By By JULIE RUSSELL
'Tis the season for ice cream lovers. With the summer months now in full gear and the hottest months rapidly approaching, ice cream provides a cool, refreshing relief to the Alabama heat.
Many people agree that the biggest advantage of the scorching sun is being able to guiltlessly enjoy ice cream. The cold treat also evokes many childhood memories for Brewton residents.
Book and Bean co-owner Leeza Nelson similarly stated, "I do remember when the ice cream truck came around. As soon as I heard the bell ting, I would run after it."
Another Down South employee, Anton Baralt, said, "I always loved my grandmother's homemade ice cream."
In Brewton, two local shops are ready to tackle the heat with this age-old treat. Down South added an ice cream bar shortly after opening, and carries 16 flavors of Blue Bell. The resounding customer favorite, according to the employees, is the homemade peach, while kids prefer the very colorful rainbow sherbet.
Down South also offers hand-dipped, gourmet cones, as well as unique sauces, such as hot fudge, mocha espresso, raspberry liqueur, and lemon curd.
Book &Bean recently decided to serve up something unique–gelato. Co-owner Kathy McMillian explained the differences between ice cream and gelato.
McMillian said that the response to the gelato has been positive.
Book &Bean will order new flavors with each reorder, but the coffee flavor will remain their staple. Soon, they will add sorbet to the menu. McMillian explained that sorbet is fat-free, dairy-free, and is made with fresh fruit. "It will be good for our customers who can't eat dairy," she said.
Other good ice cream treats can be found at McDonald's (McFlurries and ice cream cones), Arby's (milkshakes), and of course, the grocery store. Many people like to stock up on popsicles and ice cream to help keep cool on hot summer days.
While there is little one can do about the blistering sun, ice cream will always be around to help relieve the heat.