Want to sip on milkshakes that are as delightful as the retro spots serving them?
Take this road trip to Florida’s most dreamy milkshake destinations!
1. Larry’s Ice Cream & Gelatos (St. Pete Beach)
Our first stop takes us to the sun-soaked shores of St. Pete Beach, where Larry’s Ice Cream & Gelatos stands like a beacon of sugary salvation.
This cheerful yellow building with its red trim is impossible to miss – it’s like the ice cream gods themselves decided to paint a landmark.
As you approach, you’ll notice a vintage yellow and white car parked out front.
It’s not just for show, folks – it’s a time machine disguised as an automobile, ready to transport you back to the golden age of ice cream parlors.
I half expected to see the Fonz leaning against it, giving me a thumbs up.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a dizzying array of flavors that would make Willy Wonka jealous.
From classic vanilla to exotic gelato concoctions, Larry’s has something for every palate.
And let’s not forget about their milkshakes – thick, creamy, and so good you’ll want to hug the person who invented straws.
As you sip on your shake, take a moment to appreciate the retro vibes.
The red chairs outside are perfect for people-watching, or in my case, ice-cream-watching.
Because let’s face it, there’s nothing more entertaining than seeing the look of pure joy on someone’s face as they take that first lick of a perfectly swirled cone.
2. Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour (Dania Beach)
Next up, we’re heading to Dania Beach, home of the legendary Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour.
This place isn’t just an ice cream shop – it’s a full-blown spectacle, a circus of sweetness that’ll make your dentist weep and your inner child rejoice.
As you approach, you’ll notice the red and white striped awnings that make Jaxson’s look like the world’s most delicious big top.
The neon sign glows like a beacon, calling all ice cream lovers to gather ’round.
And gather they do – the line often stretches out the door, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Step inside, and you’re transported to a wonderland of vintage memorabilia and enough ice cream to fill an Olympic-sized pool.
The menu is longer than some novels I’ve read, with sundaes sporting names that sound like rejected superhero alter egos.
My personal favorite? The “Kitchen Sink” – a behemoth of a sundae served in an actual kitchen sink.
It’s meant for sharing, but I won’t judge if you attempt it solo.
Just remember to lift with your legs, not your back.
But we’re here for the milkshakes, and oh boy, does Jaxson’s deliver.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill shakes – they’re thick enough to stand a spoon in, crowned with a mountain of whipped cream, and served with the extra in the mixing tin.
It’s like they’re saying, “Here’s your shake, and here’s some more shake, because we like you.”
As you sip (or spoon) your way through this creamy masterpiece, take in the sights and sounds around you.
The jukebox in the corner, the vintage signs on the walls, the happy chatter of families making memories – it’s all part of the Jaxson’s experience.
Just be prepared for the inevitable brain freeze.
In this place, it’s a rite of passage.
3. Frostbite Ice Cream & More (Frostproof)
Our next stop takes us to the aptly named town of Frostproof, where Frostbite Ice Cream & More stands ready to give you the chills in the best possible way.
Don’t let the name fool you – there’s nothing frigid about the welcome you’ll receive here.
This unassuming little shop might not have the flashy exterior of some of our other stops, but don’t let that fool you.
It’s like that quiet kid in school who turns out to be the funniest person you know.
The simple white building with its cheery sign is like a blank canvas, ready to be painted with the colors of your ice cream dreams.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a menu that reads like a “Who’s Who” of frozen delights.
Their milkshakes are the stuff of legend – thick, creamy, and packed with so much flavor you’ll wonder if they’ve somehow managed to liquefy happiness itself.
But here’s the real kicker – Frostbite isn’t just about ice cream.
Oh no, they’ve got a whole “& More” section that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Hot dogs, hamburgers, fries – it’s like they’re daring you to have a full meal before diving into dessert.
And let me tell you, I am not one to back down from a dare, especially when it involves food.
As you sit outside on one of their picnic tables, shake in hand, take a moment to appreciate the small-town charm.
This is the kind of place where everybody knows your name – and your favorite flavor.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best things come in small packages.
Or in this case, in a styrofoam cup filled to the brim with frosty deliciousness.
4. Twistee Treat (Various locations)
Alright, folks, brace yourselves for something truly special.
Our next stop isn’t just an ice cream shop – it’s an architectural marvel, a beacon of hope for sweet-toothed travelers, a… giant ice cream cone building.
Yes, you read that right.
Twistee Treat locations are shaped like enormous soft-serve cones, and if that doesn’t scream “STOP YOUR CAR AND EAT ICE CREAM,” I don’t know what does.
These whimsical structures dot the Florida landscape like sprinkles on a sundae, each one a testament to the state’s commitment to all things quirky and delicious.
It’s as if someone took a child’s crayon drawing of an ice cream shop and said, “Yes, let’s build that.”
And thank goodness they did.
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Step up to the window (because yes, you order from outside the giant ice cream cone), and you’re faced with a menu that’ll make your inner child do backflips.
Their soft-serve is the stuff of legends – creamy, smooth, and swirled to perfection.
But we’re here for the shakes, and Twistee Treat doesn’t disappoint.
Their milkshakes are a perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence.
They’re thick enough to make your straw stand at attention, but not so thick that you’ll dislocate your jaw trying to drink them.
And the flavors? Oh boy.
From classic vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous options, there’s something for every shake aficionado.
As you sip your shake, take a moment to appreciate the sheer absurdity of your surroundings.
You’re drinking a milkshake while standing next to a building shaped like the very thing you’re consuming.
It’s ice cream inception, and it’s glorious.
5. Dairy Belle Ice Cream (Dania Beach)
Our penultimate stop brings us back to Dania Beach, where Dairy Belle Ice Cream stands as a testament to the enduring power of family-owned businesses and really, really good ice cream.
This place has been serving up scoops of happiness since 1998, and they show no signs of slowing down.
As you pull up, you might think you’ve stumbled upon a quaint little cafe.
The white building with its cheery blue trim looks like it could be serving up grandma’s home cooking.
And in a way, it is – if grandma was really into creating mind-blowing ice cream concoctions.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a menu that’ll make your eyes widen and your wallet weep (in the best possible way).
Dairy Belle isn’t just about ice cream – they’ve got a full menu of savory treats too.
It’s like they’re saying, “Sure, have a burger. But we both know you’re here for the sweet stuff.”
And oh, the sweet stuff.
Their milkshakes are a thing of beauty – thick, creamy, and available in more flavors than you can shake a stick at.
Why you’d want to shake a stick at a milkshake, I don’t know, but the option is there.
What sets Dairy Belle apart is their commitment to quality.
Everything is made fresh, with real ingredients.
No weird chemicals or unpronounceable additives here – just good old-fashioned deliciousness.
As you sit outside, shake in hand, take a moment to people-watch.
You’ll see families making memories, couples on dates, and solo ice cream enthusiasts living their best lives.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the best.
6. Sloan’s Ice Cream (West Palm Beach)
For our grand finale, we’re heading to West Palm Beach, where Sloan’s Ice Cream awaits to dazzle your senses and possibly induce a sugar-fueled fever dream.
Brace yourselves, folks – we’re not in Kansas anymore.
As you approach Sloan’s, you might wonder if you’ve accidentally stumbled onto the set of a Willy Wonka reboot.
The storefront is a riot of pink and gold, with twinkling lights and an entrance that looks like it was designed by unicorns on a sugar high.
It’s not just an ice cream shop – it’s a full-blown sensory experience.
Step inside, and prepare for your jaw to drop.
The interior is a kaleidoscope of colors, with toys dangling from the ceiling, a train chugging along overhead, and enough whimsy to make even the grumpiest adult crack a smile.
It’s like someone took all the joy in the world, liquefied it, and used it to paint an ice cream shop.
But we’re here for the milkshakes, and oh boy, does Sloan’s deliver.
These aren’t just milkshakes – they’re works of art.
Towering creations topped with everything from entire slices of cake to cotton candy clouds, these shakes are Instagram-famous for a reason.
They’re the kind of desserts that make you say, “I shouldn’t… but I will.”
As you attempt to tackle your shake (and trust me, it is an attempt – these things are massive), take a moment to soak in the atmosphere.
The giggles of children, the oohs and aahs of adults, the gentle tinkling of the toy train – it’s all part of the Sloan’s experience.
And there you have it, folks – a whirlwind tour of Florida’s most fantastic milkshake destinations.
Let the feast begin!
This map is your guide to every flavor, dish, and unforgettable bite ahead.
From retro parlors to giant ice cream cones, we’ve seen it all.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go for a very long walk… or maybe just a nap.