Don't let National Ice Cream Day melt away
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities."
At the time, the holiday was only supposed to be celebrated once — on July 15, 1984. However, the ice cream industry decided to carry on the tradition. Sweet!
Whether you like your favorite flavor of indulgence scooped onto a cone (plain, waffle or sugar), into a dish, fully embellished with jimmies and whipped cream, or rapidly spun into a smooth frappe, there’s an ice cream treat waiting for you at the next window service.
We scouted out some local ice cream spots where folks stand outside in sometimes long lines, waiting for their turn at the window. They stand patiently, leaning out to the side for just a moment to check over the flavors listed on the board, and then snap back into formation as the line moves up a step or two.
For some of us, ice cream is a sweet cold treat to enjoy on a sweltering summer day once in awhile. For others, checking out ice cream stands is a must-do when road tripping for the day or weekend.
Acushnet Creamery has been dishing out its homemade ice cream, frozen yogurts and sherbets since 2003. Owners Doug and Donna Coray say the business has become a favorite stop for many.
“The hot waffle cone with ice cream is wicked good,” David Oliveira of New Bedford says of Acushnet Creamery.
Kathy Martin of Tiverton has no less than four favorite ice cream stands on her list. If you’re heading out Rhode Island way and find yourself wandering around Narragansett, set your GPS for 921 Boston Neck Road and behold the sweet cream flavors at Brickley’s Homemade Ice Cream. “Malted milk is my flavor here!” Martin notes.
“Their Black Raspberry is superb.” says Clyde Brazil of Dartmouth, regarding Brickley’s. “Excellent ice cream!”
When she’s closer to her neck of the woods in Tiverton, Martin whips over to Woods Farm, 17 Adamsville Road, in Westport. “Favorite new flavor this year is toasted coconut with tiny chocolate flecks,” Martin said.
Just a short drive away, Handy Hill creamery draws lines of beach-goers making their way to Horseneck Beach.
“After riding the East Bay Bike path, a stop at The Daily Scoop is a must! I usually get black raspberry here,” she added.
Step into Somerset Creamery in...well...Somerset, and you are immediately greeted with the warm, vanilla aroma of fresh baking waffle cones. With its two locations (County Street and GAR Highway) they’ve got each end of the town covered in hot fudge wonderfulness.
“My favorite is Coconut Almond Joy,” says Michelle Bettencourt of Fall River, when she heads to Somerset Creamery. “My husband and I go at least a few times in the summer. He likes Black Raspberry and all Mocha flavors. The ice cream is just so creamy. No matter what flavor I try though, I always go back to Coconut Almond Joy!” she notes.
When Mary Ann Heroux, also of Fall River, visits Somerset Creamery, she reaches for her favorite — Cranberry Bog. “It’s the best,” she said.
When it’s time for the homemade good stuff, Christie Donnelly of Fall River, heads out to Simcock Farm in Swansea. “They are nice people, nice farm, really good homemade ice cream,” she said, adding, “I get my Christmas trees there, too” What a bonus!
If you’re charting a course further west, you’ll happen upon The Ice Cream Barn at 289 Locust Street in Swansea. It’s kind of off the beaten path, looking over meadows in the back and a farm across the street. Oh wait. That’s the quintessential setting for an ice cream stand.
“They are my friends,” says Kathleen Gunning of Somerset about The Ice Cream Barn.. “They are great young kids who have always wanted to make ice cream. They sell their homemade ice cream at Waterfire, too.” Another added bonus!
Not everyone can eat ice cream, but fear not, we’ve got a scoop for you. Margie Charkowski of Fall River swears by the Moose Cafe in Tiverton when her sweet tooth just won’t keep quiet. “It has the only stuff I can have and it's very tasty. Its yogurt soft serve called ONLY 8, and they have a ton of flavorings they can mix in. I usually get chocolate malted. Great for diabetics! YUM.”
Now, we know there are a lot more ice cream stands out there and if the summer weather cooperates, we just might get to them all.
So get out there and enjoy National Ice Cream Month whether by cone, dish, frappe, nuts or no nuts.
Vocabulary Words:
1. Proclamation - (noun) an official statement about something important that is made to the public the act of making an official statement
2. Indulgence - (noun) the state or act of having or doing whatever you want the state of allowing somebody to have or do whatever they want
3. Scout something out - (phrasal verb) to find out what an area is like or where something is, by searching
4. Sweltering - (adj.) very hot in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable
5. Off the beaten path (or track) - (idiom) not known or popular with many people
6. Quintessential - (adj.) representing the perfect example of something
Discussion Questions:
1. Do you like ice cream? What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
2. If you were a flavor of ice cream, which one would you be and why?
3. What are your thoughts about "National Ice Cream Day"?
4. Do you think it is okay to celebrate food items such as ice cream? Why or why not?
5. What other "weird" festivals do you know of? Tell me about it.
