Mmm … ice cream. Simple, beautiful, delicious, sweet, creamy ice cream. Is there ANYONE that doesn’t like it? 

In our lives, so filled up with running hither and yon, spotty wifi, phones that simply will not update, coffeehouses who refuse to spell our names correctly on our cups of steaming double decaffeinated half-caff soy, extra hot latte, isn’t it a delight that we have this simple treat to bring balance to it all?

And we’re gonna let you in on a secret (which isn’t a secret at all) that makes it all even better.

JULY IS NATIONAL ICE CREAM MONTH.

And there was much rejoicing. Seriously. There’s confetti and balloons all over the place. Probably.

And what better time for it than July? Is there anything more all-American than ice cream? OK, fine. Apple pie, maybe, but you can get apple pie ice cream, so that little problem is neatly solved. Ice cream is the perfect summertime treat. In a cone, sugar or cake, its sweet goodness (even with a little brain freeze) is one of this life’s greatest pleasures. And when you’re in Texas, so much the better, because Texas has some of the best ice cream this great nation has to offer.

Here’s a compendium of Urban Provisions’ favorite scoops in the Lone Star State.

AUSTIN.

Amy’s Ice Creams – Amy’s is the king when it comes to ice cream in Austin. You’ll find their world famous Mexican Vanilla including 350 rotating flavors and can add almost any candy bar, nut, fruit, drizzle to the top or crunched into the ice cream. If you’re a movie buff, then you’ll love visiting Amy’s – at every location you’ll find a movie quote on the chalkboard. If you successfully whisper it to any Amy’s staffer, you’ll get a free crunch in (topping).

Big Top Candy Shop – This shop is known for their vast candy selection, but they also scoop Blue Bell and make shakes.  Old school candy + a scoop of ice cream… how can you go wrong with that?

Coolhaus Food Truck – Coolhaus is a gourmet cookie and ice cream food truck.  To find their next locale peek at their website or follow @CoolhausATX on Twitter.  You can also find their deliciousness at various spots around town including Central Market and a few of the small downtown and South Congress grocery stores.

Lick Ice Creams – Ice Cream cannot get any more pure than this.  All ingredients are sourced from local farmers, including the milk and cream coming from a local dairy.  A Lick storefront can be located on South Lamar between Oltorf and Mary on the west side of Lamar.

Sweet Ritual – A vegan ice cream haven on Airport Road.  Sweet Ritual shares a building with Juice Land and there you will have an opportunity to snatch a scoop of their ice cream, a shake, a sundae with many gluten free options available.  You can find scoops at various vegetarian/vegan establishments such as Mother’s, Counter Culture and pints at both Wheatsville Co-Op locations and a few other locales around town.  Check out their website where to pick up a scoop or pint.

DALLAS. FORT WORTH. PLANO.

Beth Marie’s – If you are on the prowl for an old school ice cream shop and soda fountain parlor, look no further.  Bring the entire family to Beth Marie’s for lunch and enjoy dessert right on location.

Coolhaus Food Truck – Coolhaus is a gourmet cookie and ice cream food truck.  To find their next locale peek at their website or follow @CoolhausDFW on Twitter.  You can also find their deliciousness at various spots around town including Central Market.

Monster Yogurt – A yogurt shop on steroids.  With over 80 yogurt options and 75 toppings sold by the ounce and a monster cave for the kids to enjoy, parents will be in hog heaven.  Parents can sip on a cup of coffee and enjoy free wifi while the kids burn off the massive sugar intake.

Sweet Firefly – Sweet Firefly is a Richardson Texas gourmet ice cream and candy shop.  In addition to ice cream, you will find toffee, shaved ice and coffee.

GALVESTON. HOUSTON. KATY. SUGAR LAND.

Amy’s Ice Creams – Even though Amy’s is an Austin staple, you’ll find it in Houston too.  You’ll find their world-famous Mexican Vanilla including 350 rotating flavors and can add almost any candy bar, nut, fruit, drizzle to the top or crunched into the ice cream.

Ben & Jerry’s – Located in the town square of Sugar Land, you’ll stumble upon an iconic ice cream joint – Ben & Jerry’s.  Stop in for famous flavors such as Cherry Garcia, Chunky Monkey or Phish Food.  If you are not a fan of ice cream, they also serve greek frozen yogurt and sorbet.

Fat Cat Creamery – This small batch creamery is so delicious it only has three year round flavors:  Cat’s Meow Mexican Vanilla, Chocolate Milk Stout and Strawberry Buttermilk.  Don’t panic they do whip up several seasonal flavors throughout the year.  Check out their website on where to find their goodness or drop them a few lines to special order a batch for your upcoming event.

Ritter’s Frozen Custard – When we polled our Katy Texas clients who has the best ice cream in Katy, they hands down responded Ritter’s.  There are two custard flavors with unlimited flavor options based on your topping selection.  Disclaimer:  you can spend hours on their website gawking at flavor options.  Just load everyone in the car and give it a whirl.

SAN ANTONIO. SAN MARCOS. NEW BRAUNFELS.

Amy’s Ice Creams – Even though Amy’s may be an Austin staple, you will find it in San Antonio too.  You’ll find their world famous Mexican Vanilla including 350 rotating flavors and can add almost any candy bar, nut, fruit, drizzle to the top or crunched into the ice cream.

Brindles – Nothing fancy here.. just an ice cream and gelato shop whipping up fresh batches of frozen goodness.

Lick Ice Creams – Ice Cream cannot get any more pure than this.  All ingredients are sourced from local farmers, including the milk and cream coming from a local dairy.  A Lick storefront is in the works for The Pearl.  Be on the lookout for this awesome establishment to open and you’ll definitely become a regular when it does.

Gruene General Store – No stop to Gruene Texas is complete without stopping in the Gruene General Store for a few trinkets to take home and a hefty serving of Blue Bell Ice Cream.

Rhea’s – San Marcos has more to offer than live music and floating the river.  When you are ready to cool off, boogie over to Rhea’s.  Rhea’s is a small shop (so be sure too carpool as there are limited parking options) with a handful of unique flavors to tickle your fancy.  We polled a few passed patrons and they described the places as crazy, delicious and orgasm in my mouth.

THE WOODLANDS. CONROE.

Orange Leaf Yogurt – With several locations over The Woodlands, you will quickly discover what the fuss is all about.  As you step inside, pick your yogurt flavor and visit the topping bar… your dessert possibilities will be endless.

Piccomolo Italian Ice Cream – As soon as  you put a spoon of their gelato in your mouth you will imagine yourself in Italy enjoying a cup of gelato.

Ice cream. It’s sweet. It’s perfect. It’s wonderful. It’s American. And the best of the best is waiting for you in Texas.