Nothing says summertime like a scoop — or two, or three — of your favorite ice cream in a bowl or slowly dripping down a sugar cone. Although the price of a small cone is higher than ever, many still see it as an inexpensive family outing.
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day.
Vanilla is still the all-time favorite flavor, according to the International Dairy Foods Association, coming in at 29 percent. Chocolate is second at 9 percent, followed by butter pecan and strawberry tying at 5.3 percent.
At Mack's Farmstand in Londonderry, Moose Tracks and Mint Chocolate Chip are tops with Purple Cow gaining popularity. Kids love adding gummy bears and other candies as toppings, along with the traditional colored sprinkles and chocolate jimmies.
Frappes are often the choice when it's really hot at Moo's Place in Derry, owner Christy LaRocca said.
— Suzanne Laurent
