Steven Wright Takes Us For Ice Cream In The Streets!

Summer is here, and the time is right, for eating dairy-free ice cream, in the streets!

The weather is warming up and being out exploring the sights and sounds of the communities around Georgian Bay will also heat you up. I find nothing more refreshing and cooling than indulging in a scoop or two of dairy free ice cream. I have complied a list of a few places to drop by, relax and enjoy a cup or a cone of this delicious treat. Most also carry traditional ice cream.

 

The Ice Cream Hut

One of my favorite places to visit is on route from Barrie to Wasaga and Collingwood, or Midland and Penetanguishene on Bayfield Street in Midhurst. Just down the hill and past the Husky, look for The Ice Cream Hut, a cute little place serving up some amazing dairy-free soft serve. They have vanilla and chocolate or if you can’t decide why not have both in a twist. But don’t stop there – they have dips! I always choose the chocolate raspberry, smooth creamy chocolate with a punch of raspberry. I just can’t get enough. I hear the chocolate mint is also just as tasty. They have just launched a vegan sundae served in a waffle bowl filled with chewy chocolate cake, field berry topping, vegan soft serve, topped with Oreo crumble and Belgian chocolate raspberry dip – need I say more. Find The Ice Cream Hut at 1027 Bayfield Road North in Midhurst. Open daily 12-10.

 

Nicky’s Doughnuts and Ice Cream

While shopping in Collingwood, I stumbled across Nicky’s Doughnuts and Ice Cream. Handmade on site, from scratch artisanal doughnuts and small batch ice cream, this little pink palace is serving up a delicious banana coconut vegan nice cream. Now, I generally prefer my bananas in a bread with chocolate, but I have to say that this was hands down one of the best banana nice creams I have ever tasted. It was so creamy and filled with perfectly toasted coconut it was reminiscent of a coconut cream pie and yes, I licked the bowl clean. I am dying to go back to get my hands on a vegan apple fritter – a yeast doughnut packed with cinnamon spiced apples. Nicky’s Doughnuts and Ice Cream is located at 10 Third Street in Collingwood and is open Wednesday-Sunday 10-5.

 

Coldwater Ice Cream

Coldwater is a fun town to visit. There is a vibrant downtown filled with quaint shops. The upcoming Coldwater Steampunk Festival is a must do in August. The historic Coldwater Heritage Mill and Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum are a good visit, and my ultimate to do is the Coldwater Bowling Centre. Not only is it a fun place to bowl but their “Adult Slushies” with a shot of your favourite alcohol are are not only cooling and refreshing, but I find it hard to have just one! When it’s time for a break visit Coldwater Ice Cream, they serve Kawartha Dairy, frozen yogurt, milkshakes hand homemade fudge. Lucky for me the strawberry sorbet is not only non-dairy but fat free and yummy. I enjoyed mine overlooking the river, around the corner by the mill. Coldwater Ice Cream is located at 32 Coldwater Road and is open daily 1-9.

 

Smiles N’Ice-Cream

There are a couple of places in Midland that I visit often for my ice cream fix. First, get off the round-about on Vinden to find Smiles N’ Ice-cream, they are offering vegan ice cream, sundaes and milkshakes with an oat based vanilla that can be topped as a sundae with strawberry or blueberry topping or made into a milkshake. You can enjoy it on the patio before getting back on the road. Smiles N’ Ice-cream is located at 752 Vinden Street in Midland and is open Wednesday-Sunday 11:30-8.

 

Rooted Plant Based Café and Market

The second, is Rooted Plant Based Café and Market for some hand-made gelato, a little taste of Europe in a cup. They generally have 5 flavours on offer. I opted for the chocolate chip cookie and strawberry. I also often indulge in their iced coffee, if you have ever wanted a plant based Frappuccino or Iced Cap then this is your cup. I have also enjoyed their frozen lemonade. So many ways to cool off and at Rooted, they also have a new patio for you to sit and enjoy your treat. Rooted is located at 349 King Street in Midland through the alley to Unit 4, they are open Wednesday-Friday 10-7 Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 10-5.