Beat the Summer Heat: Enjoying National Ice Cream Month on the Road

When you hear the phrase "dog days of summer," what comes to mind? For many of us, it's the image of sunshine, swimming pools, and of course, ice cream. Few things beat a delicious scoop (or two!) on a hot summer day. Luckily for us vanlifers, July is National Ice Cream Month. Time to turn the open road into a route for your sweet escape!

Let's dive into how to celebrate National Ice Cream Month on the road, the best ice cream parlors to visit, and even how to whip up a frozen treat right inside your campervan. Buckle up, and remember: no brain freeze allowed!

Ice Cream on Wheels

If you're a true ice cream aficionado, you won't let the lack of a conventional freezer get in the way of your sweet cravings. A cooler with some ice can act as a temporary ice cream holder (though eating it quickly is advised!). Don't forget to pack your favorite toppings - who's to stop you from creating your own sundae right in your van?

For a truly self-sufficient solution, consider investing in a portable ice cream maker. With a little preparation, you can make your own batch of homemade vanilla, chocolate, or whatever flavor your heart desires, right in the comfort of your campervan. Here's one if we got you inspired!

Chasing the Ice Cream Parlors

Vanlife isn't just about making your own meals. It's also about sampling the local flavors wherever you go. So why not make it an adventure to hunt down the best ice cream parlors in the United States?

Here are our top three must-visit ice cream shops on your National Ice Cream Month road trip with nearby Vanly listing to stay while you're on your sweet journey:

1. Salt & Straw (Portland, OR): This place takes innovative flavors to a whole new level. Think Pear & Blue Cheese or Honey Lavender. An essential pit-stop in the Pacific Northwest.

2. The Ice Cream Bar (San Francisco, CA): This 1930s-style soda fountain offers an array of delicious ice creams and sorbets, but the real star of the show is their adult ice cream - that's right, ice cream with a splash of alcohol. How about a scoop of their "Bourbon & Cornflakes" flavor for a little kick on your journey? If you're passing through San Francisco, it's definitely worth a stop.

3. Leopold's Ice Cream (Savannah, GA): A true classic, Leopold's has been serving up scoops since 1919. Their Tutti Frutti flavor was even one of Johnny Mercer's inspirations for the song of the same name!

Fun and Games

If you're traveling with a group, or even if you're just a big kid at heart, there's no reason why you can't add some fun to your ice cream celebrations. How about a blind taste test with local flavors from each state you visit? Or see who can eat their scoop the fastest without getting a brain freeze? Just be sure to have a towel handy for any drips or spills!

As we wrap this up, remember that National Ice Cream Month isn't just about the ice cream. It's about the journey, the adventure, the excitement of finding that next great scoop. It's about savoring the sweetness of life, one scoop at a time. So here's to a July filled with fun, laughter, and a whole lot of ice cream! After all, it's always ice cream o'clock somewhere. Keep cool and carry cones, vanlifers!