Summer vacation is here, and you get to spend it in Salt Lake City. So, where do you go for a sweet treat to fulfill your need for freedom in the midst of the heat? Here are just a few of my favorite places to help you narrow down all the delicious options and eat the perfect summer treat.

Normal Ice Cream is far from normal. This Salt Lake City made ice cream is gourmet, tasty and more than creative. You can have your choice of multiple ice cream treats. The mocha ice cream bar with homemade, rich coffee ice cream surrounded by a chocolate shell topped with white chocolate shavings is perfect for a coffee lover. Another interesting option, for your dare devil moments, is the peanut butter and jelly ice cream sandwich. Made up of grape ice cream and peanut butter cookies then covered in a peanut butter shell, this ice cream choice will definitely add some adventure to your summer days. You can find Normal inside the east entrance of Trolley Square in their food truck. They are only open Wednesday through Sunday, with hours of operation between 4 and 9 p.m. on weekdays and custom hours on the weekends.

Now, don’t let its shabby looks deceive you, because Hokulia Shave Ice is definitely a refreshing choice during these crazy hot days. Located in the Office Depot parking lot on 400 S. 900 E, this little snow cone booth offers classic snow cones. Between 12 p.m. and 10 p.m, you can choose from a vast amount of flavors, have it put on some ice and indulge in a cool and refreshing dessert for your midday needs.

Next, for those of us who need to fulfill our summer ice cream craving, but still want to feel fancy, you must try Dolcetti Gelato. This quaint little dessert nook, located on 900 S. 900 E, offers a wonderful selection of gelato flavors. Handcrafted in Salt Lake City, Dolcetti’s gelato flavors cycle through, making each visit rather exciting. Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m, be sure to take some time on your Saturday night to try out Dolcetti’s for some deliciously creamy and rich gelato.

Finally, if you don’t want to leave campus due to this excruciatingly hot weather, we have the University of Utah’s very own Ugurt. Started by U alumni, Ugurt serves a classic, rotating variety of frozen yogurt flavors. You can be simple with a cake batter flavor or mix it up with a Hawaiian pineapple and fudge brownie. Whatever you choose, Ugurt will meet your culinary needs. Also, be sure to top off your yogurt with any number of toppings from chocolate chips to strawberries, hot fudge and more. Located just west of President’s Circle and east of The Pie Pizzeria: Underground, this little hole in the wall, Ute proud, frozen yogurt place is definitely a student’s favorite during the summer.

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@AbigailRaasch