The older I get, the more I love ice cream. Especially locally-made ice cream. 

I mean, how can the same dessert turn magically different when made with different hands, different toppings, different methods? I don't know, but the kids and I love trying it out!

Therefore, we had a blast at Scoopy's Ice Cream on Memorial Boulevard. The local sweet spot, which recently had its grand reopening, features 45 flavors of ice cream (yes, you read that right) alongside homemade paletas, waffles, churros, and funnel cakes. It's an attractive stop-in with brightly colored walls, vintage arcade games, retro red stools for seating, and even a children's area with short seats and tables for little bodies. Perfect for an ice cream play date!

While it's the first of its line in Murfreesboro, Scoopy's has 10 La Michoacana sister stores throughout the mid-state. "La Michoacana is a very popular ice cream shop in Mexico," notes Scoopy's owner Antonio Alonso. "There are thousands of stores there.  Michoacan is a state of Mexico where the paletas was created back in the '60s." 

The brand was brought to Tennessee when Alonso's family immigrated from Mexico with the dream to open ice cream shops in the states. His father owned shops in Mexico and Alonso wanted to bring the flavors here. Scoopy's was created when he wanted to incorporate more American favorites with the authentic Mexican flavors.

And there are plenty of flavors to try!

After we calmed down from the sight of all that ice cream piled high in their silver bins (I had to keep quieting my highly excited 3-year-old son) the kids and I settled on the Mint Chocochip with a homemade chocolate waffle cone, Chocolate M&M, and the Ferrero Rocher palletta with Nutella and Rocher chocolate hazelnut candy. Each was creamy and full of satisfying chunky goodness (no little "bits" scattered here and there-- we're talking chunks). Alonso boasts that his creams are made with high quality milk, fresh fruit, and no preservatives, and the results are noticeable.

For those wondering how different an ice cream shop can be from another, check out the unique flavors offered like Tequila Almond, Gansito Cake (strawberry cream and chocolate), and the Queso Fresco.

Yes, cheese ice cream. And it's a crowd favorite.

For the nondairy crowd, fruit sorbet options abound in both scoops and paletas made with strawberries, lime, kiwi, mango and more. 

With so many varieties and offerings, it's safe to say a visit to Scoopy's is a treat for everyone! Keep an eye out for more shops opening in Murfreesboro this year. 

Ready to go? Scoopy's Ice Cream is located at 1002 Memorial Blvd. Hours are 12-9pm Sunday-Saturday. Follow Scoopy's on Facebook for updates on fresh flavors and events.

Laura Beth Payne is a writer mama and Murfreesboro native who lives in the Blackman community with her husband and two children. Follow her at @murfreesboromama on Facebook and Instagram. Got a column idea? Email her at laurabethpayne@gmail.com.