Beaver Creek Market – Tucked away by the Children’s Fountain in Beaver Creek, you’ll find the Beaver Creek Market, a family owned and operated establishment known for their homemade ice cream and fudge!  They also have sandwiches, soups, groceries, and gift items, however the sweet are the stars and are a perfect ending to a day of adventure.

Fuzziwigs – Located between the Children’s Fountain and Gore Creek in Vail, Fuzziwig’s candy store has bulk candy, chocolate confections, and ice cream for kids and kids at heart.  It’s in the heart of the Vail Village, perfect to pop in while strolling, after a day on the slopes or hiking, or as a post dinner treat.

Kiwi International Delights & Coffee – Kiwi is a family owned and operated establishment, founded when the owners missed their Mexican style ice cream and coffee from their heritage.  While the concepts of using fresh fruits in ice cream are of Mexican descent, they learned the Italian style of gelato and sorbetto making, truly making Kiwi an international experience.  They have dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan frozen confections for those with dietary restrictions, in addition to their Mexican treats like empanadas and frescas con crema. 

Rimini – Rimini creates their gelato each day with whatever whimsy their pastry chefs are yearning for—be it pumpkin spice, Dr. Pepper, or even Girl Scout Cookies (when they’re available!).  The gelato is handcrafted, as is the sorbetto for guests who are dairy-free.  There are two locations, one in Beaver Creek and the other in the Lionshead Village in Vail, so you can appease your sweet tooth no matter which mountain you are visiting.  Make sure to save room for their coffee or hot chocolate.  The coffee is crafted with a traditional antique coffee maker with local beans, and their hot chocolate is truly a decadent, chocolatey experience not to be missed!  They also craft their own pastries, cookies, and chocolates too, if you want to take something to go which won’t melt!

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory was founded in another mountain town, Durango, in 1981.  Since then, they have grown immensely but have stayed true to their roots making delicious chocolate.  In their Vail shop, you can find live chocolate demonstrations, and smells of caramel and chocolate in the air.  You’ll find your favorite classic treats like homemade fudge, caramel apples, fine chocolates, and chocolate-covered you name it!  While I’m not certain how long the Vail location has been around (originally at the top of Bridge Street, and now in the Lodge at Vail by the International Bridge), I can remember going there as a little girl to get treats!

Sundae – Sundae is a small batch artisan ice cream shop, with rotating flavors inspired by our valley.  You’ll find Colorado cherries in the early summer, Palisade peaches, Rocky Ford melons, and more depending on the season, as well as their spin on beloved classics.  It is made on site from scratch, without artificial colors or ingredients (although they know kids want sprinkles and grown ups still love their Oreos).  The same goes for their waffle cones, ice cream cakes, and take home items—all made on site from scratch with the best ingredients!  There are two locations for your sweet fix, both in the Vail Village at the beginning of Bridge Street by the Skier Sculpture and in the Corner at Edwards.

Special Mentions!

Blue Moon Bakery – While not technically in our valley, I can’t leave out the Blue Moon Bakery (and it’s only one county over, so if you’re enjoying time in Summit County you’ll need a place for sweets!).  Blue Moon Bakery was founded by a professional and classically trained pastry chef in 2004, and they spoil us.  From cupcakes to scones to cookies to whoopee pies, the selection rotates and is always delicious.  They have the largest selection of gluten free items as well, and all their GF items are also made in house.  In addition to their sweets, which you see immediately upon walking in the door, they also serve delicious breakfast and lunch, with house-made bagels as the star. 

Butterhorn Bakery – Also located in Summit County, along Main Street in Frisco is Butterhorn Bakery.  They have been in business for 40 years serving made from scratch breakfast, lunch, and dessert.  Their freshly baked pastries, cookies, and breads put me in carb-heaven, and even when I stop by for lunch I can’t leave without taking something to go.