It's almost that time of the year again. The snow is starting to melt revealing the green grass that was hidden underneath, birds start chirping in the early hours of the morning and finally, the weather starts to get warmer with the sun coming out behind the clouds. Don't get me wrong, I love winter and the wonderland it creates when it snows but warmer weather and summer vacation sounds pretty great right about now. And with summer in mind, what's better than the thought of ice cream on a hot, summer day?! Here are my top five, favorite places to go for ice-cream around Western, Connecticut.

1. Milkcraft -- Fairfield, CT

Not only do they make their ice cream with liquid nitrogen, Milkcraft offers a variety of crazy flavors to try such as S’mores Campfire, Cookie Butter Blue, Strawberry Balsamic, Milk and Cereal and Vietnamese Coffee all served in the iconic bubble cone.

2. Cream and Sugar Cafe -- Bethel, CT

Known for their extreme milkshakes, Cream and Sugar Cafe is the place to be lately in Bethel. Stop by for a Colossal Cookie Shake, a scoop of your favorite ice cream or even some coffee and crepes.

3. Ferris Acres Creamery -- Newtown, CT

If you’re not up for something like the crazy creations above, go to Ferris Acres for a traditional, homemade ice cream cone or milkshake on a hot, summer day. Plus enjoy the greenery and cows while you eat!

4. Il Bacio’s -- Danbury, CT

Like Ferris Acre’s, Il Bacio’s serves fresh, homemade ice cream that will hit the spot on a hot summer day. And if it’s not summer yet? Don’t worry! They’re open year-round so you can pick up your favorite scoop of ice cream whenever you want.

5. Ashleys Ice Cream -- Madison, CT

Ashley’s may not be located in Western Connecticut but it’s definitely worth a visit. Thanks to my parents, Ashley’s is now one of my favorite places to go for a quick bite of ice cream on the way home from Hammonasset Beach in the summer.