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Today's Family Magazine

We all scream for ice cream!!

By Stacy Turner

The Museum of Ice Cream credits the frozen concoction as a universal symbol of joy that fuels the imagination.  Ice cream also fuels our summers, the undisputed best time of the year to sample a variety of frozen treats.  Everyone has their favorite flavor, and families are loyal to the purveyors of who they deem serve the best.

And as July is National Ice Cream Month, it would be positively unpatriotic not to enjoy plenty of ice cream this month.  Luckily, Lake and Geauga counties are fabulously filled with places to fulfill your fix of frozen fusions.

In Lake County for over 15 years, Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland has been hosting Ice Cream Weekend each July.  This year, the festivities take place on July 20 and 21 from 9 am until 5 pm each day. While a visit to the Farmpark is always a wonderful opportunity to discover where your food comes from, during Ice Cream Weekend, you’ll have extra tasty motivation to stop by.  You’ll discover where the ingredients to some of your favorite ice cream flavors come from, and learn first-hand how ice cream is made.  There will be ice cream crafts for the kids; they’ll even have the chance to create a delicious masterpiece with Pierre’s Ice Cream, syrups, sprinkles and more at the outdoor sundae bar for just $1.

While at Farmpark, you and your kids will have the opportunity to meet a collection of farm animals, including cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, horses and alpacas.  You’ll have the chance to check out modern and antique farm equipment, visit the greenhouse, gardens, barns, and farm-themed playground and much more.  Regular admission charges apply during Ice Cream Weekend; visit www.lakemetroparks.com or call 800-366-FARM (3276) for more information.
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Families flock to fan-favorites like CP’s Cooler on Vine Street in Willowick.  This family-owned neighborhood treasure has been serving homemade frozen treats at the corner of Willowick Drive and Vine Street since 1980.  Named CP's as a nod to proprietor Carl Pearson, the Cooler motif is evident from the sign out front, which is modeled after the old cooler originally housed inside.  With icicles in the entryway, and a special half-height cooler door that serves as the kids’ entrance, CP’s transforms a trip to the ice cream stand into an adventure.  And while people may appreciate the setting, they return for the variety and quality of the homemade ice cream, soft-serve, and shaved ice.  Recent visitor Lisa gave kudos online for CP's variety of dairy-free options and how quickly the shop’s friendly employees serve long lines of happy customers.

King Kone in Chardon has a loyal fan base as well.  With a physical location on Grant Street in Chardon, and the Kone Truck available for parties and events, this family-operated operation has been in business for over 50 years.  Currently operated by lifetime Chardon residents Gail and Mitch Hewitt, the kitchy stand scoops a selection of Hershey’s hard ice cream, but is well-known for it’s unique Kone Pies, their take on ice cream cake, and for Kone Creations.  Popular Creations include the Milli Vanilli -- vanilla soft serve topped with maple syrup and crushed vanilla wafers in a vanilla waffle cone; and Chips and Dip -- a vanilla soft serve peanut butter flurry on a bed of salty potato chips topped with sea salt and caramel.  Rachel, who visited recently, shared there’s, “so much to choose from, employees are very friendly and of course the ice cream is delicious.”

Foster's Homemade Ice Cream is located on Chardon Road in Willoughby Hills.  This family-run stand has been a family favorite for years. Gloria, a recent visitor, noted that her family has been visiting for 25 years.  Scott added, “No summer is complete without a trip to Foster's, as far as we're concerned.”  Brian noted, “Foster's is a longtime favorite. Mostly known for hard ice cream but has most ice cream favorites.  Best cookie dough anywhere, hands down.”  Other patrons complimented the freshness and flavor options at Fosters, but warned visitors to bring cash, since Foster’s doesn’t accept credit cards.

This month, head out to your favorite local ice cream stand for a classic scoop of your favorite, or give a new place a try.  Whether you scoop some frozen fun at home, or head outside for something new, make time to celebrate National Ice Cream Month and fuel a fun adventure with your family.