If you’re looking for ice cream in Tuscaloosa, there’s certainly plenty to scream about. Options abound for someone in need of a cold treat to relieve the blistering summer heat, from ice cream to sorbet to frozen yogurt to milkshakes.
While you can always opt for a quick soft-serve cone from Chick-fil-A or Dairy Queen, this summer you have choices like the seasonally open Summer Snow or the self-serve yogurt and topping bar at Yogurt Mountain.
In case you don’t know what you’re missing, here are some of the unique experiences some of the most popular places in Tuscaloosa have to offer.
Yogurt Mountain
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – midnight
Location: Midtown Village, near Starbucks
Price Range: $4 – $6
Specials: None now, but be on the lookout for coupons in each semester’s coupon book from the Supe Store
Appeal: Its website declares that “predetermined portions are a thing of the past!” The unique draw of Yogurt Mountain is its pay-by-the-ounce policy.
“This is the only place in Tuscaloosa that’s self-serve, so you have no restrictions, and it’s kind of like being a kid again,” said Shane Slaughter, a UA senior who works at Yogurt Mountain.
But buyer beware: Slaughter sees a lot of first-time customers with eyes way bigger than their stomachs, like one person who managed load up on $15 worth of yogurt and toppings.
Other appealing aspects are its variety – 16 ice cream flavors and 36 toppings from which to choose – and its health-conscious attitude, with a selection of fruit and gluten-free options.
Coldstone Creamery
Hours: Sunday noon – 10 p.m., Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. –10 p.m., Friday – Saturday 11 – 11
Location: The Strip
Price Range: $4 – $6
Specials: Free ice cream on your birthday if you sign up online
Appeal: Coldstone has three new flavors in the mix this summer – Key Lime, Harvest Peach and Blueberry, as well as all the old favorites. Along with a great location on The Strip, they conveniently accept Bama Cash as payment.
TCBY
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:30 a.m. – midnight, Sunday noon – midnight
Location: Two on McFarland Boulevard, one opening soon on The Strip
Price Range: $1.50 – $6
Specials: Regularly posted coupons on the TCBY website; a daily $1.99 special at the Meadowbrook Plaza location
Appeal: Basically, wherever you live, there is a TCBY location close by, catering to the typical college student’s desire for convenience.
Besides already having two locations, TCBY is opening a third location on The Strip around July 20. The Strip store will boast a self-serve yogurt bar as well as an inside coffee bar that will offer frozen frappuccinos, another popular summer treat.
Another appealing quality is its affordability. On a budget, a student often can’t spend $6 on ice cream, but with a selection of affordably priced items, coupons and daily specials, you’re much more likely to find something that appeals to your wallet as well as your taste buds.
Summer Snow
Hours: Monday – Friday noon – 7 p.m., Saturday 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., open seasonally March – September or October
Location: University Boulevard, past Helen Keller Boulevard on the right
Price Range: $1.75 for a small – $3 for a large
Specials: None
Appeal: Summer Snow is a true Tuscaloosa establishment. Open since 1987, the place is sure to have a line on hot summer days, sometimes stretching to 30 or 40 people.
“We care about our product and we offer a friendly environment to everyone,” said Jacob Sanders, a Shelton State student whose father owns the establishment.
A popular aspect of Summer Snow is the picture display on the outside wall of the building, which features people traveling to different cities or countries holding up signs that say “We want Summer Snow.”
If you go, keep in mind they only take cash and checks. It’s worth a trip, though, because where else can you eat something like the aptly named Tiger Blood?
