Some crowd favorites for ice cream include Cookie Roulette, Chocolate, & Home Means Nevada, staples you're more than likely to find on hand on any given day. Some of their unique flavors include Lemon Lavender, Horchata, Earl Grey, Salted Pretzel, Apple Pie, Mango Cardamom, & a variety of Asian inspired options. I love a good classic flavor as much as the next person, but I also love venturing out and trying new and innovative flavors. There's just so many cultures to borrow from and so much potential for flavor combinations that could work. I'm just thankful to have both traditional and adventurous flavors to look forward to on every visit.
The original owner of the shop, Jeremy, started out selling this ice cream from the back of his bike out of a cooler. After a ton of encouragement from friends & family, he opened a brick and mortar shop in South Reno. When it was time for him to focus on other goals, he passed the business to Juan, who's still keeping Jeremy’s bold, amazing flavors alive with just as much passion. Juan has even added his own twist introducing flavors inspired by his Mexican culture, like a mango Tajin flavor that will remind you of those delicious and highly sought after mangonada drinks from Mexican snack shops.
Juan is awesome... the kind of local business owner that helps make Reno into the loveable city that it is. One visit, he kept my three high energy kids entertained for quite a while without being phased and was happy to share a little about his story. And Juan is just a genuinely nice & down to earth kind of person, dedicated brightening everyone's day with flavorful ice cream and good food. Fun Fact: Juan used to work for De La Rosa in Mexico when he was a kid.
Everything here is made in house, and I love the deli and ice cream combo because it satisfies both hot and cold cravings year round.
With so many unique ice cream flavors to choose from, you might find yourself unsure of what to get. In that case I recommend trying their six flavor flight. Why get one flavor when you can get six at one time? #FoodieLogic. Plus, they're happy to give you samples.
Hope you enjoy this one.
Notes
I’ve been to so many cities, and let me just say that it’s uncommon to find a place like this. Having a peaceful, protected natural area where you can walk along the river, observe wildlife, explore with the kids, and truly feel surrounded by nature is something special. Oxbow Nature Study Area is one of those places that reminds you just how fortunate we are to have spaces like this right here in Reno.
Oxbow Nature Study Area also has a pretty interesting history. This 22 acre preserve sits along a former bend of the Truckee River and protects one of the last remaining natural riverside habitats in the Truckee Meadows. Today, you can explore the area’s trails, wetlands, river habitat, and cottonwood forest while looking for birds and other wildlife along the way.If you haven't already caught on, I always make an effort to seek out places like this that have so much to offer. Fun doesn't automatically have to involve taking your kids to the playground. Adding in some nature trails and sightseeing won't hurt, and just changing up the scene from time to time will go a long way in keeping everyone happy.
I’m so thankful for places like Oxbow Nature Study Area, where I can spend time with my kids and simply enjoy being together, only with a little more adventure and the beautiful soundtrack of nature playing in the background.