It’s overwhelmingly hot outside – we have all complained about it at least once over the last few weeks.  Now that we’re midsummer, it’s a perfect time to recognize that July is National Ice Cream month.  And in case you missed it, July 17th was National Ice Cream Day. 

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day.  He felt ice cream was a fun and nutritious food that at the time was being enjoyed by over 90 percent of the nation's population.  In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities."  If that means we should eat a little extra ice cream this month, then I’m all for it.

So in keeping with the spirit of this summer's phenomenon, PokemonG0, how about enjoying the spirit of eating ice cream with IceCreamGO?   Here are five spots around Miami that are great for getting your ice cream fix:

Emack & Bolio’s Sunset Harbour, 1915 Purdy Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Coming to us out of Boston, Emack & Bolio’s is located in Sunset Harbour.  They have a ton of different flavors and even more exciting topped waffle cones.  Dipped in gooey marshmallow and covered in tasty toppings such as fruit loops, Oreo cookies, chocolate chips, sprinkles – there’s too many combinations to count.  On my recent visit I opted for the Cocoa Rice Krispy covered cone and the Cosmic Crunch ice cream.  I’m a big fan of cookies and caramel so the vanilla ice cream with caramel, chocolate chips, nuts, toffee, and cookie pieces was right up my alley.

Mr. Bing’s The Wynwood Yard, 56 NW 29th St, Miami, FL 33127

Welcome to the world of shaved ice cream aka “ice cream you can eat with a fork.”  Mr. Bing is changing the ice cream game as we know it.  You can find Mr. Bing at Wynwood Yard, in a bright and colorful truck, ready to make your ice cream dreams come true.  There’s 7 pre-designed ice cream combos to pick from or you can build your own with an array of toppings.  July goal: try them all.

Cabo Flats Dolphin Mall, 11401 NW 12th St, Miami, FL 33172

There’s something about fried ice cream that I just can’t put my finger on.  I don’t love it but I keep eating it.  I think I’m just fascinated by something so cold and creamy being hugged by fried goodness.  The Fried Captain Crunch Ice Cream at Cabo Flats is no exception.  Vanilla ice cream, wrapped in pound cake, tossed In Captain Crunch cereal, then deep fried and topped with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate and raspberry sauces.  What is happening here?!  It’s almost too much to take it, but it’s just so good!  I suggest you add it to your to do list ASAP.

Chez Bon Bon at The Fontainebleau Miami Beach, 4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Confession: not actually ice cream, its gelato, but it’s just too good to not include on this list!  They have an assortment of 12 different gelatos available on any given day and they rotate flavors seasonally throughout the year.  Over 25 different flavors are used during the year.  Gelato is actually much lighter than ice cream.  Chez Bon Bon uses between 40 to 50 gallons of whole milk each day to produce their gelato.  Rocky Road, Cappuccino Crunch, Salted Caramel, and Strawberry Marshmallow are just a few tempting flavors you can find on their menu.  Spoiler alert: You’ll be getting a full scoop (pun intended) on the ins and outs of Chez Bon Bon in the near Saturday Sweets future.

Lulu’s Nitrogen Ice Cream 2001 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33137

Nitrogen ice cream is such a fun concept.  You get to watch them make your ice cream from scratch in seconds, right before your eyes.  As a baker, I love watching the process that will soon satisfy my sweet tooth.  There are 15 flavors of ice cream that can be whipped up immediately – half are classics and half are seasonal.  Plus there’s a handful of toppings you can add.  They have Nutella ice cream and coconut shavings.  There’s not much more I need in life.  I will, without shame, admit that I have never strayed away from that combination when I’m at Lulu’s.

No matter where you decide to celebrate National Ice Cream Day, just make sure you celebrate.  It’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.  Happy Sweeting!