Where to Cool Down This Summer

Whether it’s a Good Humor bar or a triple chocolate hot fudge sundae, Americans love ice cream — and nothing says ice cream like a warm, summer day. Fantastic parlors around the country are creating brilliant flavors with creamy textures and other ways to entice guests.

This summer, be sure to stop by and sample some of the top artisanal, exotic and nostalgic frozen desserts across the country.

Bi-Rite Creamery

In San Francisco, Bi-Rite Creamery makes almost everything from scratch, including the marshmallows for the Rocky Road. Marin County’s Straus Family Creamery, the first certified-organic dairy in the West, supplies all of the milk and cream for the shop’s ice cream. While there, you must have the Salted Caramel, Apple Pie or Black Sesame with Sonoma Honey.

Blue Marble

Check out Brooklyn’s Blue Marble, started by two best friends who know a thing or two about old-school favorites. All of the ice creams are certified organic from the milk to the fruit blended in. Try the Organic Mexican Chocolate ice cream, and if you like it bring it home in a pint.

OddFellows

Ice cream, sandwiches and bread, oh my! This NYC ice cream shop is known for its over-the-top sandwiches called OddPockets, made with warm and buttery brioche bread — say no more. Flavors change regularly and throughout the day, so you’re bound to try something new every time.

Sweet Action Ice Cream

Next time you’re in Denver, Colo., be sure to stop by one of the hottest spots in SoBo: Sweet Action Ice Cream. This ice cream shop constantly changes its flavors and makes its ice cream with the finest ingredients. It starts with fresh, natural Colorado dairy, then the shop owners work with local purveyors, farmers and bakers to source the best produce and products. The shop is 100 percent wind-powered, and uses compostable and recyclable packing. The Baklava and Brown Sugar Banana flavors are a must have.