Do you consider yourself a connoisseur of delicious desserts? What if I told you one of the most famous treats in Arizona just happens to be served in a roadside market in what feels like the middle of nowhere? In fact, we’re pretty certain this is one rest stop you won’t soon forget.
Located just off Interstate 8 and about halfway between Yuma and Gila Bend, Dateland is the little place we’re going to visit today.
Jenn/Flickr
This is the spot where all the magic happens! Dateland was first established in the 1920s as a watering stop. Since then, it has flourished into a full-fledged rest stop serving thousands of visitors each year.
Joseph Y./Yelp
Located off to the side of the store is the date farm, where eight varieties of the fruit are hand picked straight from the palm trees.
Dateland Date Gardens/Facebook
Inside, you will find a nicely air conditioned marketplace with a couple eateries, including a spot to get the famed date shakes.
Robert Z./Yelp
This is the perfect treat after a long journey through the desert. The shake is decadent, a rich blend of dates and vanilla ice cream that creates a flavor reminiscent of butter pecan ice cream.
Dateland Date Gardens/Facebook
You can also find other desserts filled with dates: ice cream, pie, muffins, and cookies. In the shopping area, you’ll even find a mix of the date shake to take home so you can enjoy one at your convenience.
Mark A./Yelp
And, if delicious dates are all you want to take home, they have plenty of those as well!
Lisa P./Yelp
Have you visited Dateland before? Be sure to let us know what you thought of its shakes!
Del R./Yelp
The Dateland Travel Center is located at 1737 S Avenue 64 E in Dateland. You can find details about hours of operation, merchandise, and more by visiting their website or Facebook page.
Jenn/Flickr
Joseph Y./Yelp
Dateland Date Gardens/Facebook
Robert Z./Yelp
Mark A./Yelp
Lisa P./Yelp
Del R./Yelp
Want to check out more great places to dine in small town Arizona? Read some of our favorite suggestions in Most People Don’t Know These Small Towns In Arizona Have Top-Rated Restaurants. You just might be surprised!
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