Iconic French pastry chef Jacques Torres was the first to utter that classic culinary advice: "Life is short. Eat dessert first." When our real estate agents crave something sweet, they head to these amazing ice cream and dessert spots around Sarasota and Bradenton.

Top Ice Cream and Dessert Spots Around Sarasota and Bradenton

Main Street Creamery - Sarasota, FL

Address: 1359 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236

Owners Roger and Wendy Shenk drew inspiration for Main Street Creamery from traditional ice cream parlors. Take a seat at the window bar or outside tables for some prime people-watching along Main Street, not far from Sarasota homes for sale.

Popular flavors include:

• Triple Peanut Butter
• Birthday Cake
• Key Lime Pie

Hours are noon - 10 p.m. every day but Sunday.

Crepetopia - Sarasota, FL

Address: 4921 Ringwood Meadow, Sarasota, FL 34235

Crepetopia proudly declares that they're not just a dessert shop; they're a destination. Mouthwatering menu items draw from international flavors, and they're crafted as carefully as a work of art.

Which one of these desserts captures your sweet tooth?

• Cinnamon Toast Crunch crepe
• Dubai strawberry croissant sandwich
• S'mores milkshake

Crepetopia is open 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Wicked Awesome Ice Cream Emporium - Bradenton, FL

Address: 4122 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton, FL 34211

Who can resist a shop called Wicked Awesome Ice Cream Emporium? With more than 30 flavors of hard- and soft-serve ice cream, along with 19 toppings and 7 sauces, the possible combinations are endless.

The shop's New England roots are reflected in some of the amusing flavor names:

• Rocky Rhode Island
• Maine Moose Tracks
• Cookie Monstah

Hours are 2 - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 1 - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 - 8 p.m. Sunday.

Vampire Penguin - Ellenton, FL

Address: 6202 US-301, Ellenton, FL 34222

No, Vampire Penguin isn't the title of the latest Hollywood horror film. The whimsical name refers to the unique frozen treat served by this charming shop that's right down the street from Ellenton homes for sale. 

The shaved snow created by brothers Paolo and Leo San Luis brings together the best features of three different varieties:

• Fine texture of Hawaiian ice
• Creaminess of Taiwanese ice
• Nostalgia for American snow cones

Vampire Penguin is open from noon - 9 p.m. daily except Sunday, when doors close at 6 p.m.

Two Scoops AMI — Anna Maria Island, FL

Address: 9908 Gulf Dr., Anna Maria, FL 34216

Two Scoops AMI is a beloved island institution tucked right along Gulf Drive on Anna Maria Island, just minutes from the beach. Whether you're cooling off after a morning on the water or wrapping up a sunset stroll, this charming scoop shop delivers handcrafted ice cream in a relaxed, beachy setting that feels quintessentially Florida.

Stop in and treat yourself to:

• Fresh-made waffle cones
• Rotating seasonal flavors
• Classic sundaes and novelty treats

Two Scoops AMI is a perfect pit stop before or after exploring the island's waterfront neighborhoods.

Shake Pit - Bradenton, FL 

Address: 3801 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34201

Since 1959, Shake Pit has been a fixture near Bradenton homes for sale. Locals who grew up on Shake Pit's juicy burgers and super-thick shakes now visit with their children and grandchildren.

Want an actual meal before dessert? Here are some customer favorites:

• Old-school, diner-style burgers
• Crispy, crinkle-cut French fries
• Chicken cheese BLT

Hours are 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. every day but Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mademoiselle Paris - Sarasota, FL

Address: 1766 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236

Jean and Myriam Dandonneau brought the authentic French bistro dining experience to Sarasota with Mademoiselle Paris. Seven years ago, the couple sold all their possessions and moved from their native country to pursue their passion for food and hospitality.

Here's just a sampling of the decadent pastries from their onsite bakery:

• Napoleon
• Macarons
• Mini beignets

Mademoiselle Paris is open 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Looking for a "Sweet" Deal on a New Home?

Don't lose your cool buying or selling a home. Contact us at Wagner Realty for friendly and experienced help.