The interior is so chic, and the sweets are so delicious; it’s hard to believe this was a regular ice cream parlor this time last year. The Pikes Peak Ice Cream and Gelato has been transformed into the Pikes Peak Dessert Lounge.

The name isn’t the only thing that’s changed; the place has undergone a complete makeover. The walls, pictures, furniture, and especially the addition of homemade desserts are the main changes.

With the new décor, the place really stands apart from a traditional ice cream parlor. Instead of bright, obnoxious walls, accompanied by even louder kids, the walls have been painted chocolate brown, mint green and soothing lavender that creates a modern swirl. That’s not to say kids aren’t welcome, though. The space next door has been bought and will become a pleasant play area for kids.

“The new atmosphere is a place to hang out,” said manager Cristy Ski.

All the changes make it a very relaxed atmosphere, the kind where someone could spend all afternoon on a laptop or on a romantic date.

The reasons for all these changes are the new owners Chris and Darcy Farrow. Having already owned the company Art of Chocolate, they decided to buy Pikes Peak Gelato and Ice Cream when it went on sale. Joining the two companies has created a sweet union, known as the Pikes Peak Dessert Lounge.

Not only is the décor different, but the sweets are, too.  The ice cream is gone, replaced by decadent chocolate.  New flavors of gelato have been created, and the old ones have been modified.

Gelato means Italian-style ice cream; and is made with milk instead of cream. This difference makes gelato one-third the fat and two-third the calories of ice cream. Less air is added, also making gelato creamier than ice cream.

Not only are there sophisticated frozen treats, but homemade chocolates are also sold. The new owners have traveled the world perfecting the complicated process that goes into each truffle. This chocolate can also be found at Taste of Life and around Boulder but is made at Pikes Peak Dessert Lounge.

Besides being delicious, the chocolate has even more unique flavors, including Chipotle Chocolate, Pina Coloda, Key Lime, Pumpkin and Gingerbread.

If gelato or chocolates doesn’t float your boat, then come in for the old-fashioned sodas. These unique bottles give a fun, vintage feel. They’re cheaper than most old-fashioned sodas, and include pure cane sugar, making them healthier than regular sodas. Add a scoop of gelato for a classic root beer float.

There is now the addition of homemade pastries made by the company Boonzaaijer’s. These cozy desserts adds an even classier feel to the place and gives everyone an option for a special treat.

Along with the pastries this dessert lounge will also serve cappuccinos. Drinking Chocolate is also coming, this is a glass of pure melted chocolate with steamed milk and is soon to be served. This combination is irresistible.

There really is something for everyone here, from gelato to chocolates, and sodas to pastries.

According to Ski this is the “destination place for sweets.”

Keep that in mind next time the sweet tooth is calling.