As the days lengthen and the promise of sun-kissed skin from the blazing summer sun beckons, one thing is guaranteed to cool you off, all while bringing a smile to your face — ice cream! In fact, there’s a whole month and even a dedicated day to this delightful treat.
Former President Ronald Reagan declared July 15 National Ice Cream Day in 1984, and the entire month was also declared National Ice Cream Month. There was never any question or controversy with this presidential proclamation, except, of course, the understanding that there is never a wrong time to indulge in this frozen favorite dessert. With countless flavors and a plethora of dedicated ice cream shops to explore, ice cream can be celebrated anywhere, anytime, right here in Salem.
On Any Sundae
3987 Commercial Street SE, Salem
971.218.3074
Though it may be named On Any Sundae, this good, old-fashioned, friendly neighborhood ice cream shop is serving up delicious frozen treats every day of the week from noon until 9 p.m. Stop on in and try any of their locally famous creations, including Real Pineapple Dole Whip, monster Banana Splits, ice cream sandwiches so big you’ll need two hands, and is the only place in town where you can get homemade Choco Tacos! That’s right, it may be your old-fashioned ice cream shop, but with 32 plus flavors on ice, they’re creating their own sweet treat concoctions and adding a unique twist to everyone’s favorite dessert.
The sweetness here even goes beyond the cone and extends out into the community as owner Caleb emphasizes community outreach, with the local ice cream parlor giving back just as much as it receives from local residents. Every summer, On Any Sundae hosts a Season Celebration in July, a free public event featuring fun activities, raffles, face painting, and carnival. In celebration of their 8th season, this upcoming July will also feature an 80s-style burger truck and live band for your entertainment!
22 Below
4155 Rickey Street SE, Suite 126, Salem
971.371.3147
Forget the scoop! Home of Oregon’s original rolled ice cream, 22 Below is sure to satisfy your ice cream cravings with a menu featuring over 30 flavors of the chilled treat, with everything from simple vanilla to flaming hot Cheetos. This, coupled with the option to create your own cup of creamy goodness, and the choices here are truly unlimited.
Whether you’re craving some fresh fruits or rich chocolate, you’re more than welcome to bring on the toppings. Plus, there’s something for everyone as 22 Below offers many lactose-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, fat-free, dairy-free, and cholesterol-free options so everyone can have ice cream for dessert!
Can’t get enough? Have the best birthday, corporate event, or social gathering ever by booking 22 Below for your next big extravaganza. Depending on the booking selection, this can include an ice cream class and other fun features! Did we mention their ice cream is rolled?
Dolce Mama’s
333 State Street, Salem
503.269.7877
What started out as an ice cream pushcart has grown into a frozen paradise on State Street where Dolce Mama’s is happily sharing their homemade creations with all of Salem. No matter what flavor you get here, it’s all made with fresh, local ingredients, and ice cream isn’t their only specialty.
The establishment also specializes in non-dairy and vegan dessert options, cupcakes, cookies, milkshakes, smoothies, espresso, and tea, so no matter what your sweet tooth’s favorite, it’s guaranteed to satisfy its cravings! Stop in as the seasons change and try even more seasonal flavors, you’ll find yourself looking forward to year after year.
Slick Licks Ice Cream
440 State Street, Salem
Inside Fork Forty Food Hall is a special place offering small-batch ice cream called Slick Licks Ice Cream. Here, they believe minimal ingredients bring maximum flavor, so they use local products, organic dairy, and all-natural elements to create honest ice cream. The menu itself frequently changes to make room for new fantastic flavors, and a variety of non-dairy flavors are always offered so that everyone can come and enjoy a sweet frozen treat.
This is genuinely ice cream enjoyed how you want it, as patrons are encouraged to pick a flavor or combination of several, any toppings they want to be mixed in, and the quantity they want. Slick Licks will then get to work on crafting your perfect batch of ice cream just for you!
Frosted Spheres Ice Cream
401 Center Street, Salem
971.599.5959
Frosted Spheres Ice Cream at the Salem Center will transport your taste buds across the globe as they offer up their Thai-inspired ice cream. Here, there is a need to prove that there are more ways to enjoy ice cream than the traditional ice cream scooped out of a bucket with their unique and exciting fried ice cream. They transform the frozen treat from scratch right before your very eyes and not only will you get to enjoy it afterwards, but you’ll also get to be part of the creative process for these decadent creations.
EZ Freezy
6495 Keizer Station Blvd. NE, Keizer
503.990.7246
Ice cream isn’t the only tasty frozen treat being scooped up here in Marion County. Local frozen yogurt bar EZ Freezy serves up some equally chilling dessert options! Incredible community members with an amazing frozen yogurt experience in Keizer is EZ Freezy. The family-owned company has several locations throughout Oregon and has been serving up Froyo happiness in a cup since 2012.
The family behind the scenes has been in the frozen yogurt industry for well over 30 years, so they really know their stuff! To ensure freshness, toppings are purchased weekly, and YoCream Yogurt is purchased locally. In addition to this icy indulgence, they are also known to whip up some fantastic milkshakes and smoothies, along with over 25 different flavors of bubble tea, should you like to feel refreshed after enjoying some cold comfort.
With so many Salem area ice cream parlors to choose from and open year-round, it’s hard not to get excited about the possibility of celebrating National Ice Cream Day every single day!
