Bites Nearby: King of Pops

The temperature keeps rising, but relief is right on the corner at the King of Pops cart in downtown Athens. Famous for their handmade popsicles, the King of Pops uses only fresh fruit, preferably locally grown. The company, founded by brothers in Atlanta, seeks to “provide an ecologically responsible...all natural frozen treat in a fun neighborhood environment.”

Many of the King of Pops flavors are made with seasonal ingredients, and just reading the list of summertime offerings can cool you down: Blueberry Watermelon, Georgia Peach and Basil, Fig Honey Raspberry Ice Tea, Watermelon Cucumber Lime, to name a few. Chocolate Sea Salt, Coconut Lemongrass, and Grapefruit Mint are some of the year-round flavors. Come fall, you can try Apple Spinach Ginger or Pumpkin Pie pops.

Though the company’s carts hearken back to the days ice cream and ices were sold using hand-pushed carts in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, these are not your great granddaddy’s popsicles. These pops have a contemporary gourmet twist and the flavor combinations change frequently. You can either be surprised or check Facebook for flavor postings.

If you are headed to Atlanta, check the website for cart locations and events. The company serves great pops, but they also serve the environment. All of their fruit waste goes to community gardens and they strive to recycle most of their other products.

The King of Pops is the definition of cool.

Two Locations in Athens: (1) Lumpkin St. and E. Clayton St. Open Monday through Friday from 3:45 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (2) 320 S. Jackson St. Open Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 706-410-5276. Pricing: $2.50 a pop.