Spokane Valley's Love Affair with Ice Cream
Summer in Spokane Valley brings long, sunny days perfect for walks along the Centennial Trail, afternoons at nearby lakes, and evening trips for ice cream. But local residents are just as likely to enjoy a scoop in the depths of winter. The area offers a delightful mix of independent creameries, old-fashioned parlors, Pacific Northwest dairy brands, and national favorites available in shops and grocery freezers.
This guide covers ten ice cream brands and destinations that consistently satisfy Spokane Valley sweet tooths.
Local and Regional Favorites
1. Brain Freeze Creamery
Brain Freeze Creamery is a homegrown Spokane favorite known for small-batch ice cream made with creative and rotating flavors. Its seasonal offerings often highlight regional ingredients, and its pints are sought after by local fans who want a taste of Spokane at home.
2. Doyle's Ice Cream Parlor
Doyle's Ice Cream Parlor is a nostalgic Spokane destination serving generous scoops, sundaes, and milkshakes in a classic parlor setting. Families have made it a tradition for generations.
3. Mary Lou's Milk Bottle
Mary Lou's Milk Bottle is one of Spokane's most recognizable landmarks, housed in a giant milk bottle-shaped building. It serves homemade ice cream, shakes, and diner fare, making it a fun outing for visitors and locals alike.
4. Tillamook
Tillamook, the farmer-owned cooperative from Oregon, produces rich, creamy ice cream that is a staple in Spokane Valley grocery stores. Flavors such as Oregon Strawberry and Mudslide reflect its Pacific Northwest roots and commitment to quality dairy.
5. Umpqua Dairy
Umpqua Dairy is another Oregon-based brand with a loyal Northwest following. Its classic flavors and family-friendly sizes make it a popular choice for backyard barbecues and birthday parties.
National Brands Loved Locally
6. Ben and Jerry's
Ben and Jerry's is famous for chunky, inventive flavors and its commitment to social causes. Its pints are widely available at local grocers and convenience stores throughout the Valley.
7. Haagen-Dazs
Haagen-Dazs is known for its dense, ultra-creamy texture and simple, high-quality ingredients. It remains a favorite for those who prefer classic flavors such as vanilla bean, coffee, and dulce de leche.
8. Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins offers a wide variety of flavors, ice cream cakes, and frozen treats. Its customizable cakes are especially popular for birthdays and office celebrations.
9. Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery lets customers create custom combinations mixed on a frozen granite stone. Its interactive experience and indulgent mix-ins make it a hit with kids and teenagers.
10. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen is an American classic, beloved for its Blizzard treats, soft-serve cones, and ice cream cakes. Multiple locations across the Spokane area make it a convenient stop after games and practices.
What Makes Great Ice Cream
Quality ice cream depends on fresh dairy, a balanced ratio of cream to milk, and the right amount of air, known as overrun. Premium brands typically have lower overrun, resulting in a denser, creamier texture. Natural flavorings, real fruit, and high-quality chocolate also make a noticeable difference. Small-batch creameries can experiment with unique ingredients that larger producers cannot easily replicate.
Ice Cream Trends in the Inland Northwest
Huckleberry ice cream is a beloved regional specialty, celebrating the wild berries that grow in the mountains of northern Idaho and eastern Washington. Dairy-free and plant-based options made with oat, coconut, or almond milk are increasingly common. Locally sourced ingredients, creative flavor collaborations with breweries and bakeries, and seasonal specials keep the local scene exciting throughout the year.
Tips for Enjoying Ice Cream Locally
Visit local parlors during weekday afternoons to avoid summer evening lines. Try sampling unusual flavors before committing to a full scoop. For parties, consider ordering ice cream cakes or bulk tubs in advance, especially during graduation season and the Fourth of July.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ice cream and gelato?
Gelato generally contains more milk and less cream, is churned more slowly, and is served at a slightly warmer temperature, giving it a denser, silkier texture.
Are there dairy-free options in Spokane Valley?
Yes, many grocery stores and ice cream shops offer plant-based alternatives.
What is a classic Northwest ice cream flavor?
Huckleberry is widely considered the signature flavor of the Inland Northwest.
Ice Cream and Community Traditions
Ice cream plays a starring role in many Spokane Valley traditions. Summer festivals, Little League victories, school field days, and Fourth of July celebrations often end with a cone in hand. Local parlors become gathering places where neighbors run into each other on warm evenings, and many families have favorite stops they visit after hikes at Dishman Hills or bike rides along the Centennial Trail.
Local creameries also partner with community organizations for fundraisers, offering special flavors or donating a portion of sales to schools and nonprofits. Choosing to support these businesses helps keep the region's dessert culture vibrant and gives residents more reasons to celebrate together. Even in winter, a pint of local ice cream makes a cozy treat after a day in the snow.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer a nostalgic parlor sundae, a creative small-batch pint, or a trusted national brand, Spokane Valley offers plenty of ways to enjoy ice cream in every season.