Beat the Heat with a Summer Treat

We’re a couple weeks past National Ice Cream Day, but this current heat wave definitely calls for an extended celebration. Here’s the scoop on the absolute best ways to enjoy your favorite guilty pleasure.

Hit the Shop

Get out and take in a traditional favorite like a classic cone from Emack and Bolio’s in the Back Bay and Charlestown, or check out a newer, trendier spot like HoneyComb Creamery (whose treats are locally sourced and made from scratch) and New City Microcreamery (who has after hours parties with boozy shakes and floats).

Find a Truck

The days of the ice cream truck coming to your street are long gone, but you can still go to them! Frosty Ice Cream and the perfectly monikered Cookie Monstah roam the streets of Back Bay and the Rose Kennedy Greenway all summer. Want the thrill of treats delivered the old-fashioned way? Zack’s Ice Cream and Cool Cow are available for parties and events.

Treat Your Pup

Think you’re feeling the heat? What about the furry members of your family. Boston (and a little beyond) has some to cool them off, including a tasty peanut butter and honey sorbet (happily called a Cow Paw) at J.P. Licks, a local favorite for humans and pets alike. After all, there’s a reason they call it the dog days of summer.

Bring it Home

Too hot to head out? Get your flavor on at home. Chill on Park in Dorchester will deliver a Make Your Own Sundae Bar right to your door. Or take advantage of myriad “Sundae Party” options from Lizzy’s Ice Cream. Feeling ambitious? Why not honor the Legend of the Choco Taco, which was recently discontinued, and make the delicious treat yourself.

Get a Little Wild

Go crazy with a spicy mango ice cream in a fluff-filled cone from Gracie’s Ice Cream in Union Square or try an Indian chai-, Italian gianduja chocolate-, or Japanese adzuki bean-inspired treat from Christina’s Homemade Ice Cream in Inman Square. Better still, how about some artisanal gelato at Delini Gelato in West Roxbury.

Play It Safe

Looking for something that’s a little healthier? Non-dairy? Vegan? (Yes, nowadays there are super tasty options for all of these.) Fomu in Watertown offers delicious “earth-inspired desserts” made from plant-based ingredients, while the Tipping Cow in Somerville serves up small-batch natural ice cream and a handful of vegan flavors.