What: Any of the creamy handmade ice creams at Vic's on Riverside. There are flavors like Peppermint Stick, Boysenberry, Pumpkin (in the fall), Lemon Chiffon, and my favorite--Butter Brickle. You can also get ice cream pies, old-fashioned phosphates (fizzy drinks), and savory fare like hot dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches. Buy your ice cream hand scooped onto a cone or hand packed into pints and quarts. Or in a milkshake!

Why: Vic's celebrates its 60th anniversary this year in the same location! It's smack in the middle of the Land Park neighborhood, so there are always kids and dogs and adults of varying ages milling around for some ice cream happiness. Sit in a booth or on one of the counter stools or even outside on a bench built around a tree. The ice cream is made on the premises in the back of the shop. You'll also find newspapers handy for counter reading (recently the Bee, SF Chronicle, and NY Times were all represented), a great old clock, and photos of Vic's from when it opened in 1947. Don't miss out on this enduring neighborhood tradition. For just $3.75 you can have a double scoop of deliciousness to celebrate the summer.

Where: Vic's Ice Cream soda fountain, 3199 Riverside Blvd., 916-448-0892