When you're in the South Shore of MA in the summer time, there are lots of things to do outside--kayaking, sailing, hiking, biking, laying on the beach or walking the parks. But when the temperature really starts to heat up, there is one thing everyone wants--

and it's you scream, I scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM!

Creamy and Delicious

At the Derby St Shoppes, you can find Coldstone Creamery, the nationwide chain that is known for its thick creamy ice cream. It's definitely delicious, and it's a nice stop along the network of shops, which include a kid-themed barber shop, Whole Foods market, and the Paper Store, a stationery store that also has an awesome selection of handbags, including Baggallini and Vera Bradley brands. Whoo!

Handmade Flavor

Nona's Ice Cream in Hingham Square is a family owned and operated ice cream place. There's even an ice cream named for each of the owners children (like Hurricane Madilyn for the oldest child). All the ice cream is made on the premises and written by hand on a black board--be sure to try Mint Oreo, my personal favorite! At Nona's it's really ok to live by their slogan--Eat Dessert First!

Classic New England

In New England, there is one ice cream restaurant that really embraces Boston's enthusiasm and locality--Brighams! The featured Reverse the Curse, an ice cream flavor that owed a lot of its popularity to the Red Sox rally call. When the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004, Brighams proudly switched the name to Curse Reversed. Also check out other flavors like the Big Dig and Dice-Kream.

Cohasset hs some totally classic choices for ice cream, like JJ's, the fairly random ice cream shack on Route 3A coming back from Cohasset Center. It's a local secret, and it has the best soft serve around. Cohasset Center is filled with classic charm, from the small-town bank, to the antique shop, to the fantastic french bakery. JJ's is the perfect way to top off the day, parking your car in the grass-filled parking lot, ordering from the window, and lounging at the near-by picnic tables

One of the best family-friendly days on the South Shore is to go to Nantasket Beach in Hull, walk the strip, and take your kids to the Paragon Carousel. This is a historical amusement, a beautiful and immaculately preserved carousel with resplendent horses and carriages. And what better way to enjoy it than to take a quick break and walk to the ice cream store right outside? This is a tradition that your children will remember forever, isn't too expensive, and you can enjoy it all throughout the summer.

Have older kids? Grab the ice cream and go over to the mini golf! The best ice cream is eaten at the end of a great, memorable day!

Happy Licks!

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