#83- Tour Commack's Ice Cream Scene

Bad news for Commackians who've been avoiding all manner of junk food for beach season:  shop in town in the coming months, bringing the number of Commack ice creameries to the cusp of double-digits.

Yes, summer is the season of showing skin, but it's also the season of triple-digit temperatures and torturous humidity. So if you can find a few extra calories in your diet or need to cool off, Commack has more than its fair share of places to do just that.

With its first summer in the main strip of stores at the Waldbaum's shopping center, has more space (and some tables) to accommodate those craving a scoop or four. With enough flavors for every day of the month and a constantly rotating array of choices, Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins' namesake store is as pleasing to the stomach as ever.

Just on the other side of Vanderbilt Parkway is not just any old yogurt store, but The Country's Best Yogurt -- also known as . Beyond their selection of tasty froyos, the mad frozen scientists in the TCBY labs have somehow made sugar- and fat-free flavors that taste just like their original counterparts.

on Jericho Turnpike has ice creams and low-fat yogurts with toppings galore, but ups the ante with what are arguably two perfect complements to a scoop of ice cream: fresh coffee and hot pretzels. Sweet and salty lovers, prepare to feast.

Ice cream isn't the only frozen treat on the block -- Italian ices, specifically the ones being scooped out of freezers at , are less filling and just as refreshing. In true ice cream stand fashion, Ralph's is walk-up only, with ample outdoor seating for a cool summer night. And if you need another reason to stop by, Nathan's is next door.

No ice cream mascot is as iconic as 's Fudgie the Whale, and that's why everyone from ages six to 60 still order the fudge-and-ice-cream-and-crunch mammal for celebrations every year. With a chocolate chip that some say is unrivaled and the only flying saucers welcome on Earth, Carvel is a summer classic.

It's hard to want dinner when a trip to the ice cream shop is looming on the dessert horizon. Fortunately, serves legendary ice cream creations, sundaes bigger than your head and a well-stocked take-home freezer.

And coming soon, to Commack's ice cream shop stable: Yogurt Crazy, opening next to and D'Lites Emporium, in the space where Verizon Wireless used to be.

Category: Food
Price: $
Season: Year-round (but best in Summer)
Note: Beware of brain freeze

Stay tuned for #82, and  if you missed #84.