Who doesn't love ice cream? Especially in the sweltering heat waves of summer, there is nothing better than the sugary cream that melts faster than the time it takes to get the cone from your hands to your salivating mouth. Below are some of my favorite ice cream shops and their best flavors! Don't get too hungry…

1. Rita’s Italian Ice – Villanova, PA

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For all of the Villanovans spending their summer around campus, you know how good this place can be. Heck, sometimes I even wake up craving it! Breakfast anyone? My personal favorite is the mango gelati with vanilla custard – big yum! My only wish is that I could get them to stay open past 8 PM.

2. Hope’s Cookies – Villanova, PA

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Another VU favorite. While cookies might be their claim to fame, their ice cream isn't anything to stick your nose up at. The perfect combination of the two turns into a delightfully messy and hard to eat cookie-ice cream sandwich. Might I suggest the birthday cake in between two soft sugar cookies?

3. Bassett’s Ice Cream – Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia, PA

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This place is my treat-yourself go to! Located in the fun and bustling Reading Terminal Market, it calls my name each time I'm nearby. While the birthday cake is my favorite flavor, I prefer it in their decadent milkshake. One of the scoopers there knows just how I like it – extra cake batter powder, tons of rainbow sprinkles, and lots of whipped cream. It's always a great treat to share!

4. Cold Stone Creamery – Anywhere really!

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This is one of those places that never disappoints, no matter what location you go to. Don't hate me but once again the birthday cake is my go to. From CSC I like to stick to their "Birthday Cake Remix" creation. Cake Batter ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, brownie bits, and hot fudge! Mmm, mmm, mmm.

5. Lucky’s – Baltimore, MD

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Working my way down the coast, I've been here only once, but it's one of the reasons why Baltimore is my favorite city of all time. And no, not more birthday cake. Their flavor selection comes homemade from Maryland and Pennsylvania. My all-time favorite is the cheesecake – smooth, rich, and creamy! Once you finish your first scoop you'll be sure to go back in asking for more!

6. Leopold’s – Savannah, GA

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I first experienced this gem on a food tour of Savannah, Georgia, so it's certainly not hidden. Regardless of its big name and big crowds, its ice cream is still phenomenal, and the atmosphere makes it all the better! Year round I would suggest their coconut or strawberry flavors but be sure to check out their seasonal additions! Each month they add about 5 awesome newbies!

7. Sloan’s – Boca Raton, FL

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Want apple pie a la mode without the hassle or the mess? Stop by this cutesy parlor for some awesome apple pie ice cream! Don't tell my mom, but I think I like the ice cream better than the pie she makes! This was the stuff that got me through strep throat and my wisdom teeth – thank you, Sloan's!

8. Kilwin’s – Lauderdale-by-the Sea, FL

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This one is really just a childhood favorite. On top of all of the ice cream, they have endless flavors of fudge and candies galore – all made in-house. You can watch most things being made from the window front and I swear they pump the smell of waffle cones through their air conditioners. You have to get the smores flavor!

Of course, now I want some ice cream! While these might be some of my favorite places to grab a cone or cup, there are still plenty more and even more that need to be discovered! Next on my list is Handel's Ice Cream located in Berwyn, PA. In addition to all of these favorites and the millions of parlors left to try, I'm always nostalgic about the ones we lost. The one I remember best was Uncle Bob's on Captiva Island on the west coast of Florida. As kids, my brother and I used to ride our bikes down the island and the girls in the back even used to let us scoop our own! What a time!

Now go get yourself some ice cream!