It’s been a hot summer and there’s no better way to beat the heat than to eat some delicious ice cream. On that front, Loveland’s got you covered in spades. We’ve got ice cream shops from the west side to the east; from classic spots to yogurt shops and even gelato, this town is crazy for sweet, cold, frozen dessert. And you don’t have to take my word for it, the line at Dairy Queen on a summer night says it all.
By the way, my husband, the ice cream lover in our little family, has never been so eager to help me do research for a blog post.
Dairy Queen, 300 East Eisenhower Boulevard
The first Dairy Queen was opened in Illinois in 1940, however, Loveland’s Dairy Queen is nearly that old. My research didn’t reveal how old but I have it on good authority that DQ has been in town since sometime in the late 1950s. If you know the exact date, please leave a comment.
This has been our go-to ice cream shop since moving here in 2000 because I love blizzards and I enjoy the crew of high-school students who work at this place. I have a feeling this Dairy Queen has been the first “real job” for many a Loveland 16-year-old.
Featuring an outdoor seating area with bronze sculptures, ample parking and a busy drive-thru, Dairy Queen is part of the scenery at Eisenhower Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue.
Dairy Delite, 3080 West Eisenhower Boulevard
In its 40th year, Dairy Delite is a staple of the west Loveland ice cream scene. Serving up everything from ice cream to fish and chips, Dairy Delite closes each winter and then opens for excited patrons to enjoy their offerings during the summer months.
This is the place to go for milkshakes, soft serve cones and anything else you remember from your childhood. After all, Lovelanders who grew up visiting now bringing their own children to make memories at this iconic Loveland ice cream stop.
With flowers pots in the windows, outdoor seating and an old Gallica video game in the inside, this is a throwback that Lovelanders love.
Baskin-Robbins, 281 E. 29th Street C
This ice cream chain played a big part in my West Coast childhood. I grew up in the 80s and 90s, before the advent of fancy ice cream flavors so I would always get the Baskin-Robbins’ Mint Chocolate Chip in a waffle cone.
Baskin-Robbins has changed locations since we moved to Loveland, but they still have the same great ice cream.
Paciugo Italian Gelato & Caffe, 5971 Sky Pond Drive, C124
There are a few, especially Italians, who think that gelato is superior to ice cream. Wherever you fall in this debate of ice cream versus gelato, the truth is that Paciugo Gelato at the Promenade Shops at Centerra makes scrumptious gelato.
Gelato generally contains less fat than American-style ice cream and contains less air. Its denseness lends a richness that is loved by many, including me.
Paciugo chains, opened by an Italian in 1999, make their gelato daily and is the perfect accompaniment to strolling the Promenade Shops at Centerra, Loveland’s outdoor mall on the far east side of town.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, 1569 Fall River Drive
Some of you may consider it blasphemy that I’m adding a yogurt shop to this list of ice cream shops in Loveland. However, it’s close to my house and that means we venture there quite often during the hot summer months.
Here, it’s about tasting the ever-changing flavors and deciding on their perfect one; currently, I’m a big banana fan. At Menchie’s it’s also about the toppings because they have an array of everything from fruit to candy to cookies available. Just remember that frozen yogurt doesn’t stay frozen for long so eat it up quickly.
I didn’t mention all the places where you can get ice cream in Loveland, Colorado. If I missed your favorite please leave a comment below and tell us about it.
Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer is a longtime Loveland resident, founder of HeidiTown.com and author of Mountain Living’s The Heidi Guide. She specializes writing about festivals and travel in The West.
