4 of Huntsville's favorite ice cream spots + 2 new locations to try right in time for summer

big spoon creamery — Oh, so many flavors! (Big Spoon Creamery / Instagram)

It’s going to be another hot summer for Huntsville, with the average high being around 90° (and some days, even higher). Luckily, there are plenty of locations in both Huntsville and Madison selling freshly-made, chilly treats to help you cool down.

We reached out to our Instagram followers and got the scoop on the locals’ favorite ice cream shops are around town.

1. Handel’s Ice Cream

A delicious tradition that started in the summer of 1945 in Ohio, Handel’s Ice Cream serves dozens of different flavors in the same uniquely creamy texture. You can find Handel’s in 10 other states, and we’re happy to be home to both of the only Alabama locations.

Locations: Hwy 72 W + Four Mile Post Rd SE
Hours: 11AM-10PM everyday
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2. Rita’s Italian Ice + Frozen Custard

rita's frozen custard — Fresh, creamy flavors. (Rita’s Italian Ice / Instagram)

Don’t let their name fool you — Rita’s sells more than just Italian ice and frozen custard. You can combine the two delicacies into gelati, or blend them even further into a Blendini or Misto Shake. There are plenty of flavors to be discovered at Rita’s, so be sure to check out their Madison location.

Where: 8046 Hwy 72 W, Madison, AL 35758
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 12-8PM, Friday-Saturday 12-9PM
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3. Three Scoops

three scoops ice cream — Do you like your scoops in a bowl or waffle cone? (Curtis Venetta / Hville Blast)

Three Scoops was founded in Huntsville by a family trio (how perfect, right?) who wanted to provide their community with a variety of sweet treats, including some healthier choices. The owners plan to develop a catering option and a mobile vending service.

Where: 6125 University Drive, Suite C10, Huntsville, AL 35806
Hours: 11AM-10PM everyday
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4. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream opened their first location in Pennsylvania in 1989, and since then, they’ve expanded to 21 other states including Guyana and South Korea. All of Bruster’s treats are made in-store, from their famous flavors to their shakes and freezes.

Locations: Huntsville + Madison
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 12-9PM, Friday-Saturday 12-10PM (Huntsville); Monday-Thursday 1-8PM, Friday-Sunday 12-9PM (Madison)
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5. ChillaBay Dessert Bar

chillabay ice cream — You can never go wrong with an M&M topping. (ChillaBay / Instagram)

The owners of Honest Coffee Roasters — a Huntsville and Madison hotspot — have opened a brand new dessert bar. Step inside and you’ll be transported to a different world full of good vibes and fresh flavors sure to help you chill out.

Where: 92 Shorter St Suite B, Madison, AL 35758
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 12-9PM
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6. COMING SOON — Big Spoon Creamery

Big Spoon Creamery was co-founded in 2014 by the O’Hara family in Birmingham, and soon, they’ll be opening their third location in Huntsville. Expected to arrive this May, their goal is to connect community through people’s love for ice cream, ice cream sandwiches and premium sundaes.