Article and photos by Renata Haidle

Summer is the perfect season to indulge in cool, refreshing treats, and our community offers a vibrant array of options that cater to every taste. From the rich indulgence of soft-serve ice cream to the nutritious goodness of cold-pressed juices, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Join us as we explore some of the most delicious summer treats available right here in our town.

Rosie’s Frozies: A Family Affair

Launched last year in White Sulphur Springs and relocated back to Billings this summer, Rosie’s Frozies is a food truck that started as a small family business. They are available for community events, offering Wilcoxson's ice cream, shave ice, floats, and, new this year, Rosie’s Toasties: gourmet toast options like Caprese, avocado, and a peanut butter/banana/bacon/agave syrup combo named The Danny, which sounds mighty appealing.

Aloha Coffee and Shave Ice

Aloha Coffee brings a tropical flair to our local food scene, straight from the heavenly island of O’ahu, where owner Roz Winchell’s mother was born. Aloha Coffee offers a variety of coffee drinks, shave ice, and refreshers that are sure to energize your day. Whether you prefer a classic cup of joe or a more adventurous flavor like the Miami Vice Lotus refresher (a mix of gold lotus, strawberry, pineapple, and coconut), Aloha Coffee’s menu has plenty of attractive options. They are located at 3925 Grand Avenue and have a mobile unit that you can find at various community events.

Majik City Açai Sisters

Majik City Açai Sisters provides refreshing açai bowls loaded with fruits, granola, and various delicious toppings, making for a perfect healthy treat. These bowls are not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. Try their very popular Monster Majik, with peanut butter, granola, strawberry, kiwi, mango, and hemp hearts on a ube (purple yam) base - it is a crowd-pleaser. 

Mama Joan’s  Food Truck

Women-owned and operated, Mama Joan’s Food Truck offers a mouthwatering selection of items based on Sioux-inspired Indian frybread - a versatile base for various toppings, from savory to sweet. Try the Wojapi, which is frybread topped with a traditional Lakota berry sauce, the cinnamon bites, coated in cinnamon sugar and covered with a sweet glaze drizzle, or just go for the Original, with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, sour cream, and chopped tomatoes - it is so good! 

Fresco Juice

Fresco Juice is a proud small business that loves bringing “fresh juice, real food, and joyful spirit” to the Billings community. Founder and registered dietitian Cindy Beers has first-hand experience with the healing power of juicing, which transformed her health and life. She offers a range of pure, cold-pressed juices that are not only delectable but also packed with nutrients. It’s a perfect option for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, refreshing drink, be it a blend that detoxes and cleanses or one that hydrates and replenishes your body.

Fresco Juice is located downtown at 2710 1st Ave N.

Community Concessions

Our local parks also offer a variety of summer treats. Stewart Park, Dehler Park, and Oasis Water Park concessions provide everything from classic snacks to refreshing beverages. The Philly cheese steak sandwiches are particularly popular at Dehler Park, often drawing long queues from eager fans. And don’t forget about their legendary ‘Stang burger, a 6-ounce certified Angus beef patty topped with smoked beef brisket. For those with a sweet tooth, ice cream and mini donuts are available. Whether you’re attending a game or just enjoying a day out, these concessions have something to satisfy your cravings.

At the Oasis Waterpark, you can choose between traditional offerings like pizza, hot dogs, and pretzels and healthier options such as grilled chicken wraps and salads. If you’d rather have a sweet treat, you can choose between Italian sodas, Wilcoxson's ice cream, slushies, and more. SLM

Renata Haidle is a Romanian-American photographer, writer, and book author. An avid traveler, she credits Paris for sparking her photography career after her first visit there in 2014. Her first photo book, French Riviera, was published in July 2019.

Originally printed in the July 2024 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

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