Getting tired of sitting in your air-conditioned house, it might be time to head for the sweet version of a cooling station, the local gourmet popsicle shop.
Garden and Gun magazine did not wait until the summer heat was upon us to offer a roadmap to their favorite pop stops in the South with The Popsicle Gourmet (May 12).
They start by noting that 'inspired by Mexican-style ice pops called paletas, traditionally made with fresh seasonal fruit, today’s pops go well beyond the syrupy sweet concoctions you remember as a kid.'
They quote Summer Bicknell owner of Locopops as recommending Raspberry Hibiscus and Cucumber Chili. The North Carolina pop sensation has 3 locations in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. The article mentions that Summer Bicknell also offers the "nana-nilla, a homemade version of banana pudding frozen and put on a stick."
The other mini conglomerate of cool listed by Popsicle Gourmet is King of Pops run by trio of brothers. Their pop carts can be found around town in Athens, Atlanta, Asheville and Charleston. Check their website for days, times of roving locations.
Year round flavors are:
- Arnold Palmer
- Banana Puddin'
- Chocolate Sea Salt
- Coconut Lemongrass
- Grapefruit Mint
- Mexican Chocolate
- Raspberry Lime
- Strawberry Lemonade
Other picks from Popsicle Gourmet are Las Paletas in Nashville and Meltdown in New Orleans.
Feel free to add your own favorites to the list.
Stay cool!
(* Top pops image courtesy of Locopops)