County has great stops for shaved ice

Shaved ice is the best way to satisfy your sweet tooth and beat the summer heat. There is something to be said for smooth ice, plenty of flavor options and toppings and just the right amount of flavoring.

However, not all shaved ice is created equal.

Here are the best local places to satisfy your craving for something sweet and icy this summer, based on reviews and comments posted on Yelp and Facebook.

Kawaii’s Shaved Ice, 113 N. Mays St.

You’ll find numerous flavor options here, including some that are sugar-free.

This spot offers a front patio with water mist and fans to keep you cool. And don’t worry if you’re in a hurry, since Kawaii’s also has a drive-thru. But grab some cash or your checkbook; Kawaii’s does not take credit cards.

Flave Rave, 3905 Sam Bass Rd.

Located conveniently near several neighborhoods, Flave Rave is a perfect stop for the family. There are hanging lights and places to sit near the truck while eating an icy treat.

Be sure to check Flave Rave’s Facebook for its “free one of the day,” and you might be lucky enough to qualify for a free shaved ice. Recent categories of people getting free treats include “anyone on a sports team” and “anyone with red hair.”

Hula Cowgirl Shaved Ice, 103 N. Austin Ave., Suite 305

This place is the ultimate crowdpleaser. If you’re looking for something besides shaved ice, Hula Cowgirl also has ice cream, coffee, specialty desserts, baked goods and other cold drinks. You can stuff your shaved ice with anything from ice cream to fresh fruit. And for a quick treat, grab an ice pop from the grab-and-go freezer.

Urban Sips and Sweets, 5000 Gattis School Road

You’ll find both gourmet soda and shaved ice served at this dessert truck. There’s also covered seating nearby to relax and enjoy your treat. One fun option at this spot is getting your shaved ice “kid-blasted” with gummy worms and Nerds.

Frost Bites, 110 W. Pflugerville Pkwy., suite B2

You can stuff your shaved ice with ice cream or top it with a variety of things like coconut flakes, coconut sugar and tropical Kool-Aid.

If you are in a rush, you can swing through the drive-thru to get your shaved ice to go.

“Dino” Pace gets his hair shaved off during a fundraiser for Glen “Oink” Pierce on July 7 at Bastrop’s American Legion Post No. 533. The fundraiser is helping Pierce, a member of the Legion Riders, with his medical expenses while he recovers from a...