Beat the heat with a sweet treat in Raleigh

From gourmet popsicles to endlessly customizable soft serve, Raleigh has plenty of sweet treats to keep you cool all summer.

RAL_Morelia_JUNE2025

Morelia has dozens of surprising flavors to choose from.

Photo provided by Morelia Gourmet Paletas

With temps soaring into the 100s, we think it’s high time for a cold, refreshing sweet treat, and Raleigh’s got something for just about everyone. From dirty sodas packed with ice to creamy smoothie bowls, we’ve got you covered when it comes to keeping cool.

Soft serve

Simons Says Dip This is a relative newcomer in Raleigh, but its creamy soft serve, out-of-the-box toppings like Nerds and potato chips, and fun atmosphere have already made a mark in Glenwood South.

Scooped ice cream

You already know Andia’s is one of our favorites — with inventive seasonal flavors and specialty offerings like ice cream creme brulee and gigantic milkshakes, we just had to sit down with sweet treat mastermind Andia Xouris to learn more.

Popsicles

Pops from Morelia Gourmet aren’t your usual backyard popsicles. These creamy treats can be endlessly customized with anything from flamed marshmallow fluff to chocolate wafers to make a paleta sandwich. Plus, get in on one of this year’s top food trends with a Dubai chocolate paleta.

Perfectly chilled soda

Have you tried a dirty soda yet? Usually made with your typical soda brands plus additional flavors and cream, local brand Sodabox is getting this summery option to everyone with six locations. If you’re new to the trend, we recommend anything with coconut cream and lime for a tropical vibe.

Smoothie bowls

Whether you treat it as dessert or a meal, an acai bowl is a filling + chilling treat for the summer. We’re eyeing the coconut bowls made with raw coconut blended with bananas and coconut milk to cool off any time of day.

More from RALtoday
This new-construction home is filled with modern details and is steps away from 5,000 acres of protected forest.
Sponsored
A 4,000-unit residential living community called Asteria is Disney’s first Storyliving by Disney location on the East Coast.
In honor of National Poetry Month and Raleigh’s first poet laureate position, we’re inviting you to channel your inner Shakespeare, Dickinson, or Keats.
Dive deep into the record bins at these Raleigh music hubs.
Don’t already have a coffee in hand? You will after reading this.
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
Who doesn’t love shopping local? Pack the perfect picnic using only local items.
The Canes clinched the Metropolitan Division title after its last home game of the year against the Boston Bruins — and the postseason is just around the corner.
The 24/7 work club is coming to downtown Oak City in a 101-year-old former school book depository.