. Lieutenant Dan, ice cream!" — Forrest Gump
"It was the color of someone buying you an ice cream cone for no reason at all." — Lemony Snicket
"How'd you like some ice cream, Doc?" - The Shining (1980)
Anna Chlumsky's Vada joins a grown-up writing class and recites an adorable ode to "vanilla, chocolate, Rocky Road, even with pie a la mode." - My Girl (1991)
Pulp Fiction (1994) John Travolta and Uma Thurman bond over a milkshake.
The Notebook (2004) when Rachel McAdams kisses Ryan Gosling after smashing ice cream into her lover's face.
Wonder Woman (2017) - Gal Gadot discovers what she has been missing on her remote island!
FRIENDS is my favorite TV show of all time, remember when Chandler (Matthew Perry) eats his feelings after his relationship went downhill.
Famous Ice Cream Songs and Lyrics
My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard - Kelis, “Milkshake”
The cold never bothered me anyway." — Frozen, "Let It Go"
“Give me a ice cream, Girl for the weekend, Kind of girl she built for any season.” - Wyclef Jean and Sean Kingston, “Ice Cream Girl”
“Ice, ice baby” - Vanilla Ice, “Ice, Ice Baby”
“You’ve got me chasing after you, like an ice cream truck” - Beyoncé, “Ice Cream Truck”
“I’ll Stop The World And Melt With You.” - Jason Mraz
“Cream on the inside, Clean on the outside Ice, ice cream, ice cream paint job” - E-40, “Ice Cream Paint Job”
Oh my my, I'm your ice cream man, stop me when I'm passin' by” - Van Halen, “Ice Cream Man”
“I want your ice cream, I want it, what you waiting for?” - Mika, “Ice Cream”
“Ice cream, chillin'“ - Selena Gomez & BLACKPINK, “Ice Cream”
“Your love Is better than ice cream” - Sarah McLachlan, “Ice Cream” [Maki]
“A chocolate sundae on a Saturday night, What a way to make an evenin' end right” - Doris Day, “A Chocolate Sundae on a Saturday Night” [severin]
“When I first saw you, You said I was cool Enough to be Ice cream” - Wilco, “Ice Cream” [happyclapper]
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TOP 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MAUI, HAWAII | You can't miss...
You can’t miss these Top 10 things to do in Maui, HI! From zip-lining to the Road to Hana to snorkeling, check out some of our favorite activities in Maui, Hawaii! What to do, where to go, free & budget-friendly ideas. #maui #hawaii #lahaina
THE BEST ACTIVITIES AND THINGS TO DO IN MAUI
Snorkel at Black Rock to see plenty of fish and Hawaiian Green sea turtles!
Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii
We have traveled to Maui every year since 2013 and try to find something new to do every time. Although it is a small island, there is a lot to see! The island of Maui, with its lush rainforests, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and pristine beaches, offers an unforgettable vacation experience. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of Hawaiian culture, Maui has something for everyone.
In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best things to do in Maui, from sightseeing and exploring the Road to Hana to swimming with Hawaiian green sea turtles and indulging in delicious local cuisine. So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to discover the sweet escape to Maui!
1. Embarking on the Hana Highway: A Maui Adventure Awaits
The Road to Hana, a winding ribbon of asphalt snaking along Maui's northeastern coast, is more than just a drive – it's an unforgettable journey. Prepare for breathtaking coastal cliffs, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and hidden black sand beaches. This iconic route is a true test of patience, but the rewards are immense.
There are so many sights to see along the island of Maui and Hana Highway is a perfect full-day activity to see its beauty. Some of our favorite stops include and amount of time you should spend there in parenthesis:
1. Black Sand Beach (60 mins)
2. Lava Tubes (30 mins)
3. Red Sand Beach (30 mins)
4. Coconut Glen's ice cream (15 mins)
5. Haleakala National Park (2 hours - if you do the long hike, and swim in the seven sacred pools)
Check out our complete guide to the Road to Hana with mile marker stops, a map, and video - Road to Hana Guide
Let someone else drive since you’re on vacation! Book a Road to Hana Tour so you can sit back and enjoy the ride!
Don’t forget to pack your reef safe sunblock and a cute hat!
2. Go Snorkeling
The best part about the end of the Kaanapali beach is the Black Rock, which is located right in front of the Sheraton Maui Resort. Where it might seem like a hideous black lava rock, under the sea you can find gorgeous coral, tons of fish, and usually see a Hawaiian sea turtle or two!
Another great spot is Kapalua Bay. Even though the clarity isn't as great as around Black Rock, there are still plenty of fish to see. On one of our swims, we saw 6 turtles! We parked in a free beach parking lot next to Merriman's Kapalua, but make sure you get there early for a spot.
Take a day trip to Molokini Crater for some of the best Hawaiian reef snorkeling! Book this snorkel tour!
See the full list of spots in our Best Snorkel Spots and beaches in Maui post (video included)!
Pro-tip: Ship snorkel gear straight to the hotel! I personally use a Cressi snorkel mask is incredible for snorkeling! You can find more in our Amazon Storefront!
Snorkeling with green Hawaiian Sea turtles in Kapalua Bay
3. Nakalele Blowhole
As the tide rolls in, the blowhole shoots water over 20 feet in the air! Located North of Kapalua (approx 8 miles), park near mile marker 38.5.
Sad news, as of January 2020, the Heart Rock has washed away and is only half a heart! :(
However, the blowhole is still there and that’s fun! :)
WARNING: DO NOT GET TOO CLOSE TO THE BLOWHOLE, IT CAN SUCK YOU IN! It’s nice to admire from a few feet away.
4. Catch the Sunrise at the Top of Haleakala Crater
We left our hotel around 3am and went on a crazy drive to the top of Haleakala at 10,000 feet, but it was worth it for this magnificent sunrise above the clouds. Side note - Josh proposed to me here!
YOU MUST HAVE A RESERVATION IF YOU ARE GOING TO THE TOP OF HALEAKALA BEFORE 7AM!
Make Your Sunrise Reservation - Reservations are available online up to 60 days in advance of your sunrise visit on recreation.gov. More info here: Haleakala Sunrise
A visitor may only purchase one sunrise reservation per three-day period.
A small number of last-minute tickets are released online two days beforehand.
There are also great Haleakala Tours that will take you to the top (after all, you’re on vacation). If you’re adventurous, there are tours that will take you to the top to see the sunrise, then coast back down to the bottom on a bicycle!
Don’t like to get up early? I don’t blame you! Sunset is lovely too and after it sets you are in the perfect setting for stargazing! Look up for the Milky Way!
Pro-tip: BRING A SWEATSHIRT! It gets really cold at 10,000 feet!
See more details and our full itinerary: How to Spend 4 Days in Maui
5. Go Scuba Diving
We loved scuba diving with the company, Extended Horizons in Lahaina. Not only do they go to the best spots but also have the best dive guides! The dive site, Cathedral I, was one of my favorite dives - we went in a cave! See our video compilation and reviews here: Best Scuba Dive Sites in Maui
We even achieved our advanced certification with Extended Horizons. We did a night dive which we saw so many crustaceans and fish with the glow of a flashlight while also experiencing the glow from bioluminescence.
Not certified? Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii, is also a great place to go under the sea without getting wet! Located in Maalaea, which you’ll most likely pass to and from the airport, see the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere!
Pro Tip: Whale watching is also fun during the months from November to May! Maui charters will do sunset cruises, or day cruises. Look out for humpback whales!
Please protect the reefs and get reef-safe sunscreen:
6. Get a Massage
Need I say more? We like to do the couples massages at the Spa at Black Rock at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa, which is also our favorite place to stay. There are many locations around the resort to get a massage – the spa, lawn, or even near the beach, anywhere you go, you won’t regret it. You’re on vacation, you deserve it!
Check out our Hotel Review: Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa
We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!
7. Go shopping and have some great food!
Lahaina – The fire in 2023 was beyond devastating to Maui and unfortunately most of the shops on Front Street are no longer there. There is the Lahaina Cannery Mall with a few stores, food trucks in the parking lot, and they often have cultural Hawaiian events!
Make sure you visit the Banyan tree, a gorgeous tree that covers over half an acre! It survived the fires, thankfully!
Whalers Village - Located on Kaanapali Beach right next to the Westin. Here you will find shops you would normally see in most malls (Oakley, Sephora, Tommy Bahama) but also has restaurants (Hula Grill, Monkeypod, Leilani’s, fast food options) and of course, an ABC Store.
Whalers Village - Kaanapali - Maui, Hawaii
Sand People – I have to mention this shop as it is only found in Hawaii. It’s like an Etsy store full of coastal home goods, locally made jewelry and clothing. My FAVORITE! There are a few - Whaler’s Village and Front Street in Lahaina.
The Shops at Wailea - Located among the hotels along Wailea beach, you’ll find restaurants (Lineage, Tommy Bahama, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Cheeseburger in Paradise), clothing shops, a market, and ABC Store.
Related Post - Check out our favorite restaurants here: Best Maui Restaurants
8. Get Some Hawaiian Shave Ice
Shaved ice + flavored syrups + macadamia nut ice cream in the bottom = YUM!
There are so many locations all over Maui, you really can’t go wrong with any of them! My favorite combo is pineapple and coconut syrup with macadamia nut ice cream in the bottom – pretty much an ice cream pina colada (minus the alcohol)!
Pro-tip: The Shaved Ice location in Whalers Village (Ka’anapali Beach) has spoons that change colors with the temperature!
HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE MAUI HAWAII
Also, check out my favorite ice cream place, Coconut Glen's Ice Cream!
9. Go Zip-lining
There are a lot of places that offer zip-lining, yet we went to the original (they even have zipline.com)! We used Kaanapali Zip Line Adventure, known for their award-winning 8-line, and had a blast. Stunning views from Lahaina to Kaanapali and 8 different lines cascading down the mountain! At the end of your last zip line you can drop into a lake! Our guides were so nice and had so much energy that we laughing the whole time! Check out these other great tours as well: Zipline Adventures
Don’t forget your GoPro! You can even get a mount for your helmet!
10. Enjoy a Lu'au
DRUMS OF THE PACIFIC LU'AU HYATT
The Drums of the Pacific Lu'au encompasses Hawaiian traditions with fun! The Rhythms of the Polynesian ritual will have you dancing along at the Hyatt Regency Maui on Kaanapali Beach. A traditional Hawaiian feast is served buffet style with an open bar and is better than the Lahaina Luau. Despite the fact the drinks are a little watered down, I found it highly entertaining and was captivated by the fast-moving hips to the beat of the drum in the traditional Hawaiian dance. Find a luau near you: Best Maui Luaus
How about a festive outfit for the evening:
Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii
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Ice Cream Review: Rori’s Artisanal Creamery - Great Ice Cream in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing organic ice cream flavors can be found at Rori’s Artisanal Creamery in Los Angeles such as Wild berry Chocolate Crisp. YUM! Best ice cream in LA | Ice Cream in Los Angeles | things to do in LA #icecream #LA #losangeles
Rori’s Artisanal Creamery - Century City
Rori’s Artisanal Creamery - Fantastic Los Angeles Local Ice Cream
Locations: Santa Monica, Century City, Long Beach (and up the coast)
Website: rorisartisanalcreamery.com
Pricing: Get a split scoop in a bowl for your best value. The cones are really good too.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegan ice cream options available
Take-out: Pints are available and you can find them in select grocery stores. See their website for more!
Rori’s Artisanal Creamery Ice Cream Cone
LA Ice Cream Natives
Rori’s originates here in California, freshly scooped from Carpinteria! Owner, Rori Trovato, makes all the ice cream, cookies, cones, and candy recipes, and try some of her great flavors like Biscoff, Black Pepper Pistachio, Fresh Mint Patty, Malted Milk English Toffee, Nutella, Peanut Butter Candy Swirl - mix a unique flavor with a classic flavor for the best combo!
Rori’s Ice Cream Menu
Rori’s Ice Cream Menu
Get shakes, floats, homemade cookies, brownies, What the Fudge bars and pints to go here too! They even cater parties, but you have to invite me if you hire them! ;-)
Rori Trovato makes all the ice cream, cookies, cones, and candy recipes! She finely crafted each flavor to organic perfection. Rori used to supply the lavender and lemon from her garden but has since sourced it from local organic farms.
Straus Family Creamery Organic cream, milk and eggs create a delightfully creamy texture to their unique flavors including Honey Almond Crunch, Fresh Mint Patty, Malted Milk English Toffee, you can't go wrong with any of these choices.
"The best cream for your coffee is ice cream!!" I'm adopting this as my new motto. Need a pick me up? Try an affogoto (coffee/espresso with ice cream)! Also, love that they have candy and cookies - SO MANY SWEETS!
Rori has even made ice cream for your dog to enjoy! Organic yogurt, bananas, and peanut butter will leave your four-legged friend happy too!
Not near a scoop shop? That’s okay! Local supermarkets like Erewhon are selling Rori’s ice cream by the pint!
You MUST try the Wildberry Chocolate Crisp and Malted Milk ball
GET FREE ICE CREAM ON YOUR BIRTHDAY
Join their birthday club! CLICK HERE - see the bottom of the page for email signup. They also make ice cream cakes to make your special occasion even more special! AND they have Taco Tuesday... ICE CREAM TACOS! WHAT! Anyone wanna try these with me?! Also, they sell ice cream by the pint if a scoop isn't enough! ;-)
Rori’s Ice Cream Locations
Rori's has more locations along the California coastline, including Montecito, Santa Barbara, and Santa Monica. Visit the factory near Santa Barbara next time you’re in town!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Need another scoop? Try these:
Top 9 Reasons why you MUST add Bora Bora to your Bucketlist!
9 Reasons to Visit Bora Bora on your Honeymoon or in your Lifetime! We spent a few days in Bora Bora in French Polynesia on our Honeymoon and see what our favorite things were to do! Definitely bucket list worthy!
9 Reasons to Visit Bora Bora on your Honeymoon or in your Lifetime!
We went to Bora Bora in French Polynesia to bookend our honeymoon and it was worth every penny and mile it took to get us there! I was surprised our occupied our days were when I was expecting to not do anything! Check out what to expect with our 9 reasons below:
Overwater Bungalows InterContinental Bora Bora
1. Overwater Bungalows
We stayed at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa and WOW, just being able to walk out into the water from your own porch is a dream. Its location has the best view of the center island, where the sun will set right behind the mountain.
Overwater Bungalow Sunset Bora Bora
In the guest room, there is a glass coffee table that lets you look down at the water below. We loved watching fish swim under our room! The bed faces a floor to ceiling window that makes you feel like you're just floating in the aqua lagoon. It’s literally heaven on Earth!
2. Infinity Pool with a Perfect View
This infinity pool is just gorgeous and the InterContinental Thalasso has the PERFECT view of the mountain! I don't think I need to add anything else here. Maybe a drink...
Infinity Pool InterContinental Bora Bora
3. Stingray Feedings
I was apprehensive about feeding stingrays at first but as long as you have their food, they are like little puppies that brush up against you begging for food.
Feeding Sting Rays in Bora Bora
The man with the bucket came out blowing a shell like a horn, getting the stingrays ready for a feeding!
Warning, watch out for the seagulls. They are food stealers.
4. Book a relaxing Massage at the Bora Bora InterContinental Thalasso Spa
The Bora Bora InterContinental Thalasso spa is top-notch! They even have a room where you can watch the fish through the hole in the table while getting a massage. How peaceful is that?
5. Scuba Dive in Bora Bora
The colors are beautiful deep below the surface, with thousands of fish along the gorgeous colorful coral reef. We even saw a 7 foot lemon shark swim through.
Scuba Dive in Bora Bora
6. Rent Jet Skis and tour around the Island
The jet ski tour was my favorite activity! We went around the entire island, and our guide showed us how to break open a coconut on the shore with our bare hands! It was delicious!
Jet ski in Bora Bora
7. Rent Paddle boards, Kayaks, and Other Activities
Paddleboards and kayaks were provided by the hotel (InterContinental Bora Bora) at no extra cost. Just ask the pool boy for permission and float your cares away in the lagoon.
For a price, you can also go on a rainforest tour, ATV safari, or even go parasailing!
8. RELAX, You’re literally in paradise!
There's not a lot of pressure to do anything but hang out in your swimsuit for 24 hours. That's actually what we did for 4 days.
9. Fruity Drinks & Ice cream by the pool
Brownie sundaes are always acceptable, even at the pool. Other food and many drinks can also be indulged poolside. Much like Hawaii or any tropical destination, they have all the fruity poolside drinks you can think of. Delicious and refreshing!
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More to do in French Polynesia:
Ice Cream Review: Halo Top Scoop Shop in Los Angeles, CA - Best soft serve!
Love ice cream? Hate dieting? Halo Top’s got you covered - a lower calorie treat yet creamy and full of surprises. They’ve permanently closed most Halo Top Scoop Shop locations but one is still open in the Grove, where you must try their fabulous soft serve ice cream! Read all about it in my review! #icecream #whatdiet #losangeles
Halo Top Scoop Shop
LA Location: The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036 - all other locations have been permanently closed! :(
Website: https://www.halotopscoopshop.com/
Pricing: Generous soft-serve portion for a great price - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 for their soft-serve but 3/5 for their ice cream)
Take-out: Take-out only - enjoy on the grass near the fountain!
Dietary Restrictions: Dairy Free Options Available and Guilt-Free Options!
Hot pink ice cream cone with Halo Top’s Peaches and Cream Soft Serve!
I love ice cream but I hate dieting! I was thrilled when I discovered Halo Top at my local Ralphs, finally, a low-calorie ice cream that is delicious! I love everything about this brand, their marketing, flavors, and was so excited to hear the news that an ice cream scoop shop was opening near me!
2020 UPDATE: A lot of the scoop shop locations have closed but The Grove is open with the same options as my visit to Century City! The Grove location is right in front of Nordstroms where Haagen Dazs used to be. It’s best to grab a soft serve cone and enjoy it near the fountain!
Don’t forget to check out our complete list of Best Ice Cream Scoop Shops in Los Angeles
Halo Top Scoop Shop - Century City - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Halo Top Scoop Shop Menu Flavors
If I buy the pint, I’ll want to eat the whole thing! Here you can get not only your favorite pint flavors but also incredible soft serve options! Since I can get a pint anytime at my local Ralphs, I wanted to try something different so I went for the soft serve. I tried all three soft serve options - Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, and Peaches & Cream. All were tasty, but the peaches and cream flavor was perfect for the warm summer day!
There were so many different options from 4 different kinds of cones to ice cream sandwiches and ICE CREAM TACOS! Also, the cones came in the best colors - pink and a bluish turquoise!
Halo Top Scoop Shop Menu
Halo Top Ice Cream Scoop Shop
Halo Top Scoop Shop Menu
It was also chock full of topping options to add to your delectable treats.
Toppings bar at Halo Top
I was debating on what my base should be, and when I heard they had pink ice cream cones, I knew it was a must (and it matched my nails!).
YUM! If you get the chance, grab a cone or a taco and always add sprinkles on top!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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MORE LOS ANGELES POSTS:
Giapo - Best Ice Cream (and fanciest) in Auckland, New Zealand
We found the fanciest ice cream shop in the world! Full of gold sparkles and exquisite toppings, Giapo in New Zealand is the haute spot for ice cream! Best ice cream in Auckland, New Zealand | Where to go in New Zealand | Where to eat in NZ | What to do in Auckland #icecream #newzealand #auckland
Ice Cream Review: Giapo Haute Ice Cream
Location: 12 Gore St, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
Website: Giapo Ice Cream
Pricing: Generous portion that is hand-crafted with fancy edible embellishments ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars for that
Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 creamy for gelato)
Dietary Restrictions: Halal, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free options available
Take-out/Pickup: Pickup and local delivery service available - Download their app in the Apple app store or Google Play!
Giapo Ice Cream in Auckland, New Zealand
We stopped in Auckland, New Zealand while on our honeymoon and found the best ice cream shop with the fanciest treats I've ever seen.
Giapo is for the people who are ready to see ice cream as a platform for freedom and art. Giapo is for anyone who dares to strive for more.
Gianpaolo Grazioli (Giapo) and his wife Annarosa Petrucci just want to make the best ice cream in the world, from the bottom of the world. Their story is so cute, they met in high school in Southern Italy and are now making big strides in the ice cream industry. Italian culinary tastemaker website, Dissapore, named Giapo one of the top 10 gelaterias in the WORLD.
Giapo looks at ice cream as art and is a great innovator! Even the entrance was gorgeous and inviting.
Giapo Ice Cream Shop
Our ice cream designer was a hoot! So much personality and helped us figure out if we wanted hokey pokey or chocolate evolution. Everyone was so nice and you could tell that they loved their job!
Sassy Ice Cream Scooper! Loved her!
Giapo Ice Cream Menu
I loved the creative names of the flavors, though it made it hard to order because I had no idea what was in "Kiss Kiss." These one-of-a-kind flavors included the classics, and there's always an Aotearoa Garden seasonal special.
Giapo Ice Cream Menu
Giapo Squid Ice Cream Cone - @giapokitchen Instagram
During these new times, they have posted their menu online and you can order through the app, then easily pick up your order in front of the store!
The colossal squid cone is one of their most famous ice cream cone designs, but they have many other beautiful creations. See their Instagram @giapokitchen for more.
Giapo Ice Cream Menu 2020
All toppings are handcrafted in the shop. Luxuriously appointed cones and chocolate cups that make the Giapo ice cream spectacular for both eyes and taste buds. Just look at the exquisite gold hazelnuts in the first picture!
Ice cream artists scooping and designing away!
If we were staying longer in NZ, I would have loved to take their Ice Cream Masterclass, where you can prep, make, and create your own luxurious concoction. There’s even a kitchen tour, which I would have also loved!
Giapo New Zealand Ice Cream
For bookings see more info here giapo.com or contact them via email giapo@giapo.com or whatsapp us here.
I'm in love with this place! I wish New Zealand wasn't so far from California! Please open a shop here, Giapo!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Ice Cream Scoop Shop Review: Little Damage and the little black cone | Downtown Los Angeles
Little Damage is located in Downtown Los Angeles and is known for its iconic charcoal black waffle cone! Ice cream flavors are made in small batches with local ingredients from organic dairy farms. Vegan options are available. See our full review of this Instagrammable LA ice cream scoop shop! Grab this gothic cone in DTLA!
Ice Cream Scoop Shop Review: Little Damage
Location: Downtown LA - 700 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Website: littledamage.com
Pricing: Generous soft-serve portion for a great price (one free topping included -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars for that)
Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 creamy soft-serve)
Dietary Restrictions: Vegan option always available
Take-out: Local delivery service available
I had been wanting to visit Little Damage for a long time and always saw on social media how the line went out the door and wrapped around the corner. I waited until winter to finally check it out and it was definitely worth the hype!
Little Damage counter and menu with a list of their flavors!
ABOUT LITTLE DAMAGE
Little Damage is known for its devilish, black charcoal waffle cone. It gives a unique look against contrasting colorful soft serve or bright sprinkles. Flavors often rotate as they make their ice cream in small batches with local ingredients from organic dairy farms and zero preservatives.
Little Damage Ice Cream Quote - “I licked it, so it’s mine!”
LITTLE DAMAGE ICE CREAM QUOTES
The shop is small but has cute neon signs with fun sayings like:
“I licked it, so it’s mine”
“Cute but psycho, but cute”
“I like love you”
Are you singing the “Cute but Psycho” song too?
Little Damage neon sign quote - Cute but psycho, but cute
HOW IT TO ORDER AT LITTLE DAMAGE
I mean it’s not complicated but here we go: there are a handful of flavors listed on the wall, pick one of those plus a free topping from the selection of topping jars on the counter!
Kiki n Cream was blue! Tasty with crumbled Oreos on top!
LITTLE DAMAGE IS SOCIAL MEDIA FRIENDLY
This place is an Instagram dream! So many great spots for social media pics from neon signs to spots on the side walk out in front! They even have a FREE photo booth in the back to entice you to take pics with your ice cream and post to social media!
Cute outline for Instagram pictures of gothic ice cream in front of Little Damage
In conclusion (because that’s how you end a good blog post, right?) if I’m in DTLA, I’d stop here again for a gothic black ice cream cone!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:
Ice Cream Review: Little Damage Ice Cream DTLA
More Ice Cream Related Posts:
6 Most Instagrammable, Pretty, Colorful Ice Cream Shops in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles has tons of Instagram worthy ice cream shops, you just have to know where to look. Influencers, tourists, LA locals - here is our list for your next perfect social media ice cream pictures! Best Instagram spots in Los Angeles!
6 Best Instagram Ice Cream Spots in LA
You know I love ice cream… especially pretty ice cream pictures! You can go to places like Black Tap and get crazy Freak Shakes for $15 or you can go to a local ice cream shop and get something just as tasty and Instagram worthy! Los Angeles has tons of Instagram Ice Cream shops, you just have to know where to look. Influencers, tourists, Angelinos - here is our list for your next perfect social media ice cream pictures!
Related Post: BEST ICE CREAM SCOOP SHOPS IN LOS ANGELES (Rated, ranked, and map included)
After’s Ice Cream in Venice
Afters Ice Cream
Locations: All over LA (this photo was taken at the Venice Beach location)
Afters Ice Cream has tons of tasty flavors and some are bright in color! Cookie Monster ice cream is blue and tastes amazing, but caution, it will temporarily leave your mouth blue! Totally worth it though. The Venice location is nice with a picture-perfect beach background, however, keep in mind ice cream can melt pretty fast!
They also have witty sayings like, “ruining diets everywhere.”
See more photos in our full review: AFTERS ICE CREAM REVIEW
Little Damage Ice Cream - Downtown LA
Little Damage
Location: Downtown LA - 700 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
This devilish, black, charcoal waffle cone gives a unique look against contrasting colorful soft serve or bright sprinkles. Flavors often rotate as they make their ice cream in small batches with local ingredients from organic dairy farms and zero preservatives.
See our full review here: LITTLE DAMAGE ICE CREAM REVIEW
Milk Bar LA
Milk Bar
Location: 7150 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Shopping in Melrose? Momofuku’s Milk Bar is open in Los Angeles and people are flocking from all over for these tasty treats! Cookies, cakes, and soft serve will leave you happy and full!
Lots of hot pink colors here! Outside there is a cake painted on the side of the building that is a full story high! See it in our full review: MILK BAR REVIEW
Sloan’s Ice Cream Shop
Sloan’s Ice Cream
Locations: Santa Monica and Woodland Hills
These pretty pink stores are vibrant and can be seen a mile away! Inside, you’ll find walls with sprinkles and lollipops with fancy chandeliers hanging. Sloan’s also has amazing ice cream flavors and serves up generous portions!
Bumsan Organic Milk Bar
Bumsan Organic Milk Bar
Location: Koreatown - 534 S Western Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Ok, don’t these pretty ice cream cones just scream Instagram ME!? The colors, toppings, and fancy swirl give these classy cones an edge. Bumsan serves premium 100% organic soft-serve ice cream from the leading organic dairy producer in Korea.
SomiSomi Ah-Boong Fish Shaped Waffle Cone with Ice Cream
SomiSomi Soft Serve and Taiyaki
Locations: Santa Monica, Glendale, Little Tokyo, Koreatown and more!
SomiSomi serves a very special Korean dessert known as “Ah-Boong,” which is a fish-shaped waffle cone with your choice of filling and topped with soft serve.
Flavors include: Milk, Matcha, Ube, Black Sesame and more.
Filling stuffed inside the taiyaki cone include: Custard, Nutella, Red Bean, Cream Cheese and Taro.
Don’t forget a topping like Oreo crumbs, Strawberry, macaron, Graham crackers, Fruity Pebbles, or rainbow sprinkles (always my fave)!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:
6 Most Instagrammable, Pretty, Colorful Ice Cream Shops in Los Angeles, California
More ice cream posts please!
Ice Cream for a Cause from an Ice Cream Doctor
I think I found my dream job, I want to be an Ice Cream Doctor when I grow up! Dr. Maya Warren, known as “The Ice Cream Doctor,” and Mona Lipson have teamed up, using ice cream to make a difference in the world! Also, check out how the heck you can become an ice cream scientist as well as myths about ice cream and healthy eating. An ice cream diet is life!
I think I found my dream job, I want to be an Ice Cream Doctor when I grow up! Dr. Maya Warren, known as “The Ice Cream Doctor,” and Mona Lipson have teamed up, using ice cream to make a difference in the world! Also, check out how the heck you can become an ice cream scientist as well as myths about ice cream and healthy eating. An ice cream diet is life!
Ice Cream for Change
Ice Cream for Change
Ice Cream for Change is a platform created by Dr. Maya Warren, also known as “The Ice Cream Doctor” and the face of ice cream, as well as Mona B. Lipson, AKA Miss Mona Makes Ice Cream, to bring together ice cream lovers and makers advocating for social change and civic action. From dismantling racial injustice to fighting climate change, their goal is to use the power of ice cream (it really does have a special way of bringing people together) as a force for good by helping to raise money and awareness for organizations that are driving solutions and making a real-world impact across the globe.
Learn more by visiting www.icecreamforchange.org
Dr. Maya Warren on HOW does someone become an ice cream scientist?
Anyone can become an ice cream scientist through passion and being determined enough to do it. You can go to college for the pedigree of knowledge in food science or chemistry.
You don’t need to get a PhD. You can get a master’s and have the same distinction, but if you “want to make a solid connection with ice cream to be an ice cream scientist” getting the PhD is one way to go. You’ll never forget all the little details and the impact every single ingredient has on a product in ice cream.
A lot of becoming an ice cream scientist is following your passion to become an ice cream scientist. Work hard.
Work smarter, not harder, and do what you need to do to get to the next level.
Know what you want to do with your degree. If you want to be an expert and consult people, so they call on you to fill certain issues, the PhD helps elevate you.
The road to get a PhD is very different for different people. I would highly recommend people follow what their passion is and figure out what they want to do with your degree.
Know what the PhD behind your name means. When I go to countries and speak, that degree comes with more respect. Getting this degree is just something I did. I never wanted to go back to school, and now I don’t need to!
Dr. Maya Warren on the biggest myths about Ice Cream and healthy eating?
(proof that ice cream is good for you! 😉 Huzzah!)
Not everything on the shelf is ice cream - in the US, Ice cream has to be 10% or more milk fat. So we have all these non-dairy products, which in the science world, we call frozen errated desserts. The word ice cream isn’t on these containers when you look closely at them
Frozen errated desserts - you can make these desserts with any kind of milk. If you don’t want to use cow's milk, you don’t have to, but the fats that are in other dairy products are different from cow fat, so the texture will be different. Depending on what the animals eat, this will change the taste of the milk, making the ice cream taste different too.
Dairy replacers - coconut fat is better than others because it behaves similarly to milk fat. It gives a good texture.
All ice cream at room temperature melts - that has to do with the microstructure of the product. Even if it doesn’t look like it it’s melting, it is. Just at a slower rate because of the ingredients inside of it
Sugar substitutes - Not all ice creams are made the same. They don’t all have the same amount of sugar. If you’re diabetic, going with something with a sugar substitute may be better, but it can mess with your digestive system.
The big word ingredients aren’t always bad - These ingredients help for many different reasons. One being so it doesn’t melt right away. Other ingredients explain why freezer burn happens in some ice cream, but not all.
You don’t have to have a machine to make ice cream! You can control what you put in homemade ice cream. If you want to use alternative sweeteners, you can! You can put real fruit in with some agave or honey, maybe even water. The fruit might be sweet enough to put inside without a lot of sugar! In order to freeze your ice cream though, you do need some sort of sweetener. Otherwise, you’ll end up with something that’s too solid. One way I like to think about it is this: If you live in a cold state, they use salt to melt the snow. For ice cream, you use sugar so it can melt.
National Ice Cream Day 2020
This year, Ice Cream for Change brought the ice cream community together including scoop shops, ice cream companies, and home ice cream makers to help raise funds for organizations leading the fight to help dismantle structural and systemic racism. I saw so many scoop shops including some of my favorites such as MILK, Smitten Ice Cream, Coolhaus, all offering to donate to organizations such NAACP, Center for Healing Racism, Showing Up For Racial Justice, and others advocating for social change & civic action.
What’s next?!
Follow Dr. Maya Warren on Instagram and join her on Ice Cream Sundays for some ice cream fun and great recipes to enjoy with the family! Stayed tuned for more from her!
More Ice Cream posts here:
Disneyland food you can't miss - where to find the best food and sweet treats!
Attention Disneyland Foodies! In this post, we’ll tell you all the places you must go to try Disneyland Resort’s best food and dessert options! Want a Mickey-shaped milkshake or sundae? Check-out where to go! Did someone say ice cream?
See our top Disneyland dessert picks!
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlour
Two of my favorite things in the world make a perfect combo: Disneyland & ice cream!!! I am such a Disney nerd and have been to Disneyland (literally) hundreds of times since I was little. Josh and I have even ventured to Hong Kong Disneyland and Paris Disneyland. We still have Tokyo and Shanghai to visit!
We averaged going to Disneyland almost once a month for the past few years, checking out the treats the Food and Wine Festival offered in Spring, Summer specials, Halloweentime in the Fall, and Holiday specials during winter. I present to you my findings of delicious treats around the resort that you can find throughout the year and the seasonal specialties offered.
Note: Most seasonal treats come back each year, but not guaranteed.
Mickey’s Cookies and Cream 90 Sprinkle Milkshake
Schmoozies!
Location: California Adventure - Hollywood Land
Let’s start with my favorite, the Mickey shakes at Schmoozies in California Adventure’s Hollywood Land are not only super cute to look at, but they taste DELICIOUS too! The shakes change with the seasons and are typically made cookies and cream style.
PRO-TIP: Order on the Disneyland mobile app. We’ve waited over 30 mins on a crowded day!
The Churro Shake (Brown Sugar-Cinnamon Ice Cream, Cinnamon Churro Cereal, Whipped Topping and Churro Toffee) can also be found here for you churro lovers!
If you don’t want a milkshake and want a more “healthy” option, there are also smoothies including our favorites Mango Madness and Strawberry Banana Sensation!
Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies Halloween
Sorcerer Mickey Shake at Schmoozies
Santa Mickey Shake at Christmas at Schmoozies
Tropical Hideaway - Pineapple Raspberry Swirl
Tropical Hideaway
Location: Disneyland - Adventureland
Located directly behind the Tiki Room, the NEW Tropical Hideaway is open for ice cream business. Orange, Pineapple, or Raspberry are your options here.
Pro-tip: You can even add bacon bits as a topping, which is part of their Secret Menu!
You can even sit and watch the Jungle Cruisers come back from their journey.
Dole Whip Soft Serve
Pineapple Dole Whip Soft Serve
Location: Adventureland Entrance - Disneyland Park
So creamy and fruity, pineapple Dole Whip is the best soft serve around! Lines can be long for this sweet treat, but it is worth it. Makes me want to sing “in the tiki tiki tiki room…”
Pro-Tip: You can order via the Disneyland Mobile app! GENIUS!
Funnel Cake Fries - Award Wieners
AWARD WIENERS
Location: California Adventure - Hollywood Land
Who doesn’t love a hot dog and fries? The key here is Funnel Cake Fries! From flavors like Apple Pie Fries (Coated with Cinnamon-Sugar, topped with Apple Pie Filling, Caramel Sauce, Whipped Cream, and Streusel) to standard funnel cake strips, the toppings are the game-changers.
Throughout the different seasons, toppings vary from Oogie Boogie themed with crushed Oreos and gummy worms at Halloween to cereal and condensed milk with whipped cream. No matter when you go, they’re always tasty!
The CrazyShake
Location: Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beers Restaurant - Downtown Disney
Black Tap is known for their amazing hamburgers and their CrazyShake milkshakes! Dine in or hop in their shake window line to grab one to go!
I would enlist help taking these shakes down because yes, that is an ice cream sandwich hanging off the side of the shake in the picture (in case you were wondering)!
Pictured - The Cookie Shake: Vanilla cookie shake on steroids - vanilla frosted rim with cookie crumbles topped with a ‘cookiewich,’ crumbled cookies, chocolate chips, whipped cream & chocolate drizzle
Black Tap CrazyShake - The Cookie Shake Milkshake
Blue Milk - Galaxy’s Edge
Blue Milk
Location: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland
Do you remember the scene from Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi when Luke squeezes gross milk from the udder of a female Thala-siren (basically an alien sea cow) and gulps it? Yeah, it was disgusting. Anyhoo, Galaxy’s Edge is now serving a Blue Milk and a Green Milk from a machine… not a creature.
Blue Milk: Plant-based Dairy blend of Coconut and Rice Milk with alluring fruity characteristics.
Green Milk: Plant-based Dairy blend of Coconut and Rice Milk with zippy citrus and tropical characteristics.
The consistency is strange, it’s like a smoothie, or somewhere between a slushie and a milkshake! We preferred the Blue Milk, which had a sweet, dessert-like taste. The Green Milk tasted almost floral like as if it were lavender ice cream. These drinks are also one of the hottest commodities right now, so make sure you use the mobile order with the Disneyland app. It’s not worth waiting in line!
Batuu-bon found in Galaxy’s Edge
Batuu-bon
Location: Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
If you’re traveling to a Galaxy Far Far Away… Batuu is the last stop before entering Wild Space. You must try the Batuu-bon, a decadent chocolate cake with white chocolate mousse and coffee custard. The green sponge-like cake tasted fruity and the coin was a piece of chocolate! You’ll need nourishment before your trip into space, light speed ahead!
Ghiradelli - Lands End Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream
Ghirardelli's Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop
Location: California Adventure - Wharf
The Ghirardelli headquarters can be found in San Francisco, but I'm not opposed to having some chocolatey goodness in California Adventure. This scoop shop is next to cars land, just as you are entering the wharf (where the food court is).
Their menu will have you drooling. With 10+ sundaes to choose from and 10 of shakes or ice cream scoop combos, you can customize to your tastebuds content.
Our faves:
Lands End Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae - Vanilla Ice Cream, a full-size Ghirardelli® Chocolate Brownie, Caramel Sauce, Sea Salt and handmade Hot Fudge topped with Whipped Cream, Caramel Sauce, Ghirardelli® Chocolate Sauce and a Cherry
Nob Hill Chill - a sundae you can sip (vanilla ice cream, fudge and chocolate chips on top)!
Clockwise from left: Cookie Bits Sundae, Nob Hill Chill, Ice cream cone
Ghirardelli Chocolate, Rocky Road and Cookie Dough cone
This rich, creamy ice cream his the spot! But make sure you eat it quickly! Don't let this happen to you!
Huge Chocolate Chip Cookies
Location: Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums on Pixar Pier at California Adventure
If you want a chocolate chip as big as your face, this is your place! Jack-Jack’s cookies are as super as he is! Choose from chocolate chip, shortbread and jam-filled, gluten-friendly cookies.
Pro-tip: Grab one of these to share with your friends and family while waiting for the Incredicoaster!
Jack-Jack and Edna on the Incredicoaster
Pink Strawberry Ice cream!
Clarabelle's Ice Cream
Location: Near Entrance of California Adventure
As you enter the park, Clarabelle's can be found at the end of the Buena Vista Street on your right (next to Starbucks). It isn't homemade but a nice selection of Dreyer's ice cream!
You can always get a chocolate-covered ice cream bar but at Christmastime, you can get a refreshing Peppermint Ice Cream Bar with your ice cream of choice!
Peppermint Ice Cream Bar from Clarabelle’s at Christmastime
At Halloweentime, they serve up a mean raspberry bat sundae, and by mean, I mean YUMMY! See more: Halloween Time at Disneyland
Peppermint Soft Serve - Cozy Cone Motel
Cozy Cone Motel Ice Cream
Location: California Adventure - Cars Land
You can always get vanilla or chocolate soft serve at the Ice Cream Cozy Cone (HUGE PORTIONS) but at Christmas time, you can get also get the peppermint soft serve topped with holiday sprinkles and a star! It’s as pretty as a Christmas tree and VERY MINTY.
Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats - Soft Serve
Location: California Adventure Boardwalk (Pixar Pier)
Formally known as the Paradise Pier Ice Cream stand, Pixar Pier took over and Abominable is serving up some sweet treats! Soft serve lemon flavored ice cream is the ticket here. You may have been warned not to eat yellow snow, but here, it’s perfectly acceptable. See the before and after:
Señor Buzz Churros
Location: Pixar Pier and Carts
Buzz whips up some good churros over on Pixar Pier! Churros taste better while at the parks for whatever reason! Pick up some cinnamon sugary goodness with Buzz or any other cart in the parks.
Pro-Tip: Grab a churro while you wait in line for Midway Mania! It’s the BEST ride in the park!
Buzz’s Churros - Pixar Pier
Cookies, Candies, and Sweet Confections
Locations: Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen on Main Street in Disneyland or Trolley Treats on Buena Vista Street in California Adventure
AP discounts offered
Fresh cookies and confections treats are made daily at the bakeries! Sink your teeth into a Cheshire Cat marshmallow tail or Mickey shaped candy apple. From cake pops to rice krispies, your sweet tooth will be more than satisfied.
If you go on the right day, maybe you’ll find a cookie that matches your manicure.
Ice Cream Cones and Sundaes
Location: Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street USA in Disneyland
AP discounts offered
Cones are made fresh daily and seasonal sprinkles along with select flavors of Dreyer's ice cream!
Our favorite is the Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae with cookie dough ice cream! Comes in a Mickey shape, OF COURSE!
Mickey Ice Cream Sandwiches
Location: Ice Cream Carts
Grab a Mickey-shaped ice cream sandwich to cool down at various ice cream carts and restaurants around the park.
A classic that I have loved since I was a kid! The ice cream sandwiches are so frozen at first, it is so hard to be patient to wait for it to soften!
Artisan Ice Cream
Location: Salt and Straw in Downtown Disney
I love Salt and Straw and I’m excited one has opened in Downtown Disney. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Salt and Straw has the best handmade ice cream made with local ingredients. Every month they feature a handful of unique original flavors.
Experience World of Color from premium seats in Paradise Gardens Park!
After a day at the park, take a load off and enjoy some dessert with VIP waterfront views during World of Color! For $84 per guest (make sure you make reservations ahead of time - up to 60 days prior), make it a party and enjoy the following:
A sweet and savory selection of desserts and appetizers
Beverages
Paradise Gardens Park reserved seating in the World of Color preferred viewing area.
Sounds like the perfect way to end your magical day doesn’t it?!
I’m dying to get back to Disneyland now and craving sweets! Let me know if you get to try any of these!
Don’t forget these guys on your magical day:
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Need more Disney? Try these on for size:
How to Spend a Day on La Digue in the Seychelles - Full Itinerary, Packing Essentials, and Map
We had to go to La Digue to see the rock formations, it’s the reason most come people come to the Seychelles. Here was our itinerary on how we spent the day on La Digue including what to pack, which beaches we recommend to stop at, and where to eat!
If you’re in the Seychelles, you MUST visit La Digue
Our trip to the Seychelles was spectacular! There are 115 islands to explore, Mahe is the biggest and main island, with the most resorts and a popular destination. We decided to go exploring and after asking the locals, EVERYONE said you have to go to La Digue and see the rock formations, it’s the reason most come people come to the Seychelles. Here was our itinerary on how we spent the day on La Digue!
Here is a map made with the Wanderlog Travel Planner, so you can follow along, add to your Google maps account, or create your own personal map! Wanderlog allows you to create great maps and guides for any vacation!
Purchase Tickets in Advance
We bought tickets a few days before through the hotel, just ask your concierge to help you arrange your trip. We booked through Mason’s Travel; They picked us up and dropped us off at the hotel making it super easy and convenient.
La Digue Island
What to Pack for a Day on La Digue
You don’t need much, here’s what was in our backpack/bag:
Towels
We wore our swimsuits and coverups
Sunscreen - the sun is VERY intense! Make sure you reapply a few times.
Credit card or cash for food. There is an ATM by the souvenir shops!
Snacks and water
Getting to La Digue
6:15a Mason travel picked us up to take us to the Cat Cocos ferry that went to Praslin. Our hotel had a continental breakfast available in the lobby, we stopped there while we waited for the shuttle.
7:30a Set sail to Praslin! We were apprehensive about the ferry as we read tons of reviews how horrible it is that the water is choppy and everyone gets seasick. It wasn’t too bad, but I’m not going to lie, it wasn’t a smooth cruise.
8:30a Arrive in Praslin to change boats to get to La Digue which only was another 15 mins to get there.
Exploring La Digue
Anse Source d’Argent Rocks
9:30a As part of our package, we chose to rent bikes. We picked them up promptly on arrival and rode straight to Anse Source d’Argent beach which is most popular during the day. I had researched some beaches prior to arriving and took screenshots of them since I knew I wouldn’t have WiFi on the island (we didn’t pay for the international plan but had it set up in case of emergency).
https://en.seyvillas.com/html/la-digue-beaches was the best site with descriptions and how busy the beaches are.
We recommend the following stops:
Anse Source d'Argent - most popular and picturesque
Anse Patates
Grande Anse
Petite Anse
La Digue - Anse Source d'Argent Beach
Anse Source d’Argent
We tried to beat the crowd and rode our bikes south straight to Anse Source d’Argent. As we were riding along, there were breathtaking views everywhere and watch out for the giant tortoises on the road, they look like big rocks! There’s even a tortoise habitat where they have tons of them protected in an area. That is close to Anse Source d’Argent, you’ll see them on the way past the Coconut Keeper.
The weather was cloudy at first but cleared up right away! The rocks were amazing, we had a fun time wandering around and exploring through them.
Anse Source d’Argent
We decided to head North and took the trail up and around until it ended at Anse Fourmis. Some of the hills were pretty steep, I walked my bike up at times! Biking is a great way to see the island because you can get around so quickly. There were also these cute buggies you could jump on.
Why did the tortoise cross the road?
You can pretty much stop anywhere and there is a beach. It’s ok to leave your bikes unlocked, just don’t leave your belongings in the basket. Also, there are swings and hammocks everywhere.
Anse Patates
Anse Patates
Anse Patates was a nice beach, not too crowded off the main road. This is where we saw the tortoises crossing the road.
Lunch
We had read how expensive all the restaurants were and decided to stop at the supermarket and have a picnic on a beach.
Josh stopped in the STC Supermarket, picking up ham, cheese, crackers, 2 juice boxes, and 3 bottles of water for 130 rupees or about $10! We biked over to Grand Anse to have a picnic and enjoy the view. We had the beach all to ourselves! We walked past the Petite Anse Beach Bar, serving drinks. There was also a restroom here.
Grande Anse
Grand Anse for lunch
Down the beach, we climbed through a hidden path between two rocks to climb up and over to get to Petite Anse beach!
Path to Petite Anse
We rode back to Anse Source d’Argent for a swim, then laid on the beach until the tide was too high.
It was time to return our bikes anyway, so we dropped them off and went to the souvenir shops next door. The shops generally had all the same merchandise and we didn’t find anything we liked in particular. Some shops took credit cards, but others were cash only and in rupees. There were ATMs nearby.
Ice Cream at Fish Trap
Since it was going to be a little bit of a trek back, we stopped at the Fish Trap near the dock for a beer and a snack which included french fries and ice cream. Might not be healthy, but it was tasty!
Leaving La Digue
4:45p We boarded the Cat Rose boat and were on our way back to Praslin.
6:00p Changed boats to the Cat Coco from Praslin back to Mahé. Our driver met us and drove us back to our hotel, the Hilton Northolme.
Anse Source d'Argent
Watch our “Perfect Seychelles Vacation” video for travel inspiration and more on La Digue!
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Check out some of our other adventures:
St Patrick's Day Ice Cream & Events in Los Angeles 2020
Happy St Patty’s Day! See how to celebrate in Los Angeles on St Patrick’s Day! Things to do on St Patrick’s Day in LA | Ice Cream for St Patrick’s Day
HAPPY ST PATTY'S DAY! Let's celebrate with a wee bit o' ice cream!
O’Venice Sign in Venice Beach
I normally like to list the St Patrick’s Day events around town but it seems like they have all been canceled due to the Coronavirus. :( Instead, I’ll just share a few things that will require minimum social contact. Help stop the spread!
St Patrick’s Day Ice Cream
Salt and Straw
Salt and Straw features many different unique flavors that you won't find in most ice cream shops.
November Menu
Monthly, they rotate seasonal flavors relating to the season or a holiday! For instance, see the weirdest flavors we tried last November:
The buttered mashed potatoes and gravy flavor was uh interesting, to say the least.
For March 2020, here is a good flavor to enjoy in celebration of St Patrick’s Day per their website for Los Angeles flavors:
James Coffee & Bourbon We cold brew our favorite roast from James Coffee Co. and blended it with the warm, woodsy, sweetness of Greenbar Distillery Slow Hand Whiskey to make a new spin on coffee ice cream.
Made with James Coffee and Greenbar Distillery Whiskey
Pots of Gold and Rainbows - St Patrick’s Day 2019
Stop everything that you're doing and get to the nearest Salt and Straw! Locations and local flavors can be found: HERE
Afters Tipsy Cream Boozy Ice Cream - St Patrick’s Day 2020
Afters Ice Cream
Locations: Southern California
Try Afters Ice Cream’s new Tipsy Irish Cream this St Patrick’s Day!
As luck of the leprechaun would have it, this ice cream is made with a whiskey-infused coffee liqueur ice cream and a Guinness Stout beer chocolate ganache swirl! It's available starting on Friday 3/13 at all 27 Southern CA locations for a limited time only. Don’t forget to lick responsibly!
Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry - From McDonalds Instagram
McDonalds
The return of #ShamrockShakeSZN is back! Celebrate 50 years with the creamy Shamrock Shake or with the delicious new OREO Shamrock McFlurry!
I’m lovin’ it! Do they even say that anymore?
Goldbelly Irish Cream Boozy Ice Cream
Goldbelly Delivers Tipsy Scoop to Your Door
Quarantined with the coronavirus? Thank goodness Goldbelly will deliver ice cream right to your door! Get St Patrick's Day Boozy Ice Cream - 4 Pints for only $99 + free shipping!
Flavors include:
Vanilla Bean Bourbon – Vanilla bean ice cream infused with bourbon
Spiked Mint Chip – Mint chocolate ice cream infused with creme de menthe and chocolate liqueur
Irish Coffee – Ice cream spiked with Redbreast Irish Whiskey and Coffee Liqueur
Dark Chocolate Whiskey – Dark chocolate ice cream with salted caramel infused with whiskey
PLEASE NOTE THAT AN ADULT SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED UPON DELIVERY. Package will not be left at the door. All flavors contain up to 5% alcohol by volume and can only be consumed by those 21 and over.
Middle West Whiskey Pecans Spoonhead - from Jeni’s
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Here’s a flavor to enjoy at Jeni’s for St Patrick’s Day:
MIDDLE WEST WHISKEY & PECANS - A classic returning for the season. Middle West Spirits whiskey-fueled ice cream laden with crunchy, salty, toasted pecans.
You can even order this one ONLINE!
The Venice Beach Sign - St Patrick’s Day
The Venice Chamber has been in the holiday spirit, adding elements to the iconic VENICE sign at Pacific St and Windward Ave! The Venice Sign Committee is responsible for the maintenance of the sign and started the Adopt-a-Bulb program.
Venice Beach Sign - O’Venice
At Christmas, there were red and green bulbs, for Valentine's Day they added a heart with purple lights. See more holidays on their website, Venice Sign Committee. For St Patrick's Day, they add the "O" to the beginning and change the lights to green! So cute!
Hope you enjoy your St Patrick's day! :) Be safe out there!
The Best Christmas Sweets, Ice Cream and Treats at the Disneyland Resort 2019
Merry Christmas Eve! See where to find the best Ice Cream and Sweet Treats at the Disneyland Resort. See the best finds at the Festival of Holidays 2019, only a few more days left, don’t miss out!
Merry Christmas Eve! Christmas is my FAVORITE time of the year, especially at Disneyland! Although this post is a little late, I imagine there are still many people going to Disneyland the next few weeks! Here’s a rundown of my favorite desserts at Disneyland during Christmas time!
Peppermint Mickey Shake at Schmoozies
Peppermint Mickey Shake
Found at Schmoozies in California Adventure
This adorable Peppermint Mickey Shake is made with Peppermint Chocolate Crème Cookie Shake, Whipped Topping, Christmas Accents, Chocolate Crème-filled Cookie Ears for only $7.99 (AP and Cast member discount available).
Peppermint Ice Cream Bar
Chocolate Peppermint Bar
Found in Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shop
Peppermint and chocolate is my favorite combo, I’m glad there are multiple options this year! Find the seasonal chocolate peppermint ice cream bar at Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream shop in California Adventure!
The Chocolate Peppermint Bar includes your choice of Ice Cream Bar dipped in Chocolate, drizzled in Peppermint Icing, topped with Crushed Peppermint $5.69
Peppermint Soft Serve
Peppermint Soft Serve
Found at the Cozy Cone Motel in California Adventure
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how lovely are your sprinkles!!! This Christmasy peppermint soft serve can be found at the Cozy Cone Motel in California Adventure! It’s almost too minty (and I LOVE peppermint ice cream) so be prepared. Can be served in a cup or cone for only $5.49!
Cran-Blackberry Mimosa and a Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron
Festive Cran-Blackberry Mimosa and a Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron
Festival of Holidays - Making Spirits Bright Booth At California Adventure
We always enjoy the Festival of Holidays booths, this year seems to offer the best treats yet! I double fisted with a Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron and a Cran-Blackberry Mimosa from the Making Spirits Bright booth.
Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron (Gluten-Friendly) for $5.50 - The macaron was better than is looks! So soft and chocolatey with a marshmallow fluff to it.
Cran-Blackberry Mimosa for $15 - both festive and delicious! There was a flight option along with Apple and Pomegranate for $17
See the full menu here: Festival of Holidays Menu
Trolley Treats
Find these wintery sweet treats including themed Cake Pops, Caramel Apples, and Rice Krispie Treats. Something for everyone!
MERRY CHRISTMAS from us to you and may all your Christmases be sweet!
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Features on Lonely Planet and Life Lately!
I wrote a few articles for Lonely Planet! You should check them out and what I’ve been up to lately!
It’s Sunday, my favorite day to relax and blog! I’ve had a busy month writing for Lonely Planet, leaving less time for the blog between my full-time job, personal life, and travels!
We went to Hawaii and celebrated our 5 year anniversary, retuning the Sheraton Maui where we got engaged then married, and have returned every year for our anniversary since! It was also the place where I thought to start a travel blog, 3 years later, here we are!
Maui Sunset at Merriman’s Kapalua
The Sweetest Escapes had it’s first anniversary last month, doing well for the first year! Thanks to all who follow our crazy adventures and sweet finds around the globe!
Ok, so, when we went to Monterey Bay for 4th of July this year and were driving up the coast, I found a few spots to stop along the way. When we returned and I started to map our trip with ice cream stops, I thought this would be a great pitch for another publication. I had enough stops to run from San Francisco to San Diego and couldn’t wait to get started. I pitched to Lonely Planet and was commissioned within a week to write my article and it was a paid gig!
I was pleased with the outcome, please visit Lonely Planet and read my Sights and Sweets Along the California Coast article.
Fall in love with Autumnal Flavors on Lonely Planet
I started to get emails from my favorite ice cream shops with all the different fall flavors they were featuring, and thought it might bode well for another Lonely Planet article! Fall in love with these Autumnal flavors on Lonely Planet!
Anyway, thanks for your support and hope you enjoy our posts!
Stay sweet,
Kathleen
Fall Ice Cream Flavors in Los Angeles
In LA it’s hard to find the leaves turning, but you can find the ice cream churning! Check out the fall ice cream flavors in Los Angeles!
It’s often hard to find fall leaves around Los Angeles but if you look in local scoop shops, you’ll find all your favorite autumn flavors: pumpkin, apple, and sweet potato. Sweet potato?! Yes, sweet potato.
If you’re feeling spoopy, check out these scoop shops! Info below is copied straight from their site!
Sweet Potato with Torched Marshmallows at Jeni’s
Jeni’s Ice Creams
Locations: Click HERE for all Locations
PUMPKIN CAKE ROLL PINT - Sweet heirloom pumpkin ice cream swirled with spiced sweet cheese and cake.
Nutty and creamy with lots of warm spices, pumpkin rolls are a fall favorite of Jeni. We’ve infused this ice cream with all the same character as the classic dessert. Part rich, sweet cream cheese ice cream. Part pumpkin ice cream—bursting with the deep roasted flavor of buttercup pumpkins grown just for us by Mike Hirsch in Chillicothe, Ohio. And lots of brown sugar and Jeni’s unique Chinese 5-Spice blend of cinnamon, fennel, star anise, white pepper, and ginger. (No allspice to be found!) It’s said to represent all the elements: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami—and it makes a perfect pumpkin spice. The finishing touch? Lots of vanilla-spiced cake pieces.
SWEET POTATO WITH TORCHED MARSHMALLOWS PINT - Roasted sweet potatoes scented with nutmeg and cinnamon. Studded with handmade, hand-torched marshmallows.
When we whip up a batch of this ice cream in our kitchen, we make the marshmallows, cube them, and then spread them on sheet trays and caramelize them with blowtorches. Millions and millions of them (or so it seems). Then we roast cinnamon-scented sweet potatoes, grown for us by our longtime farm partner, Mike Hirsch, on his family farm just an hour from our kitchen. It’s definitely kitschy, but it reminds us of a certain delicious casserole on Midwestern holiday tables, which makes it even better.
Salt and Straw
Locations: Click here for all locations
Salt and Straw’s October flavors in Los Angeles don’t sound too bad!
The Great Candycopia - As darkness falls across the land, the candymaking hour is close at hand. Swarms of housemade trick-or-treat favorites—crisp shortbread and nutty nougat buried in caramel, peanut butter trapped inside walls of chocolate, pecans smothered in BOOrbon vanilla toffee—all get folded into a disgustingly delicious salted butterscotch ice cream, stuck for eternity.
Creepy Crawly Critters - One, two, ten prickles along your skin. Dozens of critters are hiding in the grass by way of this matcha ice cream with toffee-brittle mealworms and chocolate crickets. Don Bugito in Oakland provided the delicious insects, we delivered the creepy.
Mummy’s Pumpkin Spiced Potion (v) - In the middle of our lab, a cauldron boiling. Amber leaves of rooibos flicker, then flakes of pumpkin make the gruel thicker. A fuming broth of caramel sizzles, while a sliver of blackberry shoot fizzles. Three stinging droplets of vanilla smolder. Featuring August Uncommon Tea, this intoxicating, buttery concoction will satiate your deepest, darkest PSL desires.
Dracula’s Blood Pudding - A blood-curdling chocolate-y ice cream. We start with pig’s blood from Portland butcher Nicky USA and cook it with warm spices, like cinnamon and coriander, and brandy. The flavor ultimately is a nod to the Italian dessert sanguinaccio: rich in cocoa with a hint of minerality.
Black Cat Licorice & Lavender - Rounding the corner with a ghastly squeal, a jet-black figure pounces on your shadow. In this ominous, unexpected flavor, we’ve conjured up superstition with a silky, pitch-dark anise and fennel caramel swirled with luminous salted lavender ice cream. We wouldn’t turn our backs if we were you.
Ginger’s Divine Ice Creams
Location: 12550 W. Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Butterscotch Pumpkin Brulee
Ginger Cinnamon
Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
Vegan Pickled Strawberry & Boysenberry Pie
Sweet Corn Blueberry & Thyme
Ample Hills
Sweet as Honey at Ample Hills
Location: Los Feliz Scoop Shop - 1824 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Maple Bourbon Barrel - Maple bourbon ice cream made with Widow Jane bourbon and Crown Maple syrup aged in bourbon barrels and sprinkled with chocolate-coated maple-candied pecans
Sweet as Honey - Sweet cream ice cream with homemade honeycomb
Carmela Ice Cream Co.
Locations: Mid-City and Pasadena
Pumpkin Spice - Sugar, spice, and everything nice! Pumpkin mixed with seasonal spices. Just like pumpkin pie!
Spiced Apple Sorbet - Apple Cider? Say no more! Organic, tart, farmers' market apples with spices and citrus vest.
Yogurtland
Locations: Find the closest location HERE
Pecans & Pralines NSA - Let the flavors of sweet southern pralines, with freshly toasted pecans, work their charm on you.
Pumpkin Pie - So much to give thanks for in every spoonful. Dip your spoon into the creamy, spiced comforts of home.
Ben & Jerry’s
Locations: Find the closest location HERE
Pumpkin Cheesecake - Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream with a Graham Cracker Swirl
Disneyland
This might not be Los Angeles, but it is in Southern California!
Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies
Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies in California Adventure
Dead-Cadent Funnel Cake which is funnel cake topped with a brownie, white chocolate raspberry ice cream, and chocolate pearls! Only $8.99 at the Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland. AP and employee discount offered.
Mozart Chocolate Cream Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
Create your own boozy Pumpkin Spice Milkshake!
1 graham cracker
1 tsp of Vanilla Extract
2 shots of Kahlua
2 shots of Mozart Chocolate Cream Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
3-4 scoops of ice cream
Mozart Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Liqueur - Boozy Milkshake Recipe
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Disneyland Resort Halloween Time 2019 - Decorations, Events, and Food Guide
Fall is finally here and so is Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort! See our decoration, events, and food guide for your next trip to the happiest place on earth! #Disneyland #halloweentime #fall
Main Entrance Mickey and Friends Pumpkins
HAPPY FALL! Even though it’s supposed to be really hot outside today, it is officially fall in California and the Disneyland Resort is ready to go with their Halloween decorations! Even Downtown Disney and California Adventure are in full spirit too.
Full Food Guide here: Halloween Time Food Guide at the Disneyland Resort
SO MANY PUMPKINS! Downtown Disney's planters were filled with colorful fun pumpkins! You can enjoy the spookiness of Halloween Time from September 6th through October 31st, 2019.
What started out as a "Mickey's not so Scary Halloween" at Disneyland with pumpkins here and there, Disney has added more of a scary element to California Adventure with headless horsemen and ghoulish echoing laughs throughout the park. I think it could be a little scarier to compete with Six Flags and Universal Studios, but maybe they need a few more years.
Also, don't forget to check out the Halloween decor at Disneyland Paris.
HALLOWEEN TIME AT CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
Every year it seems like California Adventure is adding more and more Halloween decorations each year. The highlight for me is always food-related and they nailed it with the Minnie Witch Shake this year! Ok, let’s start with the front of the park, here is the main entrance:
CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE Halloween Time Oogie Boogie MAIN ENTRANCE DAYTIME
CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE Halloween Time MAIN ENTRANCE NIGHTTIME
After entering the gates, Buena Vista Street had lots of bats and purple banners and lights, which I liked because it differentiated from Main Street at Disneyland that is filled with pumpkins and orange harvest decor.
Bats along Buena Vista Street
Last year, Carthay Circle was so cool with the bats flying out! They didn’t do that this year or put the banners up.
Mickey Mouse in his Halloween Costume
Even Mickey Mouse himself was dressed up in costume!
My favorite Halloween decoration is the Headless Horseman, who greets you just before you enter Hollywood. He laughs about it too. Muahahahhaa... Might be too scary for Disneyland, but perfect for California Adventure.
The highlight of my day was getting this Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies! A perfectly blended mint chocolate chip shake with a Halloween Minnie flair!
Disneyland Halloween Food - Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies
Schmoozies Halloween Treat Menu
Minnie Witch Shake - Mint Chocolate Chip Shake with Whipped Cream and Chocolate Cream-filled Cookie ears $7.49
Mummy Donut - filled with Peanut Butter and Jelly $8.99
Caramel Apple Smoothie - Apples, Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce and a Caramel Apple Lollipop $6.99
Also, across the way at Award Weiners try Oogie's Worms & Dirt Funnel Cake Fries - dusted in Crushed Chocolate Cream-filled Cookies with Cream Cheese Sauce, Cookie Pieces, Gummy Candies, Chocolate-coated Candies, and Whipped Cream $8.99
Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark 2019
After we got our milkshakes, we went over to get in line for Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark! The Collector’s Fortress cages had been opened releasing all the monsters. We joined Rocket in a thrilling race to rescue Groot during this daring Halloween adventure! As we were waiting in line there were employees looking for the monsters that had been released and it was pretty funny.
CARS LAND at Halloween Time
Cars Land Halloween time - I don’t know this kid, but he’s cute
The next area haunted was Cars Land, where Halloween decorations covered every inch of it.
I LOVE these posters! They literally made me LOL, especially Hocus Spokus because Hocus Pocus is the best Halloween movie out there.
So I started to think that I hadn't paid enough attention to detail without the halloween decorations, because have they always had these tire planters? So clever!:
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CARS LAND
I loved how they lit everything at night with green and purple lighting. I'm really glad I took a picture of this because I did not spend nearly enough time absorbing everything that was happening on this building.
Trunk or Treat… Get it?
Trick-or-treat! Speaking of, let's talk treats. In the Cozy Cone Motel, according to the Disney Parks Blog there were the best Halloween food options at the various cones:
· Slow Burnin’ Mac & Cheese Cone – Fresh-cooked pasta with spicy red pepper cheese sauce topped with crushed chile-cheese puffs, served in a Black Cauldron Cone
· Spoke-y Cone Macaron filled with marshmallow buttercream and candy corn
· Junkyard JamBOOree Mix – Choice of flavored popcorn with optional “nuts and bolts” (e.g., green M&M’s, candy corn, chocolate-covered pretzels, Boston baked beans, etc.)
We had to try the Slow Burnin’ Mac & Cheese Cone and got lemonades with pomegranate limeade on top! Review: Mac & Cheese = good, edible cone = bad. It definitely had a nice spice to it but for $9 I was expecting more both palate wise and by size. The crushed chile-cheese puffs were a nice touch. As for the lemonade, you had the option to add vodka to it!
This year we also tried the Haul-O-Ween Churro, which is a churro rolled in Oreos, green icing, gummy worms, and candies!
Haul-O-Ween Churro, a churro rolled in Oreos, green icing, gummy worms, and candies
Cozy Cone Motel Halloween Treat Menu 2019
Haul-O-Ween Churro - rolled in Crumbled Chocolate Creme-filled Cookies, Green Icing, Gummy Worms and Candies $5.99
Slow Burnin' Mac 'n' Cheese Cone - Pasta with Spicy Red Pepper Cheese Sauce topped with crushed Chile-Cheese Puffs served in a Bread Cone $8.99
"Spoke-y" Cone Macaron - filled with Marshmallow Buttercream and Candy Corn $5.99
Cozy Corn - Buttered Corn on the Cob, brushed with spicy Lime Mayo, rolled in choice of Cotija, Cheese Puffs or spicy Cheese Puffs $6.49
Haul-O-Ween Churro - rolled in Crumbled Chocolate Creme-filled Cookies, Green Icing, Gummy Worms and Candies
Halloween Time ICE CREAM
Last year, Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream was scooping up the Bat Wing Raspberry Sundae which had white chocolate-raspberry swirl ice cream with raspberry splatter, blood-red sprinkles, whipped cream, and Bat Wing cookies.
This year they have changed the menu and the closest thing sounded like the Boogie Man Sundae, a Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Hot Fudge, Chocolate Cookie Crumbles, and Gummy Candies in a Chocolate-dipped Waffle Bowl.
Here is the Halloween Menu this year:
Last Year’s BAT WING RASPBERRY SUNDAE at Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream
Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream Halloween Menu 2019
Arendelle Aqua Macaron - Mickey-shaped Arendelle Aqua sparkly Macaron with Buttercream and Blueberries and Cream filling $5.99
Spider Silk Macaron Sandwich - Black Macaron with Charcoal-Tart Cherry Ice Cream topped with Popping Candy and drops of Raspberry Sauce $6.49
Minnie Witch Ice Cream Bar - Ice Cream Bar dipped in Milk Chocolate, with Chocolate accents and Sprinkles $5.69
Vampire Mickey Ice Cream Bar - Ice Cream Bar dipped in Milk Chocolate and Shortbread Cookie $6.49
Boogie Man Sundae - Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Hot Fudge, Chocolate Cookie Crumbles, and Gummy Candies in a Chocolate-dipped Waffle Bowl $7.49
Poison Apple Premium Mug with Sundae - choice of Sundae served in a Purple Poison Apple Premium Mug $17.99
COCO
There was a special section that was loco with Coco!
We started to trek our way over to Disneyland and kept finding cute decorations!
DISNEYLAND HALLOWEEN TIME DECORATIONS
Disneyland was all decked out with pumpkins and fall foliage!
As we were walking around before the fireworks started, we walked right by the Walt and Mickey statue that had carved pumpkins that were carved from the front and back (they weren't real, but they looked like they were)!
Haunted Mansion Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Holiday
I loved Nightmare Before Christmas as a kid and love that they decorate the Haunted Mansion every year for the holidays. I can’t believe this movie has been out for over 25 years now!
THIS IS HALLOWEEN, THIS IS HALLOWEEN.....
Try and catch the Electrical Parade before it goes away again before Sept 30, 2019!
Electrical Parade Alice in Wonderland
FRONTIERLAND Halloween Time
Dias de los Muertros took over Frontierland!
Halloween Fireworks
Stay for the Halloween Screams fireworks shows at 9:30p on selected nights!
What a great day! I can't wait to go back! Hurry baaacccckkkk, hurrry baaaaaaaaaccccckkkk!
Reference: For more info on the special Halloween treats served at Disneyland and California Adventure, check out the Disney Parks Blog.
Don’t forget these guys on your magical day:
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Before Summer Ends, You MUST Visit Ice Cream Alley at Smorgasburg LA
Giving you the who, what, when, where details of Smorgasburg LA’s Ice Cream Alley and why you must visit this summer! Best thing to do in LA on a Summer Sunday!
We kicked off the Ice Cream Alley season at Smorgasburg LA on National Ice Cream Day, make sure you stop by for a scoop before Labor Day! Let me give you the who, what, where, and when!
*******THIS SUNDAY, Aug 11, 2019 - APPLE PAY x ICE CREAM ALLEY TAKEOVER THIS SUNDAY********
This Sunday, Apple Pay is taking over Ice Cream Alley at Smorgasburg LA to bring you 40% off at select vendors featuring sweets & treats! Stroll on down to find discounts from all sorts of vendors like:
Plus, more TBA! Just like the rest of Smorgasburg LA, Ice Cream Alley is completely free to enter. Just pay for the sweets and treats once inside. See you in Ice Cream Alley!
WHO IS AT ICE CREAM ALLEY?
Ice Cream Alley typically includes the Smorgasburg veterans: Wanderlust Creamery, Sweet Rose Creamery, Buddy Pops (vegan), Donut Friend, Afters Ice Cream, Smoreology and more!
McConnell’s visits often as well!
We loved trying vendors we haven’t tried before like Blast and Sweet ‘N Hollow. Their chimney cakes are SO GOOD!
Oreo for Real? Chimney cake from Sweet ‘n Hollow
Total Recall sundae from Blast
Ice Cream Alley entrance
WHEN IS ICE CREAM ALLEY OPEN?
Ice Cream Alley typically opens starting on National Ice Cream Day and runs through Labor Day.
Smorgasburg is open every Sunday year round from 10AM-4PM and some of the ice cream vendors are regulars!
It’s ALWAYS free to get in, you just have to pay the vendors for your items!
What a typical Sunday looks like at Smorgasburg LA
WHERE IS ICE CREAM ALLEY (AND WHERE CAN YOU PARK)?
Address: 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Located in Downtown LA, you can park at ROW DTLA and free parking for an hour! Yes, it’s true, easy and parking in Downtown Los Angeles! There is a giant structure if you enter off of S Alameda and Center St, I recommend going to a higher floor so you don’t run into those waiting for someone to pull out.
Don’t forget your ice cream purse!
WHAT IS SMORGASBURG LA?
Smorgasburg LA is a great place to eat, really! SO MANY vendors selling anything you could think of: BBQ, burgers, fish, french fry station, grilled cheese, pizza, tacos, Indian food, Korean food, falafels, churros, donuts, ice cream, popsicles… literally everything!
Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in America, with markets in New York and Los Angeles attracting 50,000 people each weekend to eat from a hundred local vendors.
See which vendors are attending next weeks Smorgasburg here: Vendors
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More things to do in LA here:
Ice Cream Review: Ice Love You Ice Cream in Chiang Mai, Thailand
We had superhero vegan ice cream in Thailand which was quite the adventure. Check out their 270 flavors and our review on the blog! Things to do in Thaliand | Where to eat in Chiang Mai | Ice Cream in Thailand #thailand #chiangmai #icecream
Ice Love You Ice Cream
Location: 5"N Rachadamnoen Rd Soi 7, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Website/Menu: Ice Love You Facebook
Price/Value: Best value is to get the tower - 3 scoops!
Vegan Options: Lots of vegan options
When we were in Thailand, we made a trek across Chiang Mai (literally 3 miles) to try out this superhero ice cream themed cafe and it was tasty!
"Make all things with love," was their motto and they meant it.
The theme of this place seemed to be anything that is trendy and popular goes. There were superheroes and minions everywhere. I work for Marvel, so I'm used to seeing Marvel characters but this place was interesting. Spiderman and Captain America seemed to be the most popular.
Their menu was large and confusing with 270 different flavors. It took me 20 minutes to figure out what I wanted! I had never seen so many flavors in my life! The man who owned the shop made all the flavors. I asked which ones were the best or most popular but they all had a tea or weird flavor. I just wanted regular ice cream today, however, all of their ice cream was vegan. Josh is still convinced this is not real ice cream.
Josh and I both went for the Ice love you tower - 3 scoops of ice cream with cereal at the bottom! In the picture below, on the right: Spider-Man (sorbet), mint chip, Chocolate almond. Tower on the left: Vanilla cookies and cream and milo chocolate.
The mint chocolate ice cream was a blue color instead of a mint color, regardless, it was still delicious! I have to admit, I was nervous when I found out it was vegan but it all worked out! :-)
If you're in Thailand, check out the Ice Love You Café in Chiang Mai before or after going to the Doi Suthep!
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Ice Cream Review: Ginger's Divine Ice Creams
I discovered the best-kept secret on the Westside called Ginger's Divine Ice Creams! So many unique, fresh flavors, it’s hard to choose and you’ll want to return again and again! Best Ice Cream in Los Angeles | Favorite Ice Cream in LA #icecream #LA #LAicecream
Ginger's Divine Ice Creams
Location: 12550 W. Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Website: gingersicecream.com
Pricing: Great value for amazing homemade ice cream
Dietary Restrictions: Vegan ice cream options
This sign should say AMAZING ICE CREAM MADE HERE! I discovered the best-kept secret on the Westside called Ginger's Divine Ice Creams.
Ginger’s Ice Cream Front - love the yellow umbrellas
I had driven by a few times and those bright yellow umbrellas caught my eye. I was surprised to see an ice cream shop I hadn't heard of!
Bird scooter
ALSO, we traveled by Bird scooter for the first time! SO FUN! It was so easy, all we did was download the app, scan the QR code and boom we were good to go. Get your first ride free with the code: AQYZOQ. Careful, they go pretty fast!
Ginger’s Ice Cream Counter of Goodies
I did a little research and found out that Ginger goes to local farmer's markets to find the freshest fruits, nuts and spices for her ice creams and baked goods. Apparently she lives local too! Hope to meet her someday! She even has options for our vegan friends!
There were tons of options - cones, sundaes, popsicles, cookies, ice cream sandwiches... I figured since it was my first time, I'd go with a classic ice cream cone.
With so many unique flavors to choose from, I tried a couple of course, and was beyond satisfied with the strawberry rhubarb crumble and blood orange. AND they were both PINK!
Strawberry rhubarb crumble and blood orange
Josh went with cookies and cream and salted caramel tuxedo (it has chocolate chunks)!
Cookies and cream and salted caramel tuxedo
Run over to Ginger's Divine (savory, enticing, delightful, wonderful) ice creams as soon as you can!
Ice cream cone - strawberry rhubarb crumble and blood orange
In a hurry? Get a quart, pint, or pop to go!
Pints to go
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Want some more ice cream? Me too! Check these places out:
Looking for the best restaurants and places to eat in Maui, Hawaii? Check out our favorite Restaurants in Maui from Lahaina to Wailea! | Where to go in Maui | Where to eat in Maui | Food in Maui