Ice cream has always been a favorite treat, especially as the weather starts to get warmer. But with so many different ice cream shops around, what makes one stand out as the best? Is it about the flavors, the location, or the overall vibe of the place? MRHS Students discuss their favorite spots and what qualities they think makes an ice cream shop the best. Popular places around Howard County include Brusters, Soft Stuff, Cold Stone Creamery and Firehouse Creamery.
Menu items aren’t the only thing people consider in their favorites.. Many people choose based on the atmosphere, the look, the music and the memories tied to the place.
Ragib Ahanaf, a senior working at Brusters, shared his thoughts on what makes an ice cream shop successful.
“Location, price and vibe are all important,” Ahanaf said, “ice cream has to be easy to get to, most people won’t go out of their way to find it. The price needs to be reasonable too. No one’s gonna pay that much for ice cream.”
Above all, Ragib emphasized that the vibe matters most saying,“if you’re not having a good time while getting ice cream, why would you want to go?”
For many, getting ice cream is also about hanging out, talking and having fun.
Kala Rulison, a sophomore, agreed saying, “Vibe is definitely up there… It’s so good and I’ve had it since I was little, so it’s really nostalgic.”
Ice cream has a way of bringing people together, and it’s been doing so for centuries. Today, Ice cream has grown into a global phenomenon, with every country adding its own twist, from stretchy booza in the Middle East to Japan’s unique flavors like sweet potato wasabi. Students such as senior Ellen Kwon prefer flavors that are on the unique side. She loves Cold Stone because of their tasty cotton candy flavor, especially when combined with rainbow sprinkles that are mixed right into the ice cream.
“No other place mixes the topping in with the flavors, and it’s just so good,” Kwon explained.
When it comes to choosing an ice cream shop, Ellen emphasized the importance of price and location. “It just can’t be over like eight dollars, and I think it’s kind of worth it,” she explained. She also prefers shops that are in open, visible locations. “If it’s in a spot where people can see it, they’ll think, ‘Oh, maybe we should get ice cream,’” she elaborated.. If she could create her own flavor, Kwon would go for something with pumpkin, a flavor she loves in other foods like lattes.
Even the debate between cup and cone brings out strong opinions. Kala prefers a cone, saying, “When you’re done, you can’t just be done, you have to eat the cone.”
Ahanaf on the other hand likes the neatness of the cup, “I prefer getting ice cream in a cup because it’s less messy”.When it comes to choosing between a cup and a cone, the decision often comes down to personal preference and convenience. Cups are typically the go-to option for those who prefer a mess-free experience, as they offer a neat way to enjoy ice cream without worrying about drips. They’re also easier to manage when it comes to mixing flavors or toppings. Cones add to the experience and with the crunch and sweet aftertaste.
In the end, choosing the best ice cream shop comes down to personal preferences. Whether it’s the vibe, the flavors or the atmosphere, everyone has their own idea of what makes the perfect place to enjoy a cold treat.