Ice cream season has officially begun in the 828. In honor of this week’s temperatures, which are projected to be in the high 70s and low 80s — and the sweet, refreshing treats we need to cope with the heat — we’re bringing you a roundup of the tastiest, most unique ice cream treats in town.

Our challenge to you? Try them all before the end of the summer, and let us know your favorite.

Don't sleep on the Vaco Loco Sundae from 10th Muse. | Photo by AVLtoday

Vato Loco Sundae | 10th Muse Comfort Food, 1475 Patton Ave. | Behold, the treat that inspired this article. This absurdly decadent creation features horchata ice cream mixed with waffle cone, peanuts + Dulce De Leche. It’s then topped with a chocolate magic shell — and nope we’re not done yet — a Klondike Choco Taco. ProTip: You can also order this treat in milkshake form.

The Boston Shake | The Freeze of Asheville, 1091 Patton Ave. | This specialty milkshake — available in any flavor on the menu — is served with a sundae on top. Yeah, you read that right. We are big fans of the chocolate milkshake with a raspberry sundae.

The Happy Face Sundae by Whit's | Photo by AVLtoday

Happy Face Sundae | Whit’s Frozen Custard, 565 Merrimon Ave; 1840 Hendersonville Rd. | This custard treat has sprinkles for its hair, candy eyes, a cookie dough nose + gummy worm smile. Can it be anymore adorable?!

The Cookie N Cream at Leo's House of Thirst | Photo by AVLtoday

Cookies N Cream Cake | Leo’s House of Thirst, 1055 Haywood Rd. | This “deconstructed,” tapas-style ice cream cake pairs mint chocolate chip ice cream with freeze dried fruit, cherry cola sauce, cherry compote + cake for a mind-blowing flavor experience.

Fruity Pebble Milkshake | Whirly Bird, 794 Haywood Rd.| Made with vanilla ice cream, fruity pebbles, whipped cream, and marshmallow drizzle. Vegan and gluten-free versions are also available.
Affogato | French Broad Chocolate Lounge, 10 S. Pack Sq.| Enjoy a double shot of espresso poured over a 3 oz. scoop of locally-sourced, scratch made ice cream.

The Romeo & Juliet | Sunshine Sammies, 99 S. Lexington Ave. | The latest exciting combo from this artisan, ice cream sandwich shop: a cream cheese, guava-swirled ice cream served in a graham cracker cookie.
The Jitterbug | The Hop Ice Cream Cafe, 640 Merrimon Ave.; 167 Haywood Rd.; 721 Haywood Rd. | For all you coffee lovers, enjoy espresso shots in your milkshake with ice cream spun from either whole milk, coconut milk, or almond milk.