With spring right around the corner, warm weather isn't the only thing worth anticipating. Every summer, an eagerly awaited tradition than many of us partake in is enjoying a nice frozen treat to beat the heat. Luckily with New Jersey being so close to the food hub of the north east, finding the best spots for frozen desserts is just a short drive away!

1. Franklin Fountain - Philly

Hands down my absolute favorite ice cream joint to go to in the summer, and winter is Franklin Fountain located on Market Street in Philadelphia. One of the oldest ice cream places in Philly, Franklin Fountain serves up a variety of ice cream from traditional cones to splits. All their ice cream is homemade with local ingredients which makes the ice cream extra fresh. You can find a variety of flavors available and depending on the time of the year, you can experience their seasonal flavors which are always changing. Franklin Fountain also offers Vegan options for those with dietary restrictions. Franklin Fountain is open year round, and also prepares their special “warm milkshakes” during the colder season. It is definitely a place to experience at least once while in the city of brotherly love.

2. Tootie’s Restaurant - New Egypt

If you’re a lover of soft serve, then Tootie’s restaurant is definitely a place you want to stop by. Tootie’s is open year round, but their ice cream bar is only open during the summer months. Their ice cream is handmade, but their most famous product on the menu is their soft serve. Tootie’s soft serve is fresh, rich, and comes in the classic old fashioned flavors of vanilla and chocolate. It is a highly anticipated opening during the summer so make sure to stop by for the region famous soft serve while you can.

3. Leo’s Famous Yum Yum - Medford

Nobody does Italian water ice better than the state of New Jersey! Also known better as Leo’s, this dessert joint has the best Italian ice in Northeast region. Leo’s is always a hotspot in the summer and their homemade Italian water ice never fails to put a smile on someone’s face. Locals come here religiously every summer to get a taste of their mouthwatering and savory dessert. Leo’s offers a variety of traditional flavors including cherry and blue raspberry while also serving creative ones such as root beer. Both avid and non avid ice cream lovers come here each summer to enjoy the sweet treats Leo’s has to offer. It is definitely a spot worth stopping by during the summer!

4. Sweet Charlie’s - Philly

Sweet Charlie’s one of Philly’s most popular ice cream shops and the first to feature Thai-style ice cream. Thai ice cream, or rolled ice cream, is a popular way to prepare the delicious frozen treat that makes the experience fun and unique. Sweet Charlie’s is located on Walnut Street in Philadelphia. The ice cream shops offers both premade bowls and custom ones for all their flavor desires. The shop offers options of dairy, non-dairy, and vegan as bases for your delicious creation with the toppings of your choosing as well! Sweet Charlie’s is a highly recommended spot to stop by if you’re in the Philly area, but make sure to get there early as the wait in line can take up to 3 hours during their peak season (yes I waited that long)!

5. The Pop Shop - Collingswood.

Famous for their irresistible shakes, The Pop Shop in Collingswood a variety of frozen treats which include floats, shakes, sundaes and more. The dessert section for this joint is so long- that it even has it’s own menu, which some might argue is longer than the regular one! The possibilities are endless at The Pop Shop when it comes to creating your own delicious masterpiece. The only thing you have to worry about is splitting the check because it usually takes two to finish just one shake. The Pop Shop has a quirky, American diner style atmosphere and is now located in Medford as well. If you’re an avid fan of all desserts, then The Pop Shop is the place you should visit!