I Scream, You Scream...

As all of you should know, July has been National Ice Cream Month ever since Reagan proclaimed it as such during his reign as 40th President of the U.S., marking July 17 as the official "National Ice Cream Day". It isn't hard to understand why we are the most obese nation after simply looking at the facts surrounding this decadent treat: according to the USDA, an American citizen averages about 23 QUARTS per YEAR. That's nearly 24,000 calories added to your diet! (No, that third zero was unfortunately not a typo.) But before I ruin a good old American tradition along the ranks of baseball and fireworks, take a look at some of the latest trends in everyone's favorite chilly sweet treat. Forget Dippin Dots, this is the ice cream of the future.

• Coldstone Creamery: This nation-wide ice cream shop offers a smorgasbord of flavors and "creations", which are a whole new spin on the classic ice cream sundae. Singing workers blend a number of your favorite toppings, ranging from Oreos to cheesecake to strawberries, in with their signature flavors such as birthday cake and mint. Ever-encouraging the overindulgence of Americans, sizes are enormous and inspire a crackhead terminology (according to comedian Aziz Ansari) with labels "Like It", "Love It", and "GOTTA HAVE IT!". Beware of stomach aches. What to try: Birthday Cake Remix, but don't get a size bigger than Like It, their smallest, or you'll find yourself passing up birthday cake at the next 10 birthday parties you go to, including your own.


• The Penn State University Creamery: I discovered this gem during a summer program at PSU. Let me start by saying that this ice cream is so good that rumor has it, it's banned from being sold in regular supermarkets due to its absurdly high fat content (14.1%, to be exact). With indecisiveness being one of my many personality flaws, I can't stand the arrogant "no-mixing" rule put into effect at the Creamery. What to try: Show your loyalty to the team by getting a heart-attack inducing double scoop of Mint Nittany or Peachy Paterno in a freshly baked waffle cone.


• Van Leeuwen Aristan Ice Cream Truck: The trendiest in ice cream of New York City, locals and tourists alike can get a lick of Van Leeuwen's sophisticatedly crafted frozen treats by hunting down any of their several ice cream trucks sprinkled throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. With its growing popularity, Whole Foods has now taken on Van Leeuwen's by offering the ice cream by the pint in its stores across New York and New Jersey. The best way to experience VL ice cream, however, is streetside from one of their old-fashioned trucks, because you can also grab a cup of hot coffee to negate the brain freeze you might acquire from quickly gobbling down this delicious dessert. What to try: A refreshing scoop of Ginger paired with an Espresso.

Take a break from the hot summer heat and have a taste of one - or all three - of the coolest ice cream shops of the 21st century. You're only following your American duties, for goodness sake!