New York’s Top Unique Summer Treats

Memorial Day Weekend marks the official start of summer, and with that comes rising temperatures that can seem stifling when buzzing around the bustling city.  It may be tempting to escape to a beach retreat in hopes of avoiding the heat, but if that’s not an option, you can still bask in the sun without melting away.  New York City offers an abundant variety of fun, refreshing treats, so while you’re running between dance practice and soccer games, make sure you stop by one of these places to cool down during the warm summer months.

 1. Melt Bakery’s Ice Cream Sandwiches

meltbakery_1_fb-2The first of its kind, Melt Bakery is an ice-cream sandwich shop located on the Lower-East Side, as well as at a new location on the Highline.  It offers six current flavors, including the Lovelet, which gives customers a cool alternative to a slice of rich red velvet cake by substituting classic ingredients for Cream Cheese Ice Cream sandwiched between Red Velvet Meltcakes.  There’s no excuse for not trying this gem out, as it offewith the opportunity to create custom flavors for special ordersrs in-store buying options, cart rentals for events, and delivery . meltbakery.com

2. People’s Pops Ice Pops and Shave Ices

PeoplesPops549x305Similar in innovativeness, but lighter in fare is People’s Pops located in four New York locations spanning Brooklyn, East Village, the Highline, and Chelsea Market, with appearances at Brooklyn flea and farmer’s markets as well.  The goal of People’s Pops is to showcase local, seasonal fruit, therefore their handmade frozen pops and ices provide customers with a healthy and natural sweet treat.  Looking for a fun activity while enjoying your cool treat?  Hire People’s Pops for an event, or read their cookbook to learn how to whip up some pops of your own! peoplespops.com

3. Francois Payard’s Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches

macsMuch to our delight, summertime seems to bring out the creativity in pastry chefs.  This summer, Master Pâtissier Francois Payard’s Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches are back to offer New Yorkers a special seasonal delicacy.  Available in several yummy flavors, including Pistachio Raspberry, Coconut Mango, Passion Fruit Cheesecake, and Salted Caramel, these sandwiches feature marbled ice cream and sorbet between handmade macaron shells.  For only $5 you can pick one up at all New York City Francois Payard Bakery and FP Patisserie locations. payard.com

 

 

 

4. Dessert Club, ChikaLicious’ Cookie Éclair Cones and Éclair Cone Ice Cream Sandwiches

eclairSANDWICHCombining two dessert favorites is Dessert Club, ChikaLicious, located on the Lower East Side.  If you’re torn between a pastry and a refreshing scoop of ice cream, or just want to try a creative spin on a classic summer treat, stop by this shop to try a scoop of ice cream atop a handheld cookie éclair, or place the ice cream in between two halves of an éclair cone for just $7.50 each. dessertclubnyc.com

 

5. Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop’s Ice Cream Sandwich Donuts

0With so many ways to create an ice cream sandwich, it’s shaping up to be our favorite treat of the summer.  At Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop in Brooklyn, we can finally get away with having ice cream for breakfast by enveloping our favorite flavor between two donut halves.  Peter Pan’s donuts are already known to be some of the best around, so why not take advantage of this mouth-watering spin on the classic sweet? peterpan-donuts.com

 

 

6. Popbar’s popGelato, popSorbetto, and YogurtPops

mi1If you’re still looking for that creamy ice cream taste, but prefer the no mess eating of a popsicle, try one of Popbar’s pops.  Offered in a variety of flavors, including a make-your-own option, popGelato, popSorbetto, and YogurtPops each provide you with either gelato, sorbet, or yogurt frozen on a stick.  This unique dessert located in the West Village is a must-try with its dual function as a refreshing treat and mini Italian escape. pop-bar.com

7. Blossom duJour’s Smoothies

smoothiesA healthier option that could serve as a light lunch or snack, rather than a sweet dessert, is a smoothie from the 100% Vegan Blossom duJour.  This eatery offers food options for every craving, but their smoothies hit the spot while walking around the city on a warm summer day.  Whether you’re a fan of green smoothies, like the Green Giant, or sweeter, fruity smoothies, like the Strawberry Banana Burst, there’s sure to be an option for you at one of their three Manhattan locations.  blossomdujour.com

8. Culture: An American Yogurt Company’s Frozen Yogurt

124217_79vZAFpBbkDh1NxM36hGfjOpprbNN6zKXOVsixVltLcLighter than ice cream, but more filling than an ice is frozen yogurt, which has been the latest craze in the past few years.  Though there’s no dearth in frozen yogurt options, Culture offers an original experience to customers.  They make sure to provide a dynamic menu to new and returning customers by tweeting their daily menu each morning and offering unique seasonal toppings made with fresh ingredients, such as Strawberry Balsamic.  Next time you’re craving something in between a watery ice or creamy ice cream, head to one of Culture’s locations in Manhattan or Brooklyn to concoct your own delicious treat. cultureny.com

 

 

9. Aroma Espresso Bar’s Frozen Hot Chocolate and Coffee

IceAromaPSometimes we need a pick-me-up during the day to keep us rolling, but a hot cup of coffee does not sound appealing in the high degree weather.  Luckily, Aroma Espresso Bar, located in four Manhattan locations, provides an answer to this conflict with its Ice Chocolate and Ice Aroma drinks.  Each is served with a piece of chocolate on the side, and while the Ice Chocolate is simply a fun drink to enjoy, the Ice Aroma contains coffee to put a little pep in your step. aroma.us

 

 

 

10. Emack & Bolio’s Ice Cream

EB_ConesOne can never go wrong with ice cream on a hot summer day, and Emack & Bolio’s provides this with a constantly changing, one-of-a-kind menu and fun ways to make your ice cream stand out from the pack.  Choose from unique cone options, such as marshmellow Rice Krispie dipped cones, or try out an Ice Cream Pizza.  If you’re looking to take a healthier route, you can order one of the smoothies, or go for yogurt instead.  Still not completely sold?  Try some of their homemade chocolate and fudge, or micro-brewed soda, you’re bound to find something in this fun small-chain ice cream shop. emackandbolios.com

Although the heat can make for some uncomfortable moments this summer, make sure you take the time to cool down when necessary.  With all the fun treats offered throughout New York, you’ll be glad to have this excuse to take a sweet break.

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Chickenshed NYC

<p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed’s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.</p>

Aviator Sports Summer Day Camp

<p>Aviator Sports Summer Day Camp offers five daily rotating activities such as swimming, ice skating gymnastics, rock climbing, parkour, indoor/outdoor turf, and courts plus more in its ample 175,000 sq. ft. facility and 35-acre outdoor area. Aviator Summer Camp also offers off-site and on-site field trips such as a day at Green Meadows Farm, Launch Trampoline Park, and a Brooklyn Cyclones game. The summer camp runs from 9 am-5 pm with early drop off and late stay available. Bus transportation is also available throughout Brooklyn. Lunch and an afternoon snack are included. Sign up by February 28th to receive up to $300 off camp with early bird discounts.</p>

A-Game Sports

<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">A-Game Sports is a premier provider of sports camps, programming and instruction for kids of all ages ranging from toddlers to teens. As an instructional and recreational youth sports facility, our goal is to make athletics a rewarding experience for all kids. A-Game Sports is located in New Rochelle, NY, and offers camps, lessons, customized programs for more than 10 sports and rental space for private events. A-Game Sports was founded in 2013 by two guys who decided that it was time to do what they truly love in life. Since then, we've made the ideology of fusing hard work and fun into a reality. Our dedicated staff of professional coaches share their enthusiasm with kids of all ages and skill levels that take part in our programs.</p> </div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"> </p> </div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">With turfed fields for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and flag football, batting cages and tunnels for baseball and softball, and various basketball programs, A-Game Sports is one of the premiere sports facilities for kids and adults of any age. Aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts will benefit from our many strength and conditioning programs, while children new to sports will learn skills and techniques within their chosen sport, all while having a great time and keeping the game fun.</p> </div>