I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.

Seattle’s eardrums are still ringing from the ice cream trucks going every direction during the recent heat wave. Nothing beats ice cream while traveling, taking a midday break to enjoy a treat after sight seeing. Here are a few infamous shops to drool over, tempting you to get up from your computer and run to the nearest creamery.

A hot day in Florence is not complete without at least one scoop of gelato. The city of Michelangelo’s David claims to have invented the frozen treat in 1565 by Bernardo Buotalenti, the architect of the Royal Court of the Medici family. Since everything else about Florence is so beautiful, lighthearted, and close to perfection it only makes sense that summer’s favorite dessert would be born there. In Florence, it really doesn’t matter which place you chose, whenever you have a craving just jump inside the closest gelatoria.

Leatherby’s Family Creamery- Sacramento, CA

With summer temperatures consistently in the triple digits there are only three places to hang out during Sacramento summers: the river, the water park, and Leatherby’s Family Creamery, “where everyday is sundae.”  In 1982 “Daddy Dave” and Sally Leatherby opened the first Leatherby’s Family Creamery beginning an important tradition for local families, sports teams, and scout troops. Anyone from Sacramento can attest to the significance Patti’s Junior Sundae had on him or her as a child. Take the Daddy Dave challenge, eat half a quart of ice cream and get your picture on the wall!

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Mallard Ice Cream- Bellingham, WA

For a Seattleite a trip to Bellingham is all about the scenery, the beer, the food, and Mallard Ice Cream. After eating a massive Casa Que Pasa burrito activate your second stomach for a large scoop. With a strong community oriented philosophy, Mallard uses fresh, local, organic ingredients. Building relationships with local farmers, producers, and Bellingham residents, Mallard takes the best of the area, applies some kind of magic, and transforms it into something even better.

Camp Richardson Resort- Lake Tahoe, CA

On any day in the summer at any given time there is a line of 20-40 people waiting for a scoop of ice cream at the Ice Cream Parlor at Camp Richardson. While no reason is needed to partake, finishing a hike, a bike ride or a long day on the Lake provide a few. For many Californians no summer is complete without a visit to the tranquil shores of Lake Tahoe… and a stop at this ice cream parlor.

Fentons Creamery- Oakland, CA

Some might call coffee Oreo ice cream over the top, but such decadence will lead to big smiles. Fenton’s Creamery is an East Bay favorite, perfect flavors with the perfect parlor charm. Many San Franciscans will cross the bridge just for Fenton’s.

Marianne’s Ice Cream- Santa Cruz, CA

Boasting 70 flavors (including garlic and catelope), Marianne’s Ice Cream is a very Santa Cruz experience. The wallpaper covered with cows wearing neon sunglasses, red vinyl booths, and friendly teenage surfers on both sides of the counter create the beachy California ice cream shop vibe known throughout in the region. The ice cream is heaven, literally… there is a flavor called “Heaven.”