By Sara Beth Williams–
There’s no better way to cool off this summer than enjoying a cold scoop of your favorite ice cream, and Citrus Heights has plenty of spots to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are five ice cream shops to check out.
Leatherby’s Family Creamery: This family-owned restaurant specializing in sundaes and giant banana splits, many original Leatherby family members, nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, and other relatives still work at Leatherby’s today, according to the company’s website. The creamery offers ice cream in cones, milkshakes, and sundaes, along with other lunch and dinner foods. Leatherby’s has five locations and its Citrus Heights restaurant is located at 7910 Antelope Rd. in Citrus Heights.
Baskin Robbins: This ice cream parlor next to Safeway on the corner of San Juan Avenue and Greenback Lane has been a staple among locals, with its consistent offering of favorite classic flavors like Rocky Road, Chocolate Chip, and Rainbow Sherbet, along with newer flavors like “Beach Day” and other options like milkshakes and ice cream cakes. Founded in 1945, Baskin-Robbins is one of the world’s most recognizable ice cream chains, known for its “31 flavors” slogan—one for each day of the month, according to its website. Baskin Robbins’ Citrus Heights store is located at 7301 Greenback Ln.
Cold Stone Creamery: Located next to Barnes & Noble in the Marketplace at Birdcage, this small-format ice cream parlor is a popular dessert stop for locals with unique signature creations like “Birthday Cake Oreo Celebration” and “Banana Caramel Crunch.” Cold Stone also allows customers to create their own desserts by choosing different flavors and toppings, which are then combined into a cone or cup to enjoy. Cold Stone Creamery is located at 6105 Sunrise Blvd.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream: A new addition to Citrus Heights, Handel’s sixth location in the region has already proven to be popular with its unique range of over 50 flavors, including classics and custom combinations like “Black Raspberry Chunk,” “Blue Moon,” and “Blue Monster.” Handel’s also offers vegan and dairy-free flavors, milkshakes, signature “Hurricanes,” ice cream pops, and ice cream sandwiches. Handel’s is located at 8055 Madison Ave. in Citrus Heights.
Dairy Queen: The fast-food chain most known for their “Blizzard” soft serve dessert creations, the restaurant now offers other quick-serve options like chicken strips, burgers, and fries, while still offering its familiar Blizzard treats that combine various candy bar or cookie pieces with soft serve ice cream. The restaurant also now has “DQ Cakes.” Dairy Queen is located at 6855 Greenback Ln.
