Summer isn’t over yet in the Northern Kentucky hills, and there’s no better way to enjoy the last days of warm weather with a scoop (or two) of something sweet. Whether you’re a fan of classic cones, fruity shaved ice, or creative frozen concoctions, there’s a cool treat waiting for you around every corner. Here are some of our favorite local spots for frozen indulgence—perfect for family outings, after-dinner adventures, or a delightful after-school treat to kick off the new school year.
Kona Ice — Florence (various locations)
This cheerful shaved ice truck is a summer staple at festivals, parks, and community events across Northern Kentucky. Build your own with the Flavorwave or choose from dozens of tropical flavors like Tiger’s Blood or Blue Raspberry. Check their event schedule to find them near you.
Piper’s Ice Cream Bar — MainStrasse Village, Covington
Set in a charming historic district, Piper’s offers house-made ice cream with inventive flavors like Honey Lavender, Bourbon Ball, and Espresso Chip. Vegan and dairy-free options available. Grab a cone and stroll through the cobblestone streets—it’s a vibe. Make sure to add this one to your list of Northern Kentucky’s best ice cream spots to try before summer is over!
The Colonel’s Creamery — Florence
Small batch, big flavor. The Colonel’s Creamery is a hidden gem tucked into Florence, offering handcrafted ice cream made on-site with high-quality ingredients. With a rotating menu of creative and classic flavors—like Sea Salt Caramel, Bourbon Vanilla, and seasonal favorites—this spot is a must for true ice cream lovers. Bonus: they sometimes partner with local farms and businesses for ultra-fresh, local ingredients.
Kelly Q’s & Whipper’s Dairy — Independence
Bright, bold, and brimming with personality, Kelly Q’s & Whipper’s Dairy is a colorful local favorite. Recently selected to appear on America’s Best Restaurants!, Kelly Q’s serves up soft-serve cones, sundaes, slushies, and signature parfaits. This family-owned stand in Independence offers a wide menu with playful flavor combos and fun seasonal specials (think pumpkin shakes in fall and red, white & blue parfaits for the 4th). With its cheerful atmosphere and affordable prices, it’s a go-to spot for families and anyone craving a little joy with their ice cream.
Dreamy’s Ice Cream — Highland Heights
Dreamy’s lives up to its name with hand-dipped and soft-serve treats that locals rave about. This charming walk-up stand offers cones, flurries, slushies, and creative sundaes—like the crowd-favorite Buckeye Sundae loaded with peanut butter and chocolate. With its friendly service, generous portions, and rotating seasonal specials, Dreamy’s is a must-visit spot in Highland Heights for a cool summer indulgence.
Schneider’s Sweet Shop — Bellevue
This Northern Kentucky institution is beloved for its frozen “ice balls”—shaved ice filled with rich homemade ice cream. Try cherry over chocolate, or lemon over vanilla. It’s a must-stop spot after a day exploring Bellevue’s quaint shops and riverfront.
Golden Gelato — Covington
For a taste of Italy in the heart of Covington, head to Golden Gelato. This family-owned shop crafts authentic small-batch gelato and sorbetto using traditional Italian techniques and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Flavors rotate daily, but you might find options like Stracciatella, Lemon Basil, or Pistachio alongside indulgent seasonal creations. Whether you grab a cup to-go or linger on their cozy patio, Golden Gelato offers a truly elevated frozen treat experience.
Fillmore’s Dairy Hut — Florence
A summer staple in Florence, Fillmore’s Dairy Hut delivers all the nostalgic charm of a classic walk-up ice cream stand. Known for its creamy soft-serve cones, flurries, sundaes, and footlong hot dogs, this cash-only spot is beloved by locals looking for a sweet, simple treat. With picnic tables and a steady stream of happy customers, it’s the kind of place that feels like a childhood memory in the making.
Whether you’re chasing down the Kona Ice truck, sampling scoops in MainStrasse, or pulling over at a roadside stand, there’s no shortage of places to find Northern Kentucky’s best ice cream, shaved ice, and frozen treats. So go ahead—grab a spoon, a straw, or a cone, and cool off the tastiest way we know how.
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