We all scream for it, right? And with school days looming near, there's no better way to celebrate summer's last care-free days with the cold decadence in a cup or cone.
The competition is getting stiff — or maybe just thick and creamy — with local spots scooping signature recipe goodness from their bins. Winners have been hailed from different sources, but the fun is in trying them for yourself and find your family's favorites. No matter your choice, you'll find a taste of the city you won't find anywhere else!
Check out where to eat up Rutherford County's local homemade ice cream.
1. Lascassas Pastures
6854 Lascassas Hwy., Lascassas
Housed in a bright nook of the Trading Post inside Temple Nutrition in Lascassas, Lascassas Pastures' ice cream is about as local as it gets. Created by farm owners David and Beth Ertle, the ice cream debuted this spring and it's already gaining a following for its thick, sticky texture created by the rich milk. Kids love the chunky bright blue Cookie Monster recipe, while Mint Chocolate Chip and the Southern Bourbon Butter Pecan are crowd favorites. Settle in for a cone at the inviting tables, or let the kids play with the skate boards from the board wall after. Fans will also be able to find the ice cream at Richard Siegel Soccer Park starting with the upcoming soccer season. A percentage of every sale at the soccer park will help fund an endowment for the Wright Family Volunteer Scholarship program.
2. Karin's Kustard and Hamburgers
470 S. Lowry St., Smyrna
This roadside destination on in Smyrna is known for its signature burgers and frozen dairy offerings-- especially their sweetly tart homemade lemon and strawberry custard. Ask for a cup, cone, or swirl and pair it with a burger, a frito pie, or corn dogs for a classic drive-thru meal that will have you planning your next stop in soon.
1002 Memorial Blvd., Murfreesboro
The local sweet spot features 45 flavors of ice cream created with fresh milk and all-natural ingredients alongside homemade paletas, waffles, churros, and funnel cakes. It's an attractive stop-in with brightly colored walls, vintage arcade games, retro red stools for seating, and even a children's area with short seats and tables for little ones.
4. Janarty’s Homemade Ice Cream
111 Front St. Smyrna. 615-918-0085
Janarty's light and silky ice cream comes in a variety of flavors like Double Chocolate, Red Hot Cinnamon, and Cookie Bar Blast, with new flavors debuting on the regular. Add house-made chocolates to your scoops, or pick from bakery goods like fudge, chess bars and cake pops. Gluten-free folks will love the gluten-free waffle cones and cookies. Don’t forget to pose for pics in front of their indoor mural, and then settle in to enjoy your confections while watching people and the trains go by.
116 N. Church St. Murfreesboro. 615-203-3531
This inviting spot with the cozy patio features homemade cones and ice cream made with milk from Tennessee-based Groves Family Dairy. Try the Nana Puddin’, Peach Cobbler, Goo Goo & Jack, and –for you, dairy-sensitive friends!-- dairy-free Coconut Watermelon & Mint. Fun merch like tees and caps are sweet souvenirs, but then there are the pre-packed pints and quarts of creamy goodness that are perfect takeaways, too.
How'd I do? What'd I miss? Where's your favorite local spot for homemade ice cream?
Laura Beth Payne is a writer mama and Murfreesboro native who lives in the Blackman community with her husband and two children. Follow her at @murfreesboromama on Facebook and Instagram. Got a column idea? Email her at laurabethpayne@gmail.com.
