Sweet Dreams - Homemade Ice Cream & Sorbet

According to a Localism.com blog post by Angela Elliott, Sweet Dreams is "the best ice cream shop in Gainesville." Elliott raves, "What I like about Sweet Dreams is that they are not afraid to branch out and make unique flavor combinations, some that may even be considered a little 'weird' by some people's standards."

Sweet Dreams, which opened its doors in 2005, satisfies a large crowd of ice cream-goers by offering the classics (mint, chocolate, vanilla, cookie dough) alongside the new flavor combinations - with even a few strange ones. During my visit, the flavors included butter rum (with Meyer's dark rum), Bailey brownie, raspberry chip (delicious, in my opinion), Italian coffee, and eggs & bacon. But it doesn't stop there! The also offer dairy-free sorbet and Italian ice.

All of the ice cream is made in-house and the flavors rotate so each time you visit, you are given a new selection to choose from. In fact, according to Gainesville.com, the owners, Mike & Lisa Manfredi, make about 70 gallons of ice cream in 5-gallon batches on production days. Sweet Dreams is also a member of the Eat Local Challenge sponsored by Hogtown Homegrown. The initiative, which occurs every May, challenges residents to eat locally at least once a day, whether it be through locally-grown produce or by supporting locally operated restaurants. The participants can track their progress and enter to win prizes at the end of the challenge period.

During this visit to Sweet Dreams, I chose a S'mores Sundae, which involved vanilla ice cream covered in graham cracker crumbs, thick fudge, fluffy whipped topping, and a cherry. It was quite delicious, and perfect for 2 to share for an afternoon snack!


It's not about presentation here - ice cream is served either in a cone or a Styrofoam cup. But, if you're in the mood for a treat, whether it be a classic flavor or something new, head over to Sweet Dreams - just for dessert.

Sweet Dreams
3437 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32607
(352) 378-0532