This Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail In Eastern Nebraska Is All You've Ever Dreamed Of And More
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Delana Lefevers
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With temperatures firmly in the “I’m pretty sure my body is about to burst into flames” range, we’ve got one thing on our minds: cooling off. But if you’ve developed cabin fever from staying inside to enjoy the air conditioning, a nice big ice cream cone can be just the thing. And if one ice cream cone is good, 10 ice cream cones are even better, right?
This ice cream trail isn’t meant to be a complete list of awesome ice cream places in eastern Nebraska – it’s just a few favorites in the Omaha and Lincoln area, arranged into a mini road trip that you can complete in a few hours. Click here for an interactive map where you can get complete directions and add or delete stops.
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We'll start our ice cream odyssey at an Omaha classic. Petrow's has been around since 1903, which should tell you a little something about how awesome their food is. All of their ice cream is made right there in the store; there isn't a huge variety of flavors, but you can create your own sundae with a variety of toppings. Or just enjoy a chocolate or vanilla cone - even without toppings, this stuff is delicious.
Read more about Petrow's on their site.
Read more about Petrow's on their site.
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We'll head to Dundee next for what is arguably the most famous ice cream shop in Nebraska. You've seen them on Shark Tank, you've read about them in national magazines, and you may even have seen the pictures of Warren Buffett and Sir Paul McCartney stopping in for some treats. They also support some fantastic causes, like Nebraska Friends of Foster Children and Big Brothers Big Sisters. There are always plenty of fabulous flavors of ice cream, gelato, and dairy-free fruit sorbet in the case.
Learn more, including how to create and order your very own custom flavors, on eCreamery's website.
Learn more, including how to create and order your very own custom flavors, on eCreamery's website.
Stop off in the Blackstone District for the kind of creative, unconventional ice cream flavors you've always dreamed of...and plenty that you've never even thought of. Everything at Coneflower Creamery is locally sourced and made in-house, including the cones and toppings. Some of the recent offerings have included saffron and roasted white chocolate, tart cherry crumble, basil white chocolate, and "hunka hunka banana love." Special flavors are seasonal and depend on what ingredients are available locally. You can also count on some staples like vanilla bean, butter brickle (which was invented at the old Blackstone Hotel), and coffee, which is made with real coffee from Archetype Coffee right across the street. There are always delicious vegan flavors on offer, too!
Keep up with current flavors on Coneflower's Facebook page.
Keep up with current flavors on Coneflower's Facebook page.
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We'll keep the party going in the Old Market at another Omaha institution. Ted & Wally's has been around forever, and you'll understand why when you dig into your scoop of blissful frozen goodness. They've got a constantly-rotating menu of special flavors made in house with locally sourced dairy and eggs. Some of their recent flavors have included cayenne apple, peppercorn, cilantro mint, and Bavarian mint coffee. There are also standard flavors and vegan selections, and you can even special order your favorite flavors with a minimum order of a half gallon. Ted & Wally's recently opened a second shop in Benson, too.
Keep up with current flavors on their Facebook page.
Keep up with current flavors on their Facebook page.
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For our final Omaha ice cream joint, we'll head to South Omaha for something a little different. This place is a real hidden gem, known locally for its large selection of creative flavors at reasonable prices. Try the queso (which is more like cream cheese than the nacho cheese flavor that might have sprung to mind), rose, melon, butter pecan, or one of their popsicles (some of which are dairy-free). Be sure to hit the ATM before you visit, though - they don't take cards.
Check out their Facebook page right here.
Check out their Facebook page right here.
Head a bit out of the city and make a stop at Springfield Drug, one of the state's last remaining drugstore soda fountains. This old fashioned shop serves some of the tastiest shakes, malts, phosphates, sundaes and banana splits ever at a real antique soda fountain. It's a local favorite, and once you visit you'll find yourself wanting to come back as soon as possible.
You can read more about Springfield Drug here.
You can read more about Springfield Drug here.
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Cheri O's is another charming, old fashioned place where you can sit down and enjoy your treat in super cute surroundings. They serve hand-dipped Goodrich ice cream - and if you grew up in Nebraska, chances are you've got fond memories of smooth, tasty Goodrich ice cream. Try the Diane's Delight sundae: peanut butter fudge ice cream, peanut butter topping, whipped cream, and Reece's Pieces.
Learn more about Cheri O's on the restaurant's site.
Learn more about Cheri O's on the restaurant's site.
Sit back and digest for a bit as we head on over to Lincoln for our next treat. We'll be going to the UNL campus to enjoy some tasty ice cream made right on site by UNL students. Flavors rotate, but some of the recent offerings include cookie dough brownie, 4H clover mint, coconut, cherry almond, and sweet corn custard. This place is a local favorite, and people traveling through Lincoln often make a special detour just to get a treat here.
Keep up on current flavors on their Facebook page.
Keep up on current flavors on their Facebook page.
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Next up is a stop in the Haymarket for a treat at the trendy Ivanna Cone. The shop has a distinctive old-school appearance, but with a sassy modern edge. The family owned business has been serving premium handmade ice cream for more than a decade now, and their extensive rotating selection of flavors is always impressive. Recent flavors have included sour apple, cowboy coffee, honey date walnut, and red hot cinnamon, along with several vegan options. Come in and watch the ice cream being made right there in the shop - but be sure to stop by the ATM first because they don't take cards.
See their website here.
See their website here.
Our last stop on this sugar-loaded trail is at Zesto, a mandatory part of summer in Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding areas. There is more than one Zesto in Lincoln, but this one is a retro seasonal drive-in that carries fond summer memories for countless Lincolnites. Get a cherry dipped cone here, taste the seasonal strawberry soft serve, or treat yourself to a mind-blowing malt. Just be sure to come equipped with cash since no plastic is accepted here.
Keep up with this Zesto (and the location on Pine Lake Rd) on their Facebook page.
Keep up with this Zesto (and the location on Pine Lake Rd) on their Facebook page.
Well, that seems like just about enough ice cream for one day. There are certainly other ice cream joints in the area that wouldn’t fit onto this short mini road trip. Don’t see your favorite here? Don’t worry – add your favorite picks in the comments, then use the link at the top to plug in your own stops on this frozen adventure to make it your own. And if you don’t live around eastern Nebraska, be patient; future installments will have us visiting ice cream joints in other parts of the state.
If, for some unknowable reason, you’re just not that into ice cream, maybe you’d prefer to travel around the state to try these 18 awesome reubens.
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