As spring term progresses, the mercury in the thermometer will creep higher and higher. To beat the heat — aside from wearing shorts, sunscreen and shades — tall frosty drinks and ice cream help to melt the impact of scorching hot days.
There are many treats at local spots to try, from the Blizzards at Dairy Queen to the smoothies at Andrew Smash. And of course, there are creations that can be concocted in the blender at home.
Erin Kenfield, manager at The Buzz Coffeehouse in the EMU, said the smooth Caffe GranItalia, with caramel flavoring, is her favorite for those sticky, humid days.
“It’s like a milkshake — but it still has caffeine,” said Kenfield, a junior majoring in business.
She added that The Buzz also features everything from Italian sodas to iced lattes, mochas and coffees — and during spring term, the employees tend to make more of these colder drinks. Not as many college students and professors spend time sipping beverages indoors when the sun is out, she said.
Jeff Caspersen, an employee at Pearl Street Ice Cream Parlour, said the popular old-fashioned ice cream location becomes much busier between noon and 1 p.m. during spring term.
“Most people come in for espresso ice cream and hot fudge cake,” he said.
Caspersen added that shakes, blended from any flavor of ice cream, are also favorites for families and college students who visit the business. From the parlor’s candy shop to the faded, old pictures on the walls, Caspersen said its atmosphere is a quiet and cool environment to escape from sultry, sunny days.
And if customers happen to come in on their birthday, Caspersen said employees sing the birthday song and “bring out the drums.”
“We try to embarrass the birthday party — and it usually works,” he said.
Other local favorite ice cream establishments include everything from Baskin-Robbins and TCBY Treats to Prince Puckler’s Homemade Ice Cream, known for its Velvet Hammer ice cream made of chocolate and coffee ice cream mixed with chocolate-covered coffee beans and fudge ripples.
But for a quick cold fix that’s also close to campus, Ben and Jerry’s is one solution. Owner Gary Bertelsen said the store’s newest flavors, such as Coffee Heath Bar, have been a big hit. Another new crowd pleaser is One Sweet Whirled, which Bertelsen said is composed of coffee and caramel ice cream, marshmallow swirl and chocolate chunks. Milkshakes and fresh-squeezed handmade lemonade are also great thirst quenchers.
“Anytime the sun comes out, business really gets going — especially when the weather in over 65 degrees,” he said.
Bertelsen also recommended not missing out on Free Cone Day, coming up April 22. He said the store hopes to beat last year’s 7,000 scoops by giving away 10,000 this year. All proceeds will be donated to the local Relief Nursery.