Did you miss National Ice Cream Day earlier this week? According to the International Dairy Foods Association, Americans consume about 23 gallons of ice cream each year, on average. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day to commemorate this tasty treat that is central to so many American communities. In Columbus, we don’t need to leave our celebration to just one day as there are so many delicious locales from which to indulge all year round.

At the Greater Columbus Convention Center, meeting attendees are just steps away from these cool (pun intended) Short North establishments:

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
59 Spruce St. (inside North Market) and 714 N. High St.
This nationally lauded artisan ice cream brand was built from the ground up right here in Columbus. The first location opened in the North Market in 2002, where they still have a spot today (though, it’s a larger footprint than the original) and there is also a freestanding scoop shop in the Short North.

Jeni's Signs

Velvet
400 N. High St. (inside Greater Columbus Convention Center)
Velvet Ice Cream is a more than 100-year-old family company located about an hour from downtown Columbus. Free factory tours are offered at the family homestead from May to October, but those short on time wanting to try this local treat need not look further than their location in the food court at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

ye olde mill

Kilwins
662 N. High St.
This locally owned franchise offers 32 flavors of ice cream, fudge, brittle, caramel, chocolate, gift baskets and special-order items alongside a full espresso bar. As the core of the company’s mission, profits are used to support local charitable organizations such as the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer.

Simply Rolled Ice Cream
970 N. High St.
Rolled ice cream, inspired by the street vendors of Thailand, has been growing ever more popular in the United States in recent years. The customizable made-to-order treat are both fun to watch and delectable to eat as the never-been-frozen ingredients transform from liquid to ice cream rolls before your eyes.

CRMD
1190 N. High St.
If there’s one thing millennials can’t be accused of killing, it’s the ice cream industry. With that in mind, the newly opened CRMD (Creamed) will stay open until 2 a.m. to offer the bar-hopping masses a choice of nearly 20 ice creams and sorbets with one topping in a bowl, cone or Beijing-inspired puffle.

Dulce Vida Ice Cream Factory
TBA location
By Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16, the Short North will have a new international goody to enjoy when Dulce Vida Ice Cream Factory opens its doors at a soon-to-be-announced location. Located at the north end of the neighborhood, the menu will feature ice creams and fruit-based treats alongside tamales, tortas, churros and more.

Reach out to our conventions services tastemakers to find out how you can incorporate these delightful delicacies into your next meeting.