Ice Cream and the Savannah Lifestyle
With long, warm summers and a culture built around strolling through historic squares, Savannah is a natural ice cream city. Locals and visitors alike enjoy stopping for a scoop after dinner, cooling off during afternoon walks along the river, or grabbing a pint from the grocery store for a relaxing night at home.
This list includes iconic local parlors as well as popular brands widely available in Savannah grocery stores and scoop shops. Each has earned its place through flavor, quality, and the joyful experiences it creates.
1. Leopold's Ice Cream
No list of Savannah ice cream is complete without Leopold's. Founded in 1919 by three brothers from Greece, the parlor has become a beloved Savannah institution. Its vintage soda fountain atmosphere, handcrafted recipes, and signature flavors such as Tutti Frutti and Lemon Custard draw long lines of visitors and locals throughout the year. The shop's history, including a connection to Hollywood through the family's film industry ties, adds to its charm.
2. Kilwins
Kilwins on River Street offers premium ice cream alongside fudge, chocolates, and caramel apples. Its rich flavors and waffle cones made fresh in the store are perfect for a riverfront stroll. Families appreciate the variety, while chocolate lovers enjoy pairing a scoop with handmade confections.
3. Savannah's Candy Kitchen
Best known for pralines, Savannah's Candy Kitchen also serves ice cream and gelato in a nostalgic setting. Visitors can watch candy being made while enjoying a cool treat, making it an entertaining stop for families exploring River Street and City Market.
4. Blue Bell Creameries
Blue Bell is a Southern favorite that fills freezers across Savannah grocery stores. Known for its old-fashioned recipes and flavors like Homemade Vanilla and Southern Blackberry Cobbler, the brand has a loyal following among families who grew up with it.
5. Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni's is celebrated for inventive flavors and exceptionally smooth texture. Its pints, available at many Savannah grocers, appeal to adventurous eaters who enjoy creative combinations such as brown butter almond brittle and salty caramel.
6. High Road Craft Ice Cream
Based in Atlanta, High Road Craft Ice Cream brings Georgia-made, chef-driven flavors to local freezers. Its commitment to premium ingredients and culinary creativity makes it a favorite among food enthusiasts who want to support a regional brand.
7. Ben & Jerry's
Ben & Jerry's is known for chunky mix-ins, playful flavor names, and a strong commitment to social causes. Its pints remain among the most popular choices in Savannah supermarkets, especially flavors like Cherry Garcia and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
8. Häagen-Dazs
Häagen-Dazs offers a dense, creamy texture made with a short list of simple ingredients. Its classic flavors such as vanilla bean, coffee, and dulce de leche are perfect for those who prefer refined, traditional ice cream.
9. Tillamook
Tillamook, a farmer-owned cooperative, has gained popularity in Savannah for its extra-creamy ice cream and generous portions. Flavors like Oregon Strawberry and Mudslide deliver excellent value and consistent quality.
10. Baskin-Robbins
With its famous lineup of flavors, Baskin-Robbins remains a familiar favorite for birthday cakes, sundaes, and quick scoops. Its ice cream cakes are especially popular for children's parties throughout the Savannah area.
Ice Cream Trends in Savannah
Consumer tastes are evolving. Many Savannah shoppers now seek out dairy-free and plant-based options made from oat milk, almond milk, or coconut cream. Lower-sugar and high-protein varieties appeal to health-conscious buyers. Local parlors experiment with seasonal ingredients such as Georgia peaches, figs, pecans, and honey, connecting ice cream to the region's agricultural heritage.
Artisan and small-batch brands are also on the rise. Customers increasingly value transparency about ingredients and sourcing, and they enjoy discovering unique flavors they cannot find elsewhere.
Best Times and Places to Enjoy Ice Cream
Summer evenings are prime ice cream time in Savannah, when temperatures cool slightly and the historic district comes alive. Grabbing a cone and walking to Forsyth Park or along the riverfront is a classic experience. Spring festivals, such as the Savannah Music Festival and the St. Patrick's Day celebration, also bring crowds seeking sweet treats.
If you plan to visit Leopold's, expect a line during peak hours. The wait moves steadily and is part of the experience, but visiting earlier in the afternoon can help avoid the busiest times.
Pairing Ice Cream with Southern Desserts
Savannah's dessert culture offers endless pairing opportunities. A scoop of vanilla on warm peach cobbler or pecan pie is a Southern tradition. Butter pecan ice cream complements praline candies, while chocolate ice cream pairs beautifully with red velvet cake.
Final Thoughts
From a historic soda fountain that has served generations of Savannahians to beloved brands available in every grocery store, the Hostess City has no shortage of excellent ice cream. Whether you prefer classic vanilla or adventurous flavors, these ten choices are sure to make any Savannah day a little sweeter.