While summer is officially coming to an end, the heat isn’t going away any time soon in Southern California. And nothing beats the heat better than a cool treat.

Escondido’s EscoGelato is one place to find that treat. They offer a wide selection of gelato and sorbet made fresh daily, as well as baked goods, coffee and food. Gelato is an Italian ice cream, made with milk instead of cream. The gelato and sorbet flavors change regularly and there is always a new flavor to try.

“It’s a gelato shop that happens to serve coffee and food,” said Owner Suzanne Schaffner, a Palomar alumni. “I wanted to keep the menu small enough to keep everything awesome.”

Located in downtown Escondido on Kalmia Street, near Grand Avenue, EscoGelato is modeled after the small neighborhood cafes in Europe. It features tables bogh inside and outside, and a long counter with gelato and sorbet on the left and baked goods on the right.

“It’s a place for people to come together, where you always know someone,” said Schaffner. The cafe has a strong sense of community. Many of the ingredients are sourced locally.

It was during Schaffner’s time at Palomar when she went to Spain through the Study Abroad program that she first discovered gelato and frequented the smaller cafes in her Spanish neighborhood.

“It had always been a dream of mine to have a cafe,” Schaffner said. Schaffner grew up in Escondido and said opening the cafe in downtown Escondido “was the perfect opportunity.”

Not only is Schaffner a former Palomar student, many of the employees and customers are college students which lends to the vibrant feeling of the place.

“I like everyone I work with. That’s the best part about working here,” said Palomar student and EscoGelato employee Carly Sabo.

For more information on EscoGelato, visit their cafe at 122 South Kalmia in Escondido or visit their website at escogelato.com