They say you can’t buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream - and on a sweltering summer day, that’s pretty close. While many indulge in this frozen favorite year-round, the official start of summer means the heat is here to stay, and a cold, creamy treat is more tempting than ever. 

 Whether it's a classic cone, a decadent sundae, or a creative new flavor, there’s nothing quite like ice cream to cool down and sweeten the season. 

 Ice cream may just be the ultimate summer indulgence - refreshing, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. A powerhouse in the U.S. food industry, ice cream boasts a staggering $10.6 billion market value and employs over 200,000 people nationwide as of 2024. With the average American consuming 20 pounds of ice cream each year, it’s clear this frozen favorite isn’t just a treat - it’s a tradition. 

 Ice cream has a rich and fascinating history, with origins tracing back nearly 4,000 years to China, according to some food historians. The first written recipe appeared in 1665, but ice cream’s evolution in America took off in the mid-19th century. 

 In 1844, Nancy Johnson of Philadelphia revolutionized ice cream production by inventing and patenting the first hand-cranked ice cream maker and freezer, paving the way for homemade ice cream. 

 Just a few years later, in 1851, Jacob Fussell of Baltimore launched the first mass-production ice cream business, making it more widely available to the public. 

 Today, ice cream remains a cherished American favorite, with the top flavors being chocolate, cookies and cream, vanilla, and strawberry - in that order. 

 While grabbing a frozen pack of Neapolitan from the grocery store is always an option, Galveston’s ice cream scene offers far more enticing ways to indulge. 

 

 Enjoy your frosty treat with a front-row view of the Gulf on an outdoor patio, savor it steps away from the beach and Seawall, or make it part of a relaxing evening near hotels and restaurants - ideal for an after-dinner or late-night indulgence. Some parlors sit in the heart of downtown, providing the perfect snack for a stroll among charming shops, galleries, and picturesque waterfront views. With over a dozen dessert shops across the island, serving everything from classic cones and sundaes to rolled ice cream and frozen custard, the choices are endless. The food crew at Galveston Monthly Magazine has curated a selection of standout frozen treats, ensuring every ice cream loving reader finds something special - because we believe everyone deserves a little extra sweetness in their lives. 

 BEN & JERRY’S Located at 4408 Seawall Boulevard, Ben & Jerry’s is perfectly positioned for a refreshing treat while strolling along Galveston’s waterfront. Famous for their imaginative flavors - often inspired by musicians, comedians, and public figures - each scoop blends ice cream with indulgent mix-ins, creating a uniquely satisfying experience. 

 The Galveston location is locally owned and operated, offering visitors a welcoming atmosphere just steps from the beach. 

Conveniently situated near hotels and restaurants, it’s an ideal stop for both tourists and locals looking to cool off with a delicious frozen treat.