CV's Top 5 Places for Summer Treats

I scream. You scream. We all scream for something cool and sweet, don’t we? 

Luckily, Castro Valley residents can choose from five locations in town to soothe a summertime sweet tooth.

Whether you’re looking for a quick scoop on a cone, yummy frozen yogurt, a meal before your super-duper ice cream sundae or an old-time ice-cream parlor experience, it’s all right here in Castro Valley.

These days Baskin-Robbins has more than 31 flavors to offer. Um, let's say more like 1,000 and counting. You can try the current flavor of the month, Picnic Punch, Watermelon and Green Apple sherbet swirled together into a colorful confection. If you sign up for the birthday club, you can get free ice cream on your birthday. Head on over to on Redwood Road across from Safeway on a Tuesday and all scoops are just $1.50.

Looking for a home-cooked meal before you dive into your ice cream sundae? is an all-in-one café, candy shop and ice cream parlor. You can choose from Niman Ranch burgers and a gourmet selection of grilled cheese sandwiches to signature sundaes including the monstrous yet satisfying Cookie Monster Sundae. You can also watch the fudge, peanut brittle and chocolates being made at the candy counter. Knudsen’s offers a Hurry Back discount Mondays through Thursday, buy-a-burger get-one-free on Mondays, , free kid's meal with an adult meal on Wednesdays.

, with its signature pink and white decor, is like stepping back into a 1950s ice cream parlor. You can either grab a table or take your ice cream to go. Flavors like Butter Brickle, Chocolate Showers, or Guava Sorbet are among the more unusual. Located in Castro Village Shopping Center, Loard’s also offers seasonal sweets like Valentine’s chocolate hearts, chocolate Easter Bunnies, and Christmas fudge.

If frozen yogurt is more your style, Yogofina is also in Castro Village Shopping Center. This self-serve-style fro-yo offers some truly interesting flavors like Red Velvet Cake, Acai Berry, and Tart as well as one of the largest selections of toppings around. Yogurt and toppings are priced by weight and the ambiance combines bright colors and modern glass furniture.

Yogurt Deluxe is the new incarnation of Golden Spoon, located on East Castro Valley Boulevard in the new Safeway shopping center. Yummy flavors to try include Angel Food Cake, Root Beer Float and Pomegranate. You can also try some of the sweet toppings like rock candy, gummy worms (my daughter’s favorite) and fruit.

Though the weather hasn’t been exactly sizzling this summer, it is still fun to get out and have a tasty treat with someone you care about—or even by yourself. For some of us older folks, we may even feel like a kid again. Now that’s something to scream about.

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