A National Treat: Sundaes on Sunday

Grab a spoon and go ahead and splurge. Sunday is National Ice Cream Day.

So why is ice cream such a big deal? Here are some facts about one of America’s favorite desserts, provided by the International Dairy Foods Association:

• About 1.5 billion gallons of ice cream is produced each year.
• Nine percent of milk produced by U.S. dairy farmers is used to produce ice cream
• July is actually National Ice Cream Month, as designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1984.
• The third Sunday of July is National Ice Cream Day.

Here are three local spots to celebrate your Sunday with a sundae:

• Where: 32232 Dyer St. at Union Landing
• Why: There’s always a flavor for everyone at Baskin Robins. Pick among 31 flavors, including classic favorites like strawberry and mint chocolate or try a new flavor like Jamoca Oreo, or the hero-inspired flavor of the month: Super-Soldier Swirl.

• Where: 30985 Courthouse Dr. at Union Landing
• Why: Watch the flavors come together at Coldstone. Pick among basic ice creams and have them mix in different fruits and candies.

Thrifty Ice Cream at Rite-Aid

• Where: . and .
• Why: Don't underestimate the quality, or the odd cylindrical shape, of the ice cream served inside the local drug store. Thrifty Ice Cream, an American classic dating back to 1919, offers time-tested favorites that rival most popular chains.