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It is no secret that Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan campus are home to a variety of the best cuisines, and this does not stop at desserts. If you are lucky enough to be on campus this summer, here are some must-visit places for a sweet treat. Whether you're having a relaxing day with friends or walking around town on a hot summer day, these treats are bound to make your day!

Support Local Ice Cream Shops

Ann Arbor is filled with amazing ice cream shops. If it is not already on your bucket list to eat at all of them, it should be now!

First, Washtenaw Dairy located on Ashley Street has been around for 86 years and is an Ann Arbor staple. They offer over 30 ice cream flavors as well as hand-dipped shakes and malts. They have a variety of classic ice cream flavors along with unique flavors not found at other local ice cream shops. In addition, you can order an ice cream cake, donuts, coffee, and even a sundae bar catered to your event.

Next, stop by Blank Slate Creamery’s Ann Arbor location on West Liberty Street where they serve all natural homemade ice cream, sorbet, and dairy free treats. They offer over 30 flavors of ice cream and have a variety of gluten free, vegan, or dairy free options to accommodate dietary restrictions. Their flavors rotate so check out their website, and if a certain flavor catches your eye, you are going to want to go get in line at Blank Slate Creamery!

Michigan-made ice cream, coffee, and gourmet chocolates, say less! Michigan Creamery on South State Street is family owned and has a variety of summer treats. If you are looking to cool off on a hot day, this is the place to go as they offer ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, custard, and ice cream cakes. They have two rotating flavors of custard and over 30 hand-dipped ice cream flavors. 

Lastly, grab a treat from Milk & Froth on South Main Street. They are a Detroit-born business and make dairy-free and vegan ice cream from scratch using no artificial flavoring. They use real ingredients and hand craft them in their Eastern Market kitchen. They have a variety of flavors and even retail pints in local stores such as Plum Market, both on North Campus and West Campus.

These ice cream shops are just a few of Ann Arbor's gems close to campus. Make sure you try them all and search for your new go-to flavor!

Grab a Treat at a U-M Dining Hall

If you are looking for a quick, easy, and delicious fun treat throughout any of your summer days, you do not have to look far! The U-M dining halls offer a huge variety of desserts, and you can try something different everyday and at every location, or stop by any of the main residential dining halls and grab yourself some ice cream from any of the soft serve machines. Whether you're in the mood for carrot cake with cream cheese frosting in South Quad or orange creamsicle rice krispy treats in North Quad, Michigan Bakery has you covered. Just check the MDining website to view the locations and menus to grab yourself a fun summer treat!

Use Your Blue Bucks

Lastly, if you are looking for a summer treat to take home and enjoy in the comfort of your own home or patio, spend your Blue Bucks! Check the list of places that accept Blue Bucks and go from there. Go to the Union for a treat you already know and love, like a cookie from Panera. Or make a day out of it, check out the Museum of Natural History and stop by Darwin’s Cafe for a refreshing smoothie. There are so many ways to enjoy a summer snack when you go to the University of Michigan! 

Enjoy!

It is extremely important to support local businesses while you enjoy a fun summer in the greatest city in the world! If you enjoy, make sure to leave a review and share with your friends when everyone returns to campus this fall. That being said, take advantage of the amazing dining options available on campus as well. I hope this guide helps you find your favorite summer dessert here in Ann Arbor!