Next time you want to visit a neighboring city, visit West Covina, Calif, especially if you’re looking for a temperature-dropping treat.

With the extreme temperatures this past week, I visited Downtown Covina, a perfect place to hang out with friends, roommates or for a (solo) date. Two places I would like to give honorable mentions to are:

“Scoops on Tap”

This ice cream parlor is unique, with plant-based ingredients and alcohol-infused choices. Don’t let the small-sized parlor fool you—there’s a treat for everyone and many to choose from.

They carry familiar ice cream flavors, such as Madagascar Vanilla Bean, Butterscotch Toffee and Dutch Chocolate. But really, the ones worth trying are the wacky creations they make like Hatch Green Chile, Kitchen Sink, Pecorino & Pears and Cherry Cola Sorbet, just to name a few.

As you can see, the names sound questionable, but believe me, they’re all delicious. Or, don’t believe and try them yourself, in any way you’d like.

With so many options to choose from, you’ll have to visit more than once or even order the Taster Delight, which allows you to choose three flavors. You can add ice cream to make a cookie sandwich, milkshake, soda flavor, cold brew shake, or cold brew coffee.

Now, for the alcohol-infused, you can choose from a selection of beers and wine to create a beer float or wine float or order a flight of either drink choice. There are also alcoholic and non-alcoholic slushie options.

All treats can be enjoyed inside or on their patio. Please choose responsibly.

“Lyfestyle 495”

This trendy spot for acai bowls and fresh juices is two doors down from “Scoops on Tap.” It’s an all-white shop with two aesthetic backdrops to pose your treat and patio seating to enjoy it. 

There are a variety of juices with fresh ingredients to choose from, including The Basics (cucumber, orange, apple, spinach), The Glow (kale, orange, apple, carrot, beet, ginger), Tropical So Bomb (pineapple, carrot, lemon, ginger, turmeric) and even single-juice options. 

Superfood Blend smoothies are also a great option for any active person or health enthusiast to fuel themselves. With names like Mango-Tango, Date Nyte, and Paradise Passion, who can resist? 

Well, anyone who would prefer their acai bowls. You can choose their signature bowls, like The Lyfestyle Bowl and  Everything Basic, or build your own acai bowl—all options in three different sizes to enjoy. With so many combination possibilities, you may become a regular. 

Once you have paid, you can enter your number to participate in their rewards and redeem your points after a certain amount. You’ll have a good time here with friendly customer service, a healthy treat and points earned for it.

Whether you need a break from school, work, or a quick pick-me-up, these two places should be on your list of places to visit. 

Photo courtesy of Alicia Herrera