Bites Nearby: Beat the Heat at Riverside Creamery

Summer doesn't only bring with it long hot days and school vacations. It also brings the reemergence of a southern New England staple: the ice cream stand. And so, this week's recommendation comes to you in the form of Riverside Creamery.

Located on Willett Avenue in Riverside, Riverside Creamery is a free-standing homage to summer. The pinkish-purple exterior is oasis rising from the heat-soaked blacktop. If you're seeking a scrumptious sanctuary from the unforgiving heat, or just want mix it up a little, this place is more than able to serve as your refuge.

Riverside Creamery has a broad selection of ice cream, frozen yogurt and other treats. They also serve Del's frozen lemonade, which should be enough to make any Rhode Islander do cartwheels all the way down Willett Avenue. The creamery also serves up sugar-free options for those who don't want to sacrifice taste in the name of dietary restrictions or restrictive calorie counting.

Besides a tasty and diverse selection, Riverside Creamery's location may very well be what has earned the title of this week's recommendation. If the picnic table to the left of the building doesn't strike your fancy, you're only moments from . You and your family can pick up your cold treats and enjoy them in the shade while lounging on the grass.

For those looking for a higher heart rate with their ice cream, cool down at Riverside Creamery before embarking on the nearby East Bay Bike Path. Either way, it's not a bad a way to spend a summer afternoon.