Take the Kids: Grab an ice cream pop from Escazu Chocolates and then head to the park
Escazu Chocolates in downtown Raleigh is known for its bean-to-bar chocolate that's earned all kinds of rave reviews since it opened more than a decade ago.
The shop specializes in truffles and fancy chocolates, along with an assortment of bars. At my house, the sea salt bar and roasted cocoa nibs bar, specifically, don't last long thanks to me and my teenage daughter.
But while plenty of people go there for the award-winning chocolate, some might be surprised to hear that the shop also sells ice cream. According to the website, Escazu started making its own ice cream soon after opening. It's made entirely from scratch, using local dairy and eggs, the website says.
The ice cream is served in pre-made push-up pops.
You'll typically find at least four flavors there—chocolate, spicy chocolate, vanilla chocolate chip and a dairy-free chocolate coconut. Often, they'll have some more flavors. At the moment, they're serving a caramel chocolate chip and mole. The ice cream pops cost $4.50 a piece.
The ice cream is incredibly rich and creamy—even the dairy-free chocolate coconut (my personal favorite). And it's delivered in a very kid-friendly way via the push-up pops (though it still can get a bit messy as it melts and drips from the bottom as ice cream does).
The shop features a small table for wee ones who are snacking on their ice cream and want to color too.
Escazu at 936 N. Blount St. also is within walking distance of two great parks—Mordecai Mini Park and Halifax Community Center (which has artistic basketball hoops that are a lot of fun). So it's a great stop before or after some time at the park.
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