10 things to eat right now: Ice cream

1. Bonnie Doon

This one needs no introduction around here. But if you have guests from out of town, the retro ’50s car hop experience at the area’s first drive-in is a must. Bonnie Doon has existed in some form since the 1940s. You can eat inside or get carside service. Bonnie Doon no longer makes ice cream, but the replacement is almost as local: Valpo Velvet from Valparaiso, IN.

2704 Lincolnway W.
Mishawaka, IN
574.255.9841

2. Cabo’s Ice Cream Shop

Cabo’s offers a broad mix of cold desserts, from fruit popsicles to classic ice cream flavors and sundaes. Ice cream flavors include the classics as well as lime, bubble gum, rice, and cheese with blueberry. The popsicles are the big stars of the show, with what seems like a limitless combination of flavors (all kinds of fruit, of course, but also flavors such as horchata). Some vegan options are available as well.

731 Washington St.
Michigan City, IN
219.221.6071

3. Flavor Freeze

Flavor Freeze has been serving hand-dipped and soft-serve ice cream in Elkhart, IN, since the late 1960s. All the classic flavors are here, of course, but Flavor Freeze also has its own unique creations. New this year are some pairings that might seem unlikely but have gained a following: Blueberry Goat Cheese, Honey Avocado and Raspberry Chili Pepper. They also offer special flavors for guests to try each week. Sundaes, milkshakes, malts and flurries are all on the menu, too. If sweets aren’t on your mind, you can get classic American fare like burgers, hot dogs and fries, among other offerings.

23834 U.S. 33
Elkhart, IN
574.875.7525

1628 E. Bristol St.
Elkhart, IN
574.262.8221

2950 Frontage Rd.
Warsaw, IN
574.306.2411

4. Honey’s Frozen Desserts

This family-owned dessert shop offers frozen yogurt, gelato, ice cream (cups, cones, hand-dipped, you name it) and plenty of toppings. The salted caramel pretzel ice cream is a local favorite. If you need a little break from cold treats, Honey’s also offers a variety of loose-leaf tea and a full espresso bar. They’ve got a treat for your furry friend, too—a Pup Cup made with vanilla or peanut butter frozen yogurt and a mini Milk Bone. Sustainability is a key aspect of Honey’s, from recycled cups and napkins to compostable straws, and the closed-system liquid-cooled ice cream machines that conserve water and energy.

620 W. Lincoln Ave.
Goshen, IN
574.971.8833

5. La Rosita Ice Cream Parlor

The selection at La Rosita is a study in colors, flavors and all combinations of the two. Fruit forward is the rule of the day here, with paletas (popsicles) in such familiar flavors as lime, strawberry and watermelon, to banana, coconut and spicy mango. The handmade ice cream boasts similar creativity, with ingredients such as pine nuts and, according to some reviewer reports, even Flamin’ Hot Cheetos mixed in. There’s a reason this is a fixture on South Bend’s West Side.

2909 W. Western Ave.
South Bend, IN
574.246.0445

6. Mooney’s Blue Moon

Going into its sixth season this year, Mooney’s has become a mainstay in Three Oaks, MI. Whether you want a quick cone or a substantial sundae, you can duck into the cool at Mooney’s or soak up the sun on the patio. With 32 flavors of Hershey’s ice cream to choose from (the cappuccino crunch is a customer favorite), it might be tough to make up your mind. If ice cream isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other choices, including Vienna Beef Chicago dogs, smoothies, shakes and sodas, not to mention a root beer float and non-dairy sorbet.

15 N. Elm St.
Three Oaks, MI
269.820.6002

7. Oink’s Dutch Treat

No doubt you will notice the pigs. So many pigs. Pigs on the wall. Pigs on the tables. Pigs flying. Oink’s is, as should be obvious, big on pigs. But Oink’s is also all about the ice cream, and that’s what’s made it such an iconic spot in New Buffalo, MI. Oink’s serves 58 flavors of ice cream, low-fat or fat-free frozen yogurts, as well as sugar- and fat-free ice cream. All of that ice cream comes from Sherman’s Ice Cream in South Haven, MI. There are the basics, of course, but be sure to check out the more adventurous and popular flavors, such as cotton candy, yellow cake batter, Superman or Mackinac Island fudge. And don’t forget the ultimate sundae, the Hungry Hog: ten scoops of ice cream and unlimited toppings served in a popcorn bucket (popular with groups; it is not clear if any single person has eaten one all by himself). Cash or check only.

227 W. Buffalo St.
New Buffalo, MI
269.469.3535

8. Rocket Science Ice Cream

Ice cream is not rocket science, except when it is. And it is here, with frozen treats made by flash freezing the cream with liquid nitrogen. Doing that, the company says, creates tiny ice crystals that result in a smoother texture than your typical ice cream. Forget what you know about the flavors in a cup you get at the mall. These are full-on ice cream cones (or cups, if you desire) that look like alien rock formations on some far-flung interstellar world. Build your own, or order one of the concoctions that seem a little mad science-y: Key lime pie, cotton candy, Oreo surprise—really, the sky is the limit.

Coppes Commons
401 E. Market St.
Nappanee, IN
574.773.7003

9. Sallie’s By The Shore

Homemade and handmade ice cream with a retro ’50s summer-at-the-lake vibe. Sallie’s does the classics and throws in some surprises of its own, with toasted marshmallows in a s’mores sundae and Ghirardelli chocolate, among other premium ingredients. The ice cream is all small-batch artisanal flavors, with no artificial syrups, flavorings or stabilizers. So, the key lime pie flavor only has ingredients that would be in an actual key lime pie (plus ice cream, of course). Other notable flavors include strawberry patch, Indiana sweet corn, salted caramel pretzel, butterscotch blondie and maple bacon walnut.

110 S. Main St.
Culver, IN

300 block of U.S. 35, next to Pizza King
Winamac, IN

1773 E. 9th St.
Rochester, IN

1390 Pilgrim Ln.
Plymouth, IN

219.508.5144

10. Yup’s Dairyland

Every small community seems to have that one place that everybody can’t wait till it opens when the weather turns warm. Yup’s is that kind of place. It’s the classic dairy bar. Walk up to the window, take a look at the board to see what flavors are there that day (Yup’s serves Michigan’s Hudsonville Ice Cream), place your order and pay (be sure to bring your wallet—Yup’s is cash only).

53018 SR 13
Middlebury, IN
574.825.7391