Top "Licks" for Summer Travelers
By Jennifer Gaines, Editor
July 2006
Whatever the weakness - cone, sundae or shake - this tasty treat is never just plain vanilla, even if the flavor of choice happens to be, well, vanilla. Locals throughout the U.S. claim that ice cream may just be the greatest confection ever created, and they have a laundry list of “can’t-miss” sweet spots to delight in for travelers around the country.
As further proof of its dominance in the sweet treat market, this dessert has achieved celebrity status, earning its very own day of reverence. In 1984, then-president and self-proclaimed sweet tooth Ronald Reagan named July “National Ice Cream Month,” reserving the third Sunday in July as the day to celebrate. In honor of this delicious day, Travelocity’s editors looked to their exclusive Local Secrets, Big FindsSM (www.travelocity.com/localsecrets) collection of little-known hot spots recommended by locals across the United States to help compile a list of to-die-for sweet shops that will have consumers scooping their way to taste-bud bliss.
Consumers can take a day trip or a weekend getaway this month in honor of National Ice Cream Day on July 16. Travelocity’s Last Minute Deals at www.travelocity.lmdeals.com include the latest specials to some of these sweet destinations:
York Beach, Maine
The York Beach Dairy Bar has a "picturesque view of the Atlantic and the Nubble Lighthouse" in addition to its frosty delights. Look for the swirl cone sign outside of York Beach Dairy Bar, right across from the beach. The "old-fashioned ice cream sign not only stands out among the cottages and shops that surround it, but also lends itself to its local nickname, 'The Blinky Cone.'" Famous for the monster cone or shake, it's been reported as the best on the menu.
Editor’s Tip: A trip to York Beach from nearby Boston takes less than one and a half hours, and is an even shorter drive from Portland, Maine. Pack the swimsuits, sand pails, and sunscreen for a day at the beach and enjoy a cone at York Beach Dairy Bar.
Bakersfield, Calif.
A Bakersfield institution for almost 100 years, a trip to Dewar's it's like "taking a time machine back a few decades." This sweet shop is home to the only original old-fashioned soda fountain in town, and 26 pink leather stools add to its unique charm. Still family owned, natives rate this the best in California. Whether it’s the Dewar's chews, candies, or ice cream, patrons will be hooked for life.
Brooklyn, N.Y.
A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is a small price to pay (and a wonderful, free activity) for some of the best ice cream around. Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory is located in a 1920s fireboat house on a pier just beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. The best part about this shop is the location because consumers can enjoy a cone or sundae and watch passing boats or admire great views of the City. The pastry chef of the River Cafe next door whips up all the toppings and syrups for the sundaes. (Hint: This area is a popular spot for marriage proposals.)
Editor’s Tip: Only 2 ½ hours by car from Philadelphia or Hartford, Conn., the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory offers a selection to suit any mood. While in the area, check out the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, Coney Island or the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Salisbury, N.C.
If traveling between Charlotte and Greensboro, stop for lunch at Spanky’s Homemade Ice Cream & Deli. This local hangout fills up at lunch, luring patrons with its famous baked potato soup, which, incidentally, always sells out. There may be a wait, but it’s worth it. And save room for dessert because Spanky’s is also revered for its homemade ice cream.
Cambridge, Mass.
Gourmet essences from the next-door spice store make for ice cream that is "sooooooo incredibly good.” Locals say Christina's Homemade Ice Cream allows visitors to experience the true flavors of Cambridge. Offerings range from vanilla to adzuki (sweet red bean). Prepare for unique flavors including ginger, walnut and lemon hibiscus.
Editor's Tip:While in the area, explore Cambridge’s Inman Square. To top off the perfect summer afternoon treat, go for a stroll along the picturesque banks of the Charles River to burn off the calories.
Yellow Springs, Ohio
Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm draws more visitors than any other attraction in the area, probably because it has the best homemade ice cream around. Hard to find raw milk is also sold here. In addition to its snack shop, Young's has a full-service family restaurant, putting course, driving range, baseball hitting cages, goat feeding, and a mini-petting zoo. But, those in-the-know still say the ice cream is the real draw.
Nashville, Tenn.
If you're looking for an alternative to typical ice cream shops, Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles offers a real treat. Flavors range from fruity to downright daring, with everything from honeydew and watermelon to hibiscus and prickly pear. Using only fresh fruit, the menu at this Mexican-inspired popsicle shop is always changing according to what ingredients are in season. The service is friendly, and there’s always something new.
Editor's Tip: Hop on the Nashville Trolley and head to the Wildhorse Saloon while there.
St. Louis, Mo.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard serves a variety of flavors and has delighted visitors since the early 1930's. They call these custard “concretes” because the cream is so thick it stays in the cup--even when turned upside down.
Frisco, Texas
Drive down FM 380 (“Farm to Market” road) and stop by the vintage Double Dip Frozen Custard, slightly north of Dallas. Renovated with bright colors, roll-up doors replacing the front façade, and featuring the nicest couple in Frisco, the Dip serves secret recipes of frozen custard and every topping imaginable. Try the espresso-and-cream or mini-Bundt cake sundae, and fall in love!
Editor’s Tip:While in the Lone Star State, explore a little cowboy culture in Ft. Worth, or peruse the museums in the Dallas Arts District. While there, go to a Frisco Rough Riders baseball game, then head to Double Dip for a treat.
Las Vegas
"Store-bought ice cream is put to shame" by the "sweet, creamy, rich-in-flavor" homemade custard from the Luv-It Custard Shop, which has been serving Las Vegas locals since 1973. Although it’s just a stand, visitors can expect a line of more than 20 people on hot summer evenings waiting for Luv-It's Western Sundae--a huge cup of frozen vanilla custard topped with hot caramel, fudge, salted pecans, and a maraschino cherry.
Editors Tip:Some of the best things in Las Vegas don't cost a fortune! And, they're not all found on the strip--this scrumptious gem is just a block from the Stratosphere.
For more travel tips and advice, check out Amy Ziff’s monthly column, Travel Trends & Advice from A to Z, at www.travelocity.com/atoz. To suggest a topic for a future column or to tell about a travel experience of your own, please email Amy Ziff at ask.amy@travelocity.com.
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