Ice cream and cookies and cakes, oh my! If you’ve lived in the KC metro for long, you know we’re not short on places to grab a sweet treat. The area is filled with fun and unique spots to satisfy any craving!
- Sylas and Maddy’s, located in Olathe, Kan., and Lawrence, Kan., is family-owned and -operated since 1997. All their ice creams, as well as their waffle cones, are made fresh in-house daily. Of the 150 flavors, our kids enjoyed the traditional options, but especially loved the one-of-a-kind options, like Mahomes Magic and Sunday Funday! Pro tip: If you’re creative enough to come up with your own flavor, they'll even take customer suggestions!
- New to the sweet treat scene in 2019, One More Scoop, located in Belton, Mo., and Kansas City, Mo., quickly made an impression with their homemade ice cream. Our family found old standby flavors like vanilla bean and strawberry, but also more unique options like Panther Tracks and Mama’s Texas Sheet Cake. Keep in mind that flavors are switched up regularly, so a flavor you’re craving may not always be offered. But hey, the worst that happens is you have to go back, right? They have gluten-free, nut-free and dairy-free options too!
- While you’re shopping in downtown Overland Park, Kan., or strolling through the Overland Park Farmer’s Market, be sure to check out chef-owned Popculture Gourmet Popcorn & Ice Cream. Popculture offers traditional flavors of popcorn like kettle corn, butter and caramel, but also unique gourmet flavors such as Dr. Pepper with Vanilla, Wing Night and Fried Pickle. There’s even a tasting wall with almost 40 different flavors where we tried to find a favorite. Be on the lookout for special seasonal flavors that change almost monthly. They also offer vegan, gluten-free and dye-free popcorns!
- The Golden Scoop, originally opened in 2021 at 95th & Nall, has a new location! Just off 103rd & 69 Hwy. in Overland Park, The Golden Scoop serves up homemade ice cream, as well as baked goods, delicious drinks and fabulous service! The Golden Scoop is a nonprofit cafe that employs people of all abilities. Their newest location features a much larger dining area, a drive-thru and a sensory room for their “super scoopers” to take a break. While the treats are yummy, it’s the service and joyful atmosphere that will keep us coming back!
- If popcorn and ice cream aren’t your jam, head over to Kate Smith Soirée, also located in downtown Overland Park. Kate offers an extensive range of French macarons, fully customizable with any color and flavor. She also does wedding cakes and takes custom orders for all kinds of baked goods, from scones, to cake pops, to brownies and more! Lauren Evans, Overland Park mom of three, says, “My daughter and I will stop in occasionally for a treat, and we just love the charming, small-shop feel. The decor is super cute, and the pink flower wall is awesome for photo ops! The wide variety of pastry items is delicious, and there are so many different flavors of macarons!” To top it off, tea parties are offered every Sunday. You can find more info at KateSmithSoiree.com/Tea-Parties. Pro tip: They book up every weekend, so make your reservation early!
- Sweet Caroline’s, located in the Stanley Station shopping center in Overland Park, is a quaint local, family-owned sweets shop that is sure to satisfy. Here we found some popular bulk and nostalgia candy, homemade fudge, chocolate treats and hand-dipped caramel apples. Their large, hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries are a hot item, but are only available during Valentine’s week. They also serve locally-made Sylas & Maddy’s ice cream (in case you can’t make it to one of their stores!).
- If you happen to be playing at Lake Olathe or Ernie Miller Nature Center this summer, pop into Sweet Thang & Cafe in west Olathe. With ice cream and sundaes as well as warm sandwiches to choose from, our family had no trouble finding something tasty. They offer 42 ice cream flavors, with specialty options like Bear Claw, Superman and Purple Cow, as well as more traditional flavors and a couple of non-dairy flavors. Lynsey, Olathe mom of three, says, “The kids and I try a different ice cream every time we stop in. We’ve liked them all! The Mama’s Italian sammie is good too!” Pro tip: You can also order online for pickup or delivery.
- Looking to get those creative juices flowing? Head into Creative Culture for a little DIY project and a gourmet milkshake. With flavor options like strawberry cheesecake, birthday cake and s’mores, this was a milkshake like no other! All shakes are served in a mason jar that we got to take home, along with the DIY project we chose. Many project options are available for different ages and price points. Drop in the next time you are in downtown Kansas City, Mo., or check out the Park Place location in Leawood, Kan.!