Abi's Ice Cream Abi's is an artisan shop, loosely patterned after places like Portland's Salt & Straw. Owner Abi Scoggins makes the ice cream herself, using locally sourced, organic ingredients. Flavors range from rich café au lait and bourbon brown sugar to refreshing peppermint and fruity cherry almond. Scoggins also scratch-makes the salted caramel in her caramel swirl, the chocolate chips in her mint chocolate chip and the toffee in her malted vanilla with toffee and chocolate chips. 112 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene • Idaho • 208-930-0699
Brain Freeze Creamery Brain Freeze has been making ice cream in Spokane Valley for local restaurants and ice cream shops for more than a decade, but now the company has its own shop in Kendall Yards and a new location on Spokane's South Hill. Along with an array of interesting ice cream flavors — huckleberry, caramel cashew, Mexican chocolate, Rice Krispies treat — the shop also offers espresso drinks and fresh-made sandwiches. 1238 W. Summit Pkwy., Spokane • Wash. • 321-7569 | 1230 S. Grand Blvd., • 309-3830
Doyle's Ice Cream Parlor Cheaper than chain ice-cream shops and scooping up servings of frozen goodness bigger than your head (believe it or not, that's only a slight overstatement), this little red-and-white-striped building is a favorite in the West Central neighborhood. Decorated with vintage toys, kids love looking around Doyle's, finding a new toy each time they come in, while the masters behind the counter artfully create the best treats. The smell of the homemade waffle cones will draw you in and the taste of the ice cream will keep you coming back. 2229 W. Boone Ave., Spokane • Wash.
Roger's Ice Cream & Burgers Eating a cone at this throwback ice cream stand on bustling Sherman Avenue is a summer tradition in Coeur d'Alene. Homemade fries, a myriad of ice cream flavors, and a good burger have fed sun-tanned and sweaty resort-goers for years. Outdoor seating in the summer and a heated tent in the winter aren't the usual sit-down dining setting, so make sure to bring a jacket and an appreciation for downtown Coeur d'Alene. 1224 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d'Alene • Idaho • 208-930-4900
The Scoop When Alton Brown came to Spokane last year, he was sure to stop by the Scoop. Of course he did. The small neighborhood parlor has a kids' corner and serves sinfully delicious ice cream on homemade waffle cones. Also check out their selection of sandwiches (including a brilliant breakfast bagel) and, in summer, their excellent patio. 1001 W. 25th Ave., Spokane • Wash. • 535-7171
