When the summer weather heats up, we all start looking for ways to stay cool. Want to cool off with a cold, sweet treat in Hot Springs? While there is no "official" ice cream trail in Hot Springs, we think there ought to be!
Whether you are looking for classic slow-churned flavors, rich gelato, or a nostalgic dairy bar experience, here is our ultimate local scoop on the best ice cream in Hot Springs, AR.
1. Mamoo's Creamery (Downtown Hot Springs)
Our trail starts downstairs at the Arlington Hotel. Mamoo's Creamery offers the "only homemade ice cream in downtown Hot Springs. Their secret? They craft their scoops with massive amounts of rich heavy cream, a smidgen of buttermilk, and real, high-quality ingredients. In other words, this is the ultimate place to treat yourself!
- Location: 239 Central Ave., Ste. E, Hot Springs, AR
Just a few doors down on Central Avenue, you will find Kilwin's Chocolates. They serve over 40 flavors of original recipe ice cream, making it the perfect treat to grab before taking a walk down historic Bathhouse Row. While you are there, don't miss out on their famous hand-crafted chocolates or a classic caramel apple.
- Location: 264 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR
3. The Frosty Treat (A Historic Arkansas Dairy Bar)
By now, you are probably ready for lunch! Take a short detour off Central Avenue to the fourth oldest dairy bar in Arkansas. The Frosty Treat has been a local staple since 1951. Try their famous fried steak sandwich, or opt for the popular veggie burger. Add a soft serve cone or a thick milkshake for dessert and enjoy an outdoor lunch at their classic picnic tables.
- Location: 1020 E. Grand Ave., Hot Springs, AR
4. Dolce Gelato
Next on the trail is Dolce Gelato for some authentic, Italian-style ice cream. Located just off Central Avenue in the Cornerstone marketplace, this spot features a large variety of flavors that change daily. While there is always something new to try, their amaretto flavor is an absolute standout. You can also mix things up by trying their custom gelato pops, pies, and cakes!
- Location: 222 Cornerstone Blvd., Hot Springs, AR
Last on the list is Scoops, a beloved favorite for locals and visitors alike. Good news for National Park visitors: they just opened a brand-new second shop at 829 Central Avenue!
However, if you miss them while exploring the historic district, you can easily hit their original location at the end of our trail. They have been making slow-churned ice cream in small batches using old family recipes for over 20 years, featuring 24 rotating flavors. Most people don't get overly excited about plain vanilla, but trust us—their vanilla is the most "vanilla-y" you have ever tasted!
- Location: 4043B Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR
Relax After Your Hot Springs Adventure
If you have hit all these amazing stops, you are probably ready to leave the busy city streets behind and head back to our quiet country retreat for a peaceful night's sleep. After a fun day exploring the best of Hot Springs, you can relax in comfort, tuck yourself in for some sweet dreams, and join us in the morning for a fresh, home-cooked breakfast at Tiffany's!
Looking for more ideas to fill your itinerary? Check out our complete guide on how to spend a perfect 36 hours in Hot Springs!
Ready to plan your sweet summer escape? Check our availability and book your stay at Tiffany's Bed and Breakfast today!