Chill Out and Cool Down

It’s been a really long day-the air conditioner broke at work and in the car, the walk to your child’s bus stop seemed to take 10 times longer than usual and you got a sunburn while watching your little one at the park.

A cold one is really in order right about now. No, not a beer! Head out to one of the many local ice cream shops to satisfy sweet tooths with a treat the whole family can enjoy.

Keep the summer diet plan in check with a cup of frozen yogurt, reduced fat ice cream or a low carb flavor from Lengo’s Ice Cream World.

Perhaps a dessert with a bit different of a taste is what you crave. Consider Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices where the choices are virtually endless. Select a water ice such as black raspberry, pineapple or root beer, or a creamy sherbet variety, selections of which include peanut butter cookie dough, strawberry cheesecake, rocky road and other tantalizing favorites.

Why not select a blended beverage in place of a frosty treat? The Banana Cream Pie Ralphie is a smooth mixture of banana ice, bananas, Ghirardelli frappe, whipped cream and graham cracker pieces. Get a jolt of caffeine with a caramel latte or a Triple Chocolate Ralphie.

Old-time favorites await you at classic ice cream establishments like Baskin Robbins and TCBY. Cookie Trio Sundae Dashers are one of the latest crazes at Carvel, with decadent options of Nutter Butter, Oreos and Nilla Wafers mixed with ice cream and topped with whipped cream. Pick up a Fudgie the Whale cake to bring to your best friend’s barbecue for good measure and to channel childhood birthday parties. Don’t forget a package of flying saucers to round out your freezer.

Who can forget sipping Turtle Cappuccino Blasts at Baskin Robbins during high school nights? If your taste buds have moved on, consider one of the delicious smoothies. Flavors include Mango Fruit Smoothie Blast, Strawberry Citrus Fruit Blast and Strawberry Fruit Cream. Without the caffeine, you can enjoy one of these delectable delights on work nights.

Last but not least, we have “The Country’s Best Yogurt,” as TCBY proudly proclaims. Hand scooped yogurt is hard to come by, but flavors such as cotton candy, peaches and cream and vanilla fudge brownie abound here. Finish your creation off with a variety of toppings including crunchy almonds and sinfully sweet caramel.

Not sure what you are in the mood for? Head to Moolala for a self-serve, create-your-own treat.