Of all the “national” days and month, this is my favorite. Yes, it even trumps Chocolate Pudding Day. Ice cream is my weakness, hands down. But it’s the treat I allow myself often. But since July is National Ice Cream Month, I’m going to splurge a bit and enjoy it a bit more.
There are many place to get your ice cream fix locally—and NO, I’m not including yogurt places—no self-respecting ice cream lover would. You can make Holly’s Blue Moon Ice Cream recipe and/or Ice Cream Pizza for something unique. But there are some other fun National Ice cream Month events you may want to know about:
Grover Cleveland Birthplace 4th of July Ice Cream Social
Who: All ages
What: A day of old fashioned fun with Magicians, balloons, street theater, old-fashioned games, a DJ, a BBQ and ice cream. There will also be a Snickerdoodle Bake-off!
Where: Grover Cleveland Birthplace, 207 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ
When: Thursday, July 4 from 1 pm – 4 pm
Cost: Free
Applegate Farm Family Fun Nights
Who: Everyone
What: The very popular Applegate Farm Family Fun Nights will return this summer giving families two hours of music, entertainment, and games provided by Class Act Entertainment.
Where: Applegate Farm, 616 Grove Street, Montclair, NJ, 07042.
When: Wednesday nights in the summer from 6 pm – 9 pm.
Cost: Free to attend.
For an even bigger ice cream event, you may want to take a day trip to Tom’s River for the 11th annual Ice Cream Tasting Festival on July 20. Montclair’s own Applegate Farm has entered the competition in the past and was awarded a People’s Choice award for its Frozen Hot Chocolate in 2008.
In addition to all that ice cream you’ll enjoy live music, kid’s activities, face painting, rides and more!
11th Annual Ice Cream Tasting Festival
Who: Everyone who loves ice cream.
What: Annual ice cream festival with tastings, contests, rides, music and games.
Where: Washington Street, Tom’s River, NJ.
When: Saturday, July 20 from 11:30 am – 5 pm.
Cost: Free admission and parking. Tasting kits are $6.
Whole Foods Montclair Ice Cream Social
Who: All ages
What: Drop in for a sweet treat as we socialize over ice cream! Not a fan of lactose? No need to worry they will have a large selection that is sure to please every belly!
Where: Whole Foods Market, 701 Bloomfield Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042
When: Saturday, July 27 from 2 pm – 5 pm
Cost: Free.
If you really love ice cream, you can hire Paulie’s Ice Cream Truck, a vintage Good Humor truck, to come to your kid’s party, a summer block party, or any other party!
My top three (what? I can’t choose just one) flavors are: coffee, Häagen-Dazs vanilla bean and chocolate. What’s your favorite flavor?