Sugar Fix: Great Shakes

Whenever I travel, I take finding the best desserts very seriously. In a new place, sampling the treats locals adore is part of having an authentic experience. During my recent trip to Palm Springs I was able to visit not one, but two, stellar ice cream spots. The first was Ice Cream and Shop(pe), attached to the Arrive Hotel, and the second was called Great Shakes. I had started following Great Shakes on Instagram (@greatshakesps) about a week before our getaway, so I knew these frozen confections were going to be very decadent. 

The day we visited we had just gotten back into town after a road trip to the town of Idyllwild. We were hot from hiking and the car ride so a giant milkshake sounded like the perfect refreshment before going back to the house to jump in the pool.

We opened the door to Great Shakes and the first thing I saw was this sign: 

Amen, sister! 

The front wall of the shop is home to the giant shake menu. I was tempted by so many flavors: Almond Joy, Brownie Almond Crunch, Caramel Coffee and S'more. 

After much deliberation, I went with Oreo Mint with fudge swirl. 

While your shake is being made, you can read all about the history of candy in the United States. 

I found my favorite, Gummi Bears, right away. 

I also noticed a pretty killer accolade from Buzzfeed was framed on the wall. 

The shop has lots of seating, so if it's too hot to sit outside, you can seek refuge in the air conditioning. 

Our names were called when our shakes were ready and I felt my eyes nearly bug out of my head at the sight of them. 

Mine (Oreo Mint) is on the left, and my friend's (classic chocolate) is on the right. Both shakes are garnished with a mountain of whipped cream, chocolate shavings and a glazed donut on the straw. Subtle. 

My shake was full of real Oreo pieces, I got some in every sip. The ice cream was super creamy. If our rental house had been walking distance, there is no question I would have stopped in here daily. 

I know I'll be going to back to Palm Springs. For those who have been, other dessert places I need to check out?