One of the things I love most about Gainesville is that you can find all kinds of food options around town depending on your mood. Whether it’s Chinese, Italian or Indian there is a restaurant in Gainesville that will fulfill your cravings. I love finding new places to dine with my friends, but my favorite part about going out to eat is going to cute dessert places to satisfy my sweet tooth. If you haven’t been to these dessert joints in the 352, you’re missing out!
The Hyppo
If you are trying to watch what you eat, but still get those dessert cravings I highly recommend checking out this gourmet popsicle shop. Founded in St. Augustine, Florida, The Hyppo makes over unique 450 flavors, and it is renowned for making all-natural ice pops. The ingredients they use are fresh and simple. Most of the popsicles are just made from fresh fruit, herbs and spices, cane juice and sometimes diary. My favorite flavors are Champagne Mango and Kiwi Colada.
SweetBerries Eatery and Frozen Custard
SweetBerries is not only a dessert place but they also make yummy sandwiches, pastries and coffee. It is a great place to have a simple meal with friends and enjoy an ice cream cone afterwards on the benches outside. They also make great milkshakes and smoothies if you are not in the mood for ice cream. My favorite custard to get is the SweetBerries sunset which is filled with vanilla custard, peaches, raspberries and blackberries.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
I have never been a huge fan of ice cream, so that is why I was so happy when Gainesville opened a Menchie’s. It is a self-serving frozen yogurt shop where you have the option of choosing from dozens of flavors. Frozen yogurt is my favorite because it is very smooth but not too heavy. I like Menchie’s because they change their flavors everyday so you really get to experiment with different frozen yogurt flavors. My favorite flavors from Menchie’s would have to be their “rockin’ salted caramel” and the “jumpin’ java latte.”
The Gelato Company and Eatery
Every time my family comes into town I bring them to the Gelato Company and Eatery. It is a little restaurant in downtown Gainesville with great atmosphere and even better food. I personally love the dessert crepes and the gelato because it reminds me of when I studied abroad in Italy. The gelato is richer and creamier than regular ice cream so I usually get a small cup which fills me up pretty quickly. I usually get the dark chocolate gelato, but their flavors change every day!
What are your favorite Gainesville spots? Let us know in the comments below.