Everyone has already had a taste of the heat that is summer in this area. We all know that it isn’t going to be getting any better either. Those last few months of summer can be unbearable. Not everyone has a pool, so if you’re looking for a way to beat the summer heat, a great way to cool off this summer is to go out for ice cream. In a world dominated by chain restaurants, it is refreshing to know that in this area, we support locally owned businesses more than the chains such as Bruster’s and Dairy Queen. Depending on where you live, you may have a local favorite. Although location isn’t everything, there appears to be trend as to which customers go to which ice cream places, depending on what town they live in. Young’s Frozen Custard Stand Young’s Frozen Custard Stand, right on the edge of New Sewickley and Zelienople, has been a local favorite for a very long time. From the first day it’s open, you can find an assortment of the self proclaimed “hicks” either sitting at the picnic tables or standing next to their pickup trucks, which are usually lined up at the back of the parking lot. This stand has phenomenal burgers and fries, but they are famous for their frozen custard. Bret Karns’ favorite treat there is a chocolate banana milkshake, which he described as “amazing.” “It’s something fun to do during the summer days when life is boring in New Sewickley,” he joked. With original flavors such as banana, pistachio, tangerine, and raspberry, that are changed weekly, it is impossible to get bored with their variety. Hank’s Frozen Custard Hank’s Frozen Custard has gone through renovations in recent years. When I was a child, I remember going to a little stand in the middle of a huge parking lot that had lines that lasted forever. The wait was always worth the sweet treat at the end. Nowadays, Hank’s has expanded and has its own building. They have one of the largest selections of flavors around, and on top of that, flavors of the day; anything you can think of is available. Gourmet flavors and a variety of cones make Hank’s ice cream unique. Also, the numerous types of milkshakes make this place an ice-cream heaven. By the way, the cookie dough is the best. Did I mention they have Mexican food, burgers, and salads to die for? Putri Mesing describes this summer hot spot as “yumalicious.” She says she goes there all the time during the summer to hang out and grab a bite to eat. Although the food is great, my favorite part of this local gathering place is seeing all the different classic and muscle cars that are shown off every night. Punk’s Ice Cream Shop Last and certainly not least is the unique little stand that sits off to the side of Ohio River Boulevard. Punk’s Ice Cream tends to be a favorite spot to grab a cool treat for the people of Conway. It’s just a short drive a couple minutes down the highway to experience sweet relief from the summer heat. As an employee of Bruster’s, Lexie Javens knows a thing or two about the business. She says Punk’s “has great customer service.” Her favorite thing to get is a Pepsi Float. “They have by far the best Pepsi float around,” she claims. She also likes that fact that a local business is thriving, and finds this fact refreshing. Depending on where you live, or maybe just what kind of treat you’re looking for, your loyalties may lie with one of these ice cream spots. But maybe you don’t like any of these and are partial to Dairy Queen or Bruster’s. Either way, when the boredom of living in Beaver County sets in, it’s always a nice break to just go out and have fun with friends while eating something cold in the summer heat.