A Sweet Showdown on South Gay Street
In the heart of Knoxville, a delightful debate is taking place among ice cream lovers. Right on South Gay Street, you’ll find three charming ice cream parlors, each with its own unique flavor and vibe. These delightful spots—Cruze Farm, Kilwin’s, and The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain—are all within easy reach of one another, turning this stretch of street into a veritable ice cream haven.
Cruze Control
First up is Cruze Farm, a local gem that prides itself on its farm-to-cone freshness. The ice cream here orbits around its star—fresh milk from a dedicated herd of Guernsey cows that roam free on the Cruze Dairy farm. Colleen Bahtti, the owner, shares that they deliver their rich, non-homogenized milk twice a week right to the shop, ensuring the smoothest and creamiest ice cream experience.
Visitors can choose from a rotating selection of 12 delectable flavors, including the classic sweet cream, rich chocolate, and refreshing strawberry, alongside seasonal favorites like pumpkin and innovative options crafted from local ingredients, such as Honey Lavender and Matcha Tea. And don’t forget their soft-serve offerings, which make for a quick and satisfying treat, especially on a hot summer day! The atmosphere is simple yet inviting, with bright diner-style seating that makes families feel right at home.
The Phoenix Arises
Just a hop, skip, and jump away lies The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain, a charming time capsule that mixes nostalgia with sweetness. This historic establishment resides in what was once Knoxville’s tallest building, echoing a bygone era of classic soda fountains and pharmacy remedies. The Selby family runs this quaint spot, serving up premium ice cream from Blue Bell, with flavors that span from the traditional to the extraordinarily delicious.
With eight flavors always on hand, including seasonal treats, patrons is encouraged to linger, sip on a soda, or maybe try their infamous “Over The Moon” Moon Pie sundae. The décor is cozy with elegant wooden features, and the seating arrangements invite guests to stick around and savor their ice cream experience. Whether you opt for a casual scoop or a grand dessert, the laid-back atmosphere at The Phoenix makes it a perfect stop for enjoying a scoop or two.
Kilwin’s Kills It
Finally, we have Kilwin’s, the well-known chain that brings its rich legacy of ice cream to South Gay Street. While it might be a chain, Kilwin’s offers anything but ordinary treats. With over 150 locations nationwide, they make sure to keep quality at the forefront. Each flavor is carefully crafted using fresh, locally sourced milk and transported in temperature-controlled trucks to maintain that divine creamy texture.
With 32 flavors on deck and more in the wings, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re trying their famous Kilwin’s Tracks or a simple yet delicious vanilla cone topped with homemade hot fudge, the richness of Kilwin’s ice cream is hard to beat. Though the shop is small with limited seating, the outdoor vibe is perfect for those who love to wander, ice cream in hand, while soaking in the beautiful surroundings of downtown Knoxville.
Choose Your Sweet Adventure
So, there you have it! Whether you prefer the homemade softness of Cruze Farm, the nostalgic charm of The Phoenix, or the expertly crafted flavors from Kilwin’s, there’s no shortage of delightful options along South Gay Street. No matter which parlor you choose, you’re in for a special treat—or as Annie Lennox might put it, a sweet dream indeed! So get your cone, grab a friend, and let the ice cream adventure begin!
