July is National Ice Cream Month in the United States, a sweet tradition celebrated annually since 1984, when President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation designating July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day. This year, National Ice Cream Day falls on Sunday, July 20, 2025. Across the country, ice cream lovers and companies mark the occasion with special events, promotions, and—of course—plenty of frozen treats.

Here in Smithville, residents have no shortage of ways to join the celebration, with several local spots serving up everything from classic scoops to small-batch creations.

Sweet Tea Cafe: Local Flavors, Farm-Fresh Taste

A new favorite in town, the recently relocated Sweet Tea Cafe now features hand-dipped ice cream from Shop Springs Creamery, a family-owned business in Lebanon, Tennessee. Shop Springs Creamery is known for its true farm-to-table experience, producing fresh milk, ice cream, cheese, and butter from cows raised on their own land.
Sweet Tea Cafe owners Mary and Dennis Sherman offer eight delicious flavors at the cafe. While traditional favorites like mint chip and salted caramel are always on the menu, customers can also look forward to unique options such as Monster Cookie and a rotating selection of seasonal specialties. Ice cream is served by the scoop, in either cups or waffle cones.

Webb’s Pharmacy: A Nostalgic Soda Fountain Experience
Webb’s Pharmacy, Gifts & Soda Fountain is a Smithville institution, established in 1881 and recognized as one of the oldest pharmacies in Tennessee. The business, now located at 608 S Congress Blvd, is famous for its nostalgic soda fountain and lunch counter, which were revived when Webb’s moved to its larger, more visible location.

·         At Webb’s, visitors can enjoy a classic small-town experience with a menu that includes:

·         Handspun milkshakes, floats, sodas, sundaes, and cones
Old-fashioned desserts like banana splits

Worth the Drive: Paleteria Neveria La Real Michoacana
If you’re up for a short trip, head over to McMinnville and discover Paleteria Neveria La Real Michoacana, a Mexican ice cream shop renowned for its traditional paletas (popsicles), ice creams, and a wide variety of frozen treats. With an incredibly large selection, it’s a destination for anyone seeking new flavors and frozen delights.

Pick up a pint to take home at C&S Farms store.

C&S carries pints of ice cream made from milk produced by Sunrise Dairy Farms, a local, family-run farm. Sunrise Dairy Farms is renowned for its fresh, non-homogenized milk (with a natural cream line), artisan cheeses, and hand-dipped ice cream—all processed on-site using low-temperature pasteurization.

Celebrate All Month Long

Whether you prefer classic favorites or adventurous new flavors, Smithville’s local ice cream shops are ready to help you celebrate National Ice Cream Month in delicious style. Grab a cone, savor a sundae, and enjoy the taste of summer right here in our community.

Happy National Ice Cream Month, Smithville!

Mark MyGrant is a retired educator turned food writer and blogger.  To read more view Mark’s blog at Whatscookingsmithville.com