Nothing beats the summer heat like a frozen sweet treat. Here are six local places to cool off with a cup or cone that will melt in your mouth or your hand if you don't eat it fast enough.

Cafe Gelato, 845 Reynolda Rd. + 1612 S. Hawthorne Rd. | You'll get a taste of Europe at this cafe offering handmade Italian gelato and sorbet. Each location makes its own flavors in house, so variety differs at each shop.

Chill Nitro Creamery, 616 W. 4th St. | This is the spot if you're ready to take your ice cream up a notch. You can choose your flavor and have it infused with alcohol, then watch it flash-frozen before your eyes. Non-alcoholic options are available and you can add toppings or keep it simple.

Dream Kreams, 102 W. 3rd St., Ste. 102 | The artisanal ice cream shop offers all flavors of ice cream in both dairy and dairy-free options. The dairy-free options are also free of nuts, soy, and gluten and most are vegan friendly.

The Triad Triple Mint, left, and the Piedmont Peanut Butter sundaes come with a heaping of whipped cream. | Photo by @twincitysweets

Abbott’s Frozen Custard, 6312 Clemmons Point Dr., Clemmons | From milkshakes to sundaes, this spot has over 20 flavors. Enjoy freshly made batches daily and bring the kids for a treat. They'll receive free activity and coloring sheets.

La Princesa Frozen Treats, 9 E. Clemmonsville Rd. + 3248 Silas Creek Pkwy. | Everything is made to order using real ingredients at this Mexican treat cafe. There are dairy-free options, too. Don't know what to order? Reader Terry J. says "highly recommend the juice pops and an item that incorporates mango without the chili powder. Kinda like a mango Icee."

Twin City Sweets, 2594 W. Clemmonsville Rd. | This spot has developed a loyal following for its pop culture creations. You can choose a simple scoop of Hershey ice cream or enjoy decadent sundaes like "The Winston Worm" and "the Camel City Cookie."