There’s nothing quite like a cold, creamy scoop of ice cream to cool off on a hot Florida day. Whether you’re wrapping up a fun day at the park, taking a break from shopping, or just looking for a sweet escape from the heat, Clay County has no shortage of fantastic ice cream spots to satisfy your cravings. From nostalgic soft-serve stands to trendy rolled ice cream shops and refreshing Italian ice locations, there’s a frozen treat for everyone to enjoy! With a mix of beloved local gems and popular chains, this guide will take you through some of the best places in Clay County to indulge in a scoop, a swirl, or a shake.
Royal Moose Coffee Company (Middleburg)
Don’t let the name fool you—Royal Moose Coffee Company is more than just a great place to grab your morning latte! This independently owned Middleburg shop is a hidden gem for frozen treats, offering everything from indulgent frozen mochas to creative, seasonal drinks. Sip on a Frozen Butterbeer, bursting with butterscotch and caramel goodness, or cool down with one of their fruit smoothies. With fun summer specials like Italian sodas and a Neapolitan Latte, and an always-welcoming atmosphere, Royal Moose is a fantastic stop if you’re looking for an icy treat.
Dreamette
(Orange Park & Green Cove Springs)
A beloved local spot, Dreamette has been serving up delicious soft-serve ice cream for decades. Their menu includes sundaes, dipped cones, milkshakes, and banana splits, all made with classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. The topping selection is extensive, with options like fresh fruit, M&Ms, Reese’s, and Butterfinger. If you’re looking for something different, try one of their soda floats, slushies, or the refreshing Dole whip.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice (Orange Park, Fleming Island)
For those who love a mix of creamy and icy, Jeremiah’s is the perfect spot! This popular chain specializes in layering Italian ice with soft-serve ice cream, creating a unique and flavorful experience. With over 40 flavors to choose from, including seasonal offerings, there’s always something new to try. Whether you go for a refreshing fruit-flavored ice or a rich and creamy Gelati, you can’t go wrong at Jeremiah’s.
Pelican’s SnoBalls (Green Cove Springs)
Bringing the taste of New Orleans to Clay County, Pelican’s SnoBalls offers over 100 flavors of shaved ice. Their menu features everything from tropical flavors like mango and pomegranate to dessert-inspired options like cheesecake and red velvet cake. For an extra special treat, try one of their Signature SnoBalls, like the Rainbow (cherry, pineapple, and blue raspberry) or the Dinosaur (sour grape and orange, topped with a gummy dinosaur). Pair your SnoBall with a cream topping for an extra indulgent twist.
Whit’s
Frozen Custard (Orange Park)
If you’re in the mood for something extra creamy, Whit’s Frozen Custard is the place to go. Made fresh daily, their custard is rich, smooth, and full of flavor. Choose from their classic vanilla and chocolate, or try the rotating flavor of the week. You can customize your treat with a variety of toppings, including fresh fruit, nuts, and candies. Whit’s also offers specialty items like banana splits and strawberry shortcake, as well as grab-and-go pints and quarts for later enjoyment.
Swirl
Suites (Orange Park)
For a fun and interactive ice cream experience, head to Swirl Suites in the Orange Park Mall. This shop specializes in rolled ice cream, which is made fresh on a cold plate right before your eyes. Signature flavors include blueberry cheesecake, maple walnut crunch, and cookies & cream. In addition to rolled ice cream, they also offer milkshakes, smoothies, sundaes, cookies, and Belgian and bubble waffles. With both an indoor mall entrance and an exterior entrance, Swirl Suites is easy to access whether you’re shopping or just stopping by for a treat.
Maggie D’s Ice Cream (Middleburg)
A classic neighborhood ice cream shop, Maggie D’s serves both hand-dipped and soft-serve ice cream, as well as sundaes, milkshakes, and floats. Their menu features delicious options like ice cream cookie sandwiches, hot fudge sundaes in waffle bowls, and banana splits. Be sure to check out their flavor of the week for a rotating selection of tasty surprises. Maggie D’s is also known for supporting the local community, frequently hosting spirit nights where a portion of their sales benefit local schools and organizations.
Cold Stone Creamery (Fleming Island)
For a fully customizable ice cream experience, Cold Stone Creamery is a great choice. This well-known chain makes its ice cream fresh in-store and mixes in your choice of toppings on a frozen granite slab. Flavors include classics like chocolate, cookie dough, coffee, and French vanilla, while mix-ins range from chocolate chips and caramel to fresh fruit and brownies. In addition to ice cream, they also offer milkshakes, smoothies, and pre-packed pints and quarts to take home.
Whisk Café (Keystone Heights)
A sweet new spot in Keystone Heights is serving up more than just ice cream. This cozy café offers hand dipped and soft serve ice cream along with fresh soups, sandwiches, salads, and savory pastries. You will also find delicious specials like bold and creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with juicy shrimp and andouille sausage, or cozy cheesy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo. The Iced Mochaccino is also back. Freshly made, full of flavor, and convenient for busy families, this café is quickly becoming a local favorite.
No matter what kind of frozen treat you’re craving, Clay County has plenty of spots to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re indulging in a classic banana split, trying a new Italian ice flavor, or watching your ice cream being rolled to perfection, these local shops offer a delicious way to cool down. Next time you’re in the area, be sure to stop by one (or more) of these fantastic ice cream spots and treat yourself to something sweet!
