It’s hot…the steamy, sweaty, sticky hot that Severna Park has been enduring for what seems like an eternity. However, when the temperatures start climbing and you need something frosty and sweet to cool you off-you don’t have to look far! 

Within a mile of each other, Severna Park has your frozen dessert options covered – Gelato from Annette's Cakery , Italian Ice and custard from Rita's of Severna Park, Ice Cream from Maggiemoos and Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin Robbins, as well as low calorie frozen desserts and yogurt from Tasti D Lite. .

Annette's Cakery

562 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park. 410-315-9650 http://annettescakery.com/

Annette's Cakery is open Tue. and Wed. from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thurs.– Sat. from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.  There are 18 flavors of gelato (Italian ice cream made with less butterfat than traditional ice cream) and six flavors of Sorbet (lactose-free Italian Ice made with fruit and sugar). 

According to owner Annette Drew, the most popular flavor is Cookie Dough. In addition, Drew added that kids love her “dirt” flavor (complete with gummy worms) and birthday cake. 

Drew said that she has runners and bikers who come in from the B&A trail and enjoy the lactose-free and vegan-friendly sorbet shakes.  When asked what makes Annette's Cakery special, Drew smiled and said: “We use natural, wholesome ingredients and can make about any flavor.  We also don’t make mass amounts of anything…everything is made in small batches.” 

The “summer pick” at Annette's Cakery is the Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Gelato, made with real strawberries, whole milk and bits of chocolate.  Drew also added pineapple sorbet as one of her featured flavors this summer. 

Prices range from $2.50 for a kids cup to $4.25 for a large cup (not including tax).

Rita's of Severna Park

567 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. 410-647-1265 http://www.ritasfranchises.com/stores/store.cfm/Severna%20Park-21146/store/499

 Located in the middle of the Severna Park Village Shopping Center parking lot, Rita's of Severna Park is open daily from noon to 9 p.m.  Rita's of Severna Park offers: Italian Ice (made by blending ice with real fruit), Frozen Custard, Gelati (which is Italian Ice and Frozen Custard layered), Misto (a smoothie-like shake made with Italian ice and custard) and Blendinis (Italian Ice, or Frozen Custard blended with a variety of mix-ins-like peanut butter cups, Oreos, M&Ms, etc.). 

According to Rachel Truffer, assistant manager, “Mango – hands down is the most popular flavor.”  Truffer also stated: “Cookies and Cream is considered a unique flavor because people don’t expect to have such a creamy flavor when using the Italian Ice.” 

The newest flavor is cantaloupe, which Truffer says has a similar taste to watermelon. When asked what makes Rita's of Severna Park special, Truffer was quick to answer: “All the different options.  You can make so many combinations from the Italian Ice and the frozen custard.  With the Blendini, customers can use the different mix-ins to create their own flavor combination.” 

Prices range from a kids cup of Italian Ice for $1.60, a regular Italian Ice is $2.25 and a quart is $4.70 (prices are higher for Gelati, Frozen Custard, Mistos and Blendinis ).

MaggieMoos

550 Ritchie Hwy., Severna Park. 410-544-8920 http://www.maggiemoos.com/store-details.aspx?id=402

MaggieMoos is located in the Severna Park Plaza and is open Mon.- Thurs. from 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Fri. and Sat. from 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 9:30 p.m. 

MaggieMoos offers 24 flavors of ice cream that is made fresh in the store with a variety of mix-ins (peanut butter cups, M&Ms, cookies, sprinkles, etc.), ice cream dream cakes, ice cream pizza, ice cream cupcakes, shakes and smoothies. 

Shift-lead employee, Lily Hogue says that Better Batter or Chocolate are the most popular flavors. In addition, she said that Red Velvet is the store's most unique flavor.  It is a combination of Better Batter, Cheesecake and Chocolate. 

Hogue added that each week MaggieMoos offers a seasonal combination – this week the feature is “Maggie’s birthday float.”  When asked about what makes MaggieMoos stand out from other ice cream shops, Hogue stated: “Variety – there are not many places where you can get so many different choices.” 

Prices start from $3.15 for a kids cup/cone to a regular cup/cone at $4 and a large at $4.65 (additional mix-ins and combinations are priced higher).

Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin Robbins

604 Ritchie Hwy , Severna Park. 410-315-9196 http://www.baskinrobbins.com/

Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin Robbins is open Mon.-Sat. from 5 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sunday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

Ice cream, shakes, soft serve, ice cream cakes and sundaes are all available.

Jimmy and Kashmira Fadadu, who took over ownership in June, both agree that the traditional flavors of vanilla and chocolate are the most popular.  They added that mint chocolate chip is also popular.    Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin Robbins is featuring a flavor of the month, Super Soldier Swirl in anticipation of the upcoming movie, "Captain America." 

This featured flavor is vanilla ice cream swirled with blue chips and cherry flavored ribbon.  Both of the Fadadus agree that “Super Soldier Swirl” is definitely a unique flavor! 

When asked about what makes their store special, the Fadadus answer simultaneously: “The best taste!  We have the best service and the best ice cream in the world!” 

Prices range from $1.69 for a kids cup, $2.19 for a single scoop and $3.49 for a double scoop.

Tasti D Lite

580 Ritchie Hwy , Severna Park. 410-793-5942 http://www.tastidlite.com/index.php/component/option,com_location/location,107/

Located in Severna Park Plaza, Tasti D Lite is open Mon. – Thurs. and Sundays  from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. from 11 a.m. –9 p.m. 

Tasti D Lite is new to the frozen treat landscape in the park as they opened their doors in February of 2011. 

Tasti D Lite offers 100 flavors of low-calorie frozen dessert made with natural ingredients and no artificial sweeteners.  Store Manager, Mary Templin said the top three flavors are:  Cake Batter, Dutch Chocolate and French Vanilla. 

In addition, Templin thinks the “Acai” is a unique flavor, “ …because Acai is a very strong berry- flavorful and aromatic.” 

Tasti D Lite lists its flavors of the day on their website as well as on their facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/tastimaryland#!/tastimaryland?sk=wall).

When discussing the qualities that make Tasti D Lite special, Templin was quick to answer, “We are all-natural and nothing artificial. We have lower fat, sugar and calories and we offer a healthy option for dessert,” adding: “Not to mention, it is really cool to make 100 different flavors.” 

Prices range from $3.49 for a small cup, $4.29 for a regular and $4.99 for a large cup.