When life hands you lemons, some people make lemonade. Fairhope’s Harper Wise made snowballs. In 2020, when she came home from Auburn University due to the pandemic, the design and production management major explored a cooler passion back home. “I always had the idea for Ice Ice Baby in the back of my mind. My family owns that piece of property down by the Bay and I thought it would be perfect for a snowball stand,” she says. With a heart for fun and design, and a brain for business, Wise made the best of a hard time. “All of my closest friends were able to help get it opened and work there that summer, and we had a great time despite everything.”
As a young entrepreneur, Wise reflects on how she has kept this sweet dream going for five years, which is a milestone considering she hadn’t even graduated when it got off the ground. “I am lucky to have family and a lot of employees and friends who come back to work each year! It’s hard to believe what started as a fun, quick decision five years ago is still going strong.”
Snowball vs. Snow Cone
Many people are dedicated to their frozen treat team, but what really is the difference? It comes down to the ice. Snowballs are made from ice shaved off a giant block. Originating in Japan and also popularized in Hawaii and nearby New Orleans, shaved ice is known for being soft, fluffy and better at absorbing flavored syrups. Snow cones, however, are made with crunchy crushed ice. Either way you choose, it’s a sweet way to chill!
Take the snowball tour of the Bay
Ice Ice Baby
369 S. Mobile St., Fairhope
A colorful food stand by the water for those hot Fairhope days.
Frost Bites
27853 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach
Operating out of the cutest shiny travel trailer full of beachy vibes.
Lulu’s Sno Shack
850 Blackburn Drive, Mobile
Bringing Nola-style snowballs to West Mobile for nine years.
New Orleans Original Snoballs
320 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores
The best shaved ice on the island along with lots of good Southern fixings.
Pelican’s Snoballs
23825 Highway 98, Fairhope
They’ve been serving their customers for over 20 years!
Snappy’s Snowcones
102 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores
Located right by the beach making it a great post-tan snack spot.
Sno Biz
412 Highway 43, Saraland
The most charming summertime staple in Saraland!
Sno Dash Frozen Treats
3240 Dauphin St., Mobile
From candy to snow cones to rolled ice cream, Sno Dash just might have it all.
Sno-Shack Snoballs
17022 Highway 181, Fairhope
New Orleans style authentic snowballs.
