INSIDE SCOOP

MOO COW ICE CREAM 541 OCEAN BLVD, ST SIMONS ISLAND GA 31522 912-638-1350 • moocowssi.com • OPEN YEAR ROUND

The winter doldrums were setting in and a road trip was necessary to wipe them away. So, like the Beverly Hillbillies, we loaded up the truck and drove to Georgia – St. Simons Island to be speci c. It was a restful removal from the northern climes and, while we had hoped to be greeted with warmth and sunshine, we only got sunshine. It was actually warmer at Backroads Central than along the coast of Georgia. Oh well, the best laid plans, as they say. We ate, we touristed and we strolled the historic sights. During our strolling, we kept passing a wonderful little ice cream shop, which seemed to always be closed. I pushed my nose against the window (wiping the smudge afterwards) to see if anyone was really inside but, alas, not a sole in sight. On our last day in St. Simons, on our way back from visiting Jekyll Island, we made one more attempt and, voile, the doors were open and the ice cream was being scooped. I had already studied the menu and the notes for ordering (think Soup Nazi but without the yelling or banning) and, with sheckles in hand, entered to get my St. Simon’s treat.

Moo Cow Ice Cream opened its doors in 2011, with chef/owner making artisanal ice cream at his restaurant in Brunswick, GA and serving it up to their loyal and returning customers in St. Simons. Their digs are unique, housed in a vintage 1950s repurposed gas station just a few steps from the main village area. The scooping space is whimsically colorful, with room next door and outside for seating to enjoy your dairy delights.

Sally Hardman bought the shop the following year and Jody, the general manager, has been there ever since. She was there solo during our visit and was more than happy to let me sample some of their unusual avors before making my decision. They have

24 avors, which they rotate and this day there were too many to try. I was intrigued by the Almond Honey Lavender and Red Sangria, both very tasty. What I settled on was a scoop of Georgia Peach and Almond Honey Lavender, a great combination and very complimentary. Brian went for the Banana Puddin’ and Vanilla, also great. Some of their other unusual creations include Candied Bacon, Caramel By The Sea, Avocado, Gorgonzola, Jonah’s Krispy Kreme, CoCo Vino, and Chocolate Diablo. Jody says their best selling avors are Sea Turtle, Nolan’s Choc ‘n Choc and Honey Lavender.

You can have your ice cream in a single, double cup or cake, waf e or sugar cone or by the pint, as well as oats and sundaes. There are a variety of gourmet pops and take-home items should you be staying close by with a freezer available. They even cater to your four-legged friends with Doggie Nice Cream!

Jody, originally a metro Atlanta native, now calls Saint Simons Island her home. She is the chief ice cream chef, creating hand-churned ice creams such as Jonah’s Krispy Kreme and Honeymoon Sweet. She also helps run the social media page. As an amateur feature photographer, Jody enjoys taking photographs of the happy customers enjoying Moo Cow’s delicious ice cream and incorporating them into the social media page. After talking with Jody, we spent some time sitting outside, enjoying our ice cream and people watching. Next door to Moo Cow’s is a nice Mexican restaurant should you want to have a bite before dessert. St Simons Island is a lovely escape from the northern cold or a great stop should you be heading south to Bike Week. Not only can you get some super ice cream, there is enough history in the area to keep you busy for many days, which means even more ice cream.

Enjoy and we’ll see you on the road. ,

Do you have a favorite ice cream spot? Let me know: shira@backroadsusa.com