In the heart of Santa Cruz, a unique celebration unfolded on a sunny Sunday, as former mayor Don Lane embarked on a mission to honor the sweetest of treats: ice cream. Lane, a self-proclaimed ice cream enthusiast, had a vision to showcase the city's diverse and creative ice cream scene, and so the California Ice Cream Tour was born. This wasn't just a casual stroll; it was a journey through the state's frozen delights, with a personal touch that made it truly memorable.
A Sweet Adventure
Lane's passion for ice cream is evident in every detail of the tour. From matching ice cream cone tattoos with his daughter to a bike adorned with the tour's logo, his enthusiasm is infectious. The tour began in Southern California, meandering through the Central Valley, and eventually made its way to Santa Cruz, where Lane's roots run deep. The city's four local ice cream makers, each with their own unique flavors and stories, became the stars of the show.
One of the highlights of the tour was Gran Gelato Caffé, a relatively new addition to the Santa Cruz scene. The owners, Luciana and Sandro Costanza, had traveled to Italy to learn the art of gelato-making, and their flavors, like hazelnut and popcorn, were a hit with Lane and his crew. The Costanzas' passion for sharing their craft with the community was palpable, and it's this kind of dedication that makes Santa Cruz's ice cream scene so special.
A City's Pride
Lane's tour wasn't just about the ice cream; it was about celebrating the local businesses that make Santa Cruz so unique. The city's four local creameries, each with their own story and flavors, were the stars of the show. From Mission Hill Creamery's 16th anniversary celebration to The Penny Ice Creamery's classic charm, each shop had its own charm and character. Lane's proclamation from Mayor Fred Keeley added a touch of official recognition to the fun, highlighting the importance of these local businesses to the community.
A Personal Touch
What made the tour truly special was the personal connection Lane brought to each stop. He engaged with the shop owners, shared stories with customers, and even had a special dish created for him by his daughter, Soji Howe. This level of engagement made the tour feel like a celebration of friendship and community, rather than just a casual crawl through the city's ice cream shops.
A Sweet Takeaway
As Lane's tour continues up the state's north coast, it's clear that his passion for ice cream and community is infectious. The California Ice Cream Tour is more than just a celebration of frozen treats; it's a testament to the power of local businesses and the joy that comes from sharing a sweet moment with someone you care about. So, the next time you're in Santa Cruz, be sure to stop by one of the city's local ice cream shops and experience the magic for yourself. After all, as Lane says, 'It's a really beautiful thing to sit and eat ice cream with someone, because you're having fun. It's a light mood.'
In my opinion, the California Ice Cream Tour is a brilliant example of how a simple idea can become a powerful celebration of community and local businesses. It's a reminder that sometimes the sweetest moments in life are the ones we share with those closest to us, and that a little bit of ice cream can go a long way in bringing people together.
