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While Napa Valley has long been celebrated for its world-class wineries and sophisticated dining scene, there’s a delightfully unexpected way to experience this iconic destination—through its chill ice cream and sweet treats. Our recent sweet sojourn through the valley revealed that some of life’s most memorable moments happen when you embrace the simple pleasure of a perfectly crafted frozen treat.
The Art of the Ice Cream Crawl
There’s something wonderfully liberating about trading wine tastings for ice cream samplings, even if just for an afternoon. Our tour took us through four cool downtown stops, each offering its own interpretation of frozen bliss against the backdrop of Napa’s grape landscape.
Stop One: Vintage Sweet Shoppe – A Nostalgic Beginning
Our journey began at Vintage Sweet Shoppe, where the art of shaved ice takes you back to childhood. This charming establishment brings a cup of simple ice into silky, snow-like perfection, infused with flavors that crunch and dance on the palate. The experience feels delightfully nostalgic yet refined – provided you don’t dye your lips blue – a fitting introduction to Napa’s sweeter side and an awesome stop at the Historic Napa Mill.
Located just steps from the Inn, Vintage Sweet Shoppe is like an old school candy store, but for adults.
Stop Two: Lappert’s Ice Cream at Oxbow Public Market – Hawaiian Soul in Wine Country
Nestled within the bustling Oxbow Public Market, Lappert’s brings a touch of Hawaiian aloha to Napa’s culinary landscape. This isn’t your everyday ice cream parlor—it’s an experience steeped in tradition and craftsmanship that dates back to the islands.
The creamy, dense texture of Lappert’s ice cream tells the story of time-honored techniques and premium ingredients. Surrounded by the market’s artisanal energy, enjoying a scoop here feels like discovering a well-kept secret.
Oxbow Public Market is just a half mile walk from the Inn, at 610 First Street.
Stop Three: Anette’s Chocolates – Where Sophistication Meets Indulgence
Leave it to Napa to elevate the humble ice cream experience to fine art. At Anette’s Chocolates, the affogato becomes a symphony of contrasts—rich, velvety espresso cascading over premium vanilla gelato, creating that perfect marriage of bitter and sweet, hot and cold.
This stop epitomizes Napa’s ability to take familiar concepts and refine them into something extraordinary. Anette’s opened in 1991, taking over the spot of Partrick’s Candy Store which had originally opened in Napa in 1896. Anette’s is continuing the hand-made candy tradition with an upscale Napa twist.
Stop Four: Ben & Jerry’s on Main Street – Community and Comfort
Our final destination brought us full circle to the comfort of the familiar, but with a distinctly local twist. This locally owned and operated Ben & Jerry’s location on Main Street represents the beautiful intersection of global beloved brands and community spirit.
There’s something deeply satisfying about ending an adventure with flavors that feel like old friends, served by people who are genuinely part of the neighborhood fabric. It’s a reminder that the best experiences often blend the extraordinary with the wonderfully ordinary.
Stop by the shop at 1136 Main Street and enjoy the refurbished stone walls of the old stone building erected in the late 1800’s with several other buildings of note on the same street.
The Sweet Side of Wine Country
In a region known for its sophistication, there’s something beautifully unpretentious about chasing ice cream trucks and savoring shaved ice. It’s a reminder that joy often comes in the simplest forms, and that sometimes the most memorable travel experiences happen when you follow your sweet tooth rather than the schedule.
For those inspired to embark on their own Napa ice cream adventure, consider this your invitation to see the valley through a different lens. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime local, this sweet tour offers a fresh perspective on a familiar destination.
Need help creating an itinerary just for you? Stop by the concierge desk and see where the new, cool spots are to savor something deliciously refreshing.
Save this itinerary for your next Napa Valley visit and prepare to discover that wine country’s sweetest treasures might just be found in a scoop, not a glass.
