Creating Sweet Memories: Summer Extreme Treat Bucket List

I’m a practical girl. Sometimes too practical. I tell my children to always eat their dessert last. When we go out for a treat I say “no” to the extras. “You don’t need any toppings,” I tell them. “A simple ice cream cone is just fine.” My husband is the one who gets them a shake or sundae with all the bells and whistles.

But I’ve decided I need to relax my plain Jane ice cream policy. This summer we are going on over-the-top, extreme summer treat exploration. Summers are hot and brief, but they should be full of a little or a lot of sweet memories—literally and figuratively. So here are the places I plan to check out to beat the heat with sweets. Maybe we’ll see you there!

Bee’s Neez Cones & CoffeeMy daughter will flip over ice cream with names like Unicorn Dream, Spaghetti & Meatballs, and Poco Loco Taco, and the Bowl of Cereal certainly fits the category of extreme treats! I had a few friends who have talked about this place, so it’s time for us to go.

20210 Stone Oak Pkwy., Suite 106, San Antonio, TX 78258 | (210) 346-1141

Arctic Ape Wild Desserts—This business has been on my radar for quite some time, as it’s relatively close to where I work. There are plenty of special events here with costumed characters and even some various creatures. Until I read the story of the business, I had no idea that the owners were animal advocates. My kids will love the fact that there are over 150 toppings. I’ll have to let them go ape!

5221 Walzem Rd., Suite 1, San Antonio, TX 78218 | (210) 257-5949

Churroholic—I’m a sucker for a good churro, so no one has to twist my arm to go here. Add ice cream, and I’m almost sprinting to get here. I’ve heard that the churros are made fresh to order. Yum! The pictures look amazing and the churros are huge with lots of unique choices. I’m partial to the cinnamon and sugar original, but my kids will probably be more adventurous. 

4138 S. New Braunfels Ave., Suite 103, San Antonio, TX 78223 | (210) 817-6206

El ParaisoShhh! Don’t tell my kids, but I’ve actually been here long before they were a twinkle in their daddy’s eye. I vividly remember the wide variety of flavors. A native San Antonian took me here stating this was just part of the San Antonio experience, so I must make up for my mom-fail by visiting this classic with my own kids. I love that El Paraiso offers fruit bars and ice cream bars in wonderful flavors like horchata, tamarindo, coconut, and so many more.

1934 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio, TX 78201 | (210) 737-8101

Fahrenheit 32This Thai rolled ice cream shop comes with a show in its preparation. There are plenty of flavors to choose from, and once you decide, the server has to chop and dice the liquid base and then roll it, then add your requested toppings. My kids enjoy ice cream in any form, and this concept sounds cool and unique enough to tempt me.

Two locations:
226 W. Bitters Rd., Suite 119, San Antonio, TX 78216 | (210) 627-6232
1546 Babcock Rd., Suite 102, San Antonio, TX 78229 | (210) 538-5599

Bubble Waffle Bar—The pictures and descriptions show that this place is over the top and therefore will be a definite hit with my children. Bubble Waffle Bar features self-proclaimed “crazy milkshakes” with cotton candy that will be great for some Instagram pictures and make for an interesting sugar-high ride back home. “Dragon’s Breath” is essentially a cup full of large, crunchy, slightly sweetened corn puffs that they infuse with liquid nitrogen just before serving. When you bite into them, you exhale smoke through your mouth and nose. Who can resist that?! I’ll be cringing when my kids order these over-the-top sweets, but I’m going to restrain myself and let them go for it. I should score mom points for this!

7755 Eckhert Rd., San Antonio, TX 78240 | (210) 739-0795

I’m not sure that my practical self or my waistline can handle any more sweet treat options, but I’d love to try your favorites next summer. Comment below with your finds!

Rosalinda
Texas born, small town girl who always felt like I had lived other lives in other places. I went off to college and somehow ended up in beautiful San Antonio. I met my future husband who had lived other lives in other places. After getting married, we moved out of state. Once we had our little souvenir, we moved back to Texas with a baby boy. Later, we added a daughter to complete the family. I work full-time as a school librarian and, on occasion, find time to do a little traveling and a little sleeping.