SEASIDE – If you are attending a concert or play at the Seaside amphitheater and notice a line extending from one of the shops, chances are it is at Heavenly Shortcakes and Ice Cream.

In the heart of Seaside, Heavenly Shortcakes is conveniently located between the amphitheater and Ruskin Place. And Heavenly Shortcakes packs lots of sweet treats into a small space with an oldfashioned ice cream parlor feel.

Heavenly and Bill Dawson invite you to join them for a tasty treat at Heavenly Shortcakes located in Seaside. Photographed by Debi Haussermann, Daily News.

Inside you are greeted by menus on the wall, and display cases where you place your order. There is lots of information, and it is throughout the length of the shop so that it can be a bit of a challenge for a first time visitor to know everything that is offered.

Start by perusing the ice cream flavors. Delicious ice cream with a light texture comes in flavors that attract kids (cotton candy, krazy kolors), classics (mint chocolate chip, rocky road), cookies and cream, cookie dough, and always dependable strawberry, chocolate and vanilla.

Ice creams can be combined with a variety of mix-ins, and some good combinations are listed on another board. We enjoyed the vanilla mixed with white chocolate chips and maraschino cherries.

In the case in front of the ice cream menu, we found cupcakes (which proved to be the only item at Heavenly Shortcakes that we didn’t like). There were also gift items along the shelves just inside the door.

Another case holds a good selection of smooth and creamy gelatos. Hazelnut and pistachio were two good options. There was also a tiramisu version. The vivid colors of some of the gelato flavors make them as pretty as they are tasty.

Another board lists ice cream treats. Milk shakes are thick, but not so thick that you can’t use a straw. Floats are also offered. I couldn’t resist the vanilla malt.

Hot fudge sundaes are simple, but feature real hot fudge (instead of chocolate syrup) making them a satisfying choice. Banana splits are also on the menu, but they were out of bananas when we visited (probably due to the banana milkshake special that day).

The next board lists the flavors of smoothies offered (eight flavors including pineapple and strawberry). Blended ice coffee drinks are next (mocha, caramel, chocolate peanut butter).

The menu stretching along the back wall finishes with Kidz Kremz Screamz blended treats (cotton candy, bubble gum, orange creamsicle).

A case just past the cash register held cookies, and what turned out to be one of the highlights of the visit.

Star-shaped strawberry shortcakes were topped with strawberries and whipped topping. The shortcakes were slightly warm, and had a fine, tender crumb, and excellent flavor. A brownie version is also offered.

Because you place your order as soon as you enter the door at the other end of the shop, if there is a crowd, you don’t even see the shortcakes until you are leaving. Additionally, the specials board was placed so that we saw it only as we were exiting Heavenly Shortcakes.

You can enjoy your ice cream at one of the small tables located on the adjacent deck and walkway outside. Or take a leisurely stroll around Seaside.

It is easy to find something good to eat at Heavenly Shortcakes. You can’t miss with ice cream, gelato, shortcakes, milkshakes or any of the other ice cream treats. And if you happen to miss something you wanted to try, do what we did: go back for another visit.

Colleen Coffield Sachs is restaurant reviewer for the Daily News. She dines unannounced at area restaurants for this column. You may write to her in care of the newspaper at P.O. Box 2949, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549