As you approach the small structured building located in the Fort Worth West 7th district, the community created within the small fences draws you into its vibrant culture. With children running about and family members conversing, and even the casual gathering of friends or couples laughing over conversation, it's a place that feels like home the minute you step foot near it. You open the door slowly to be hit by the cool crisp air and the visually appealing menu items, colorfully, chalk written softly on the board-styled wall, seem to embrace you like a friend. Minutes after finally decided a flavor, you receive the brightly colored pop and your heart rushes as you peel off it's plastic shell. The first lick is one that rushes chills through your body. This refreshing, crisp and flavorful experience is a staple of the native Fort Worth diet: Steel City Pops.

If you've lived in the Fort Worth area for any of the months from April until even as late as October, maybe even into the late months of fall and winter if you're really feeling up to it, then you know about the loved Fort Worth local business by the name of Steel City Pops. With some of the freshest and most organic popsicle flavors around, Steel City brings a mix of tangy and delectable fruity pops and smooth and savory creamy pops to the market. Using only all natural and never using artificial flavors, colors or preservatives Steel City puts a healthier twist on desserts that anyone can enjoy.

The colorful list posted on the chalk written wall seems to go on and on with mouth watering flavors. From staple flavors such as "chocolate", "strawberry", and "lime" to extravagant and creative flavors like "buttermilk", "avocado", and "jalapeno pineapple", the family owned business seems to have it all. But there's a new name being tossed around the pop market this summer: Alchemy Pops.

Started by a TCU graduate, Carolyn Phillips, Alchemy Pops does special orders and events around the Fort Worth area with a variety of different flavors including several seasonal pops. The seasonal-alternating flavors are created with local ingredients from Texas to ensure that only the freshest pop possible. With creative flavors ranging from "cold brew coffee + cream" and "blueberries 'n cream" to "peaches + honey" and "watermelon + basil," available through order online and at events taking place around the DFW area, Alchemy pops puts up a worthy competition for the Fort Worth staple, Steel City Pops.

With support from the local Fort Worth Community, Alchemy Pops is thriving to take the next step in becoming a top name for pops. Through their kickstarter campaign, found on their website (www.alchemypops.com), they are striving to satisfy the customer and create the most optimal pop and experience for each customer. Already reaching over 70 percent of their goals, they plan to purchase new equipment ranging from production to delivery and transporting of the pops. With such drive and enthusiasm to grow this business, it won't be long before Alchemy Pops are selling right up there with Steel City and are known throughout the DFW area.

Through both of these businesses, the local food culture in Fort Worth continues to flourish and Alchemy Pops is a great addition to the well known Steel City Pops. Together they continue to build the local and pop(sicle) culture of Fort Worth.

So with summer more than halfway over, break the mainstream dessert appeal and go out and try a fresh, locally made pop.