By: Zaynah Ali

   As the weather starts to get warmer Ice cream has always been a favorite treat. 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? To find out, I asked some MRHS students about their favorite spots and what they think makes an ice cream shop the best. Popular places around Howard County include Brusters, Soft Stuff, Cold Stone Creamery, and Firehouse Creamery.

   What makes an ice cream shop someone’s favorite? It’s not just about what’s on the menu. Many people choose based on the atmosphere, the look, the music, and the memories tied to the place. Ragib Ahanaf, a senior who works at Brusters, shared his thoughts on what makes an ice cream shop successful.“Location, price, and vibe are all important,” he said. “It 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.” But above all, Ragib emphasized that the vibe matters most. “If you’re not having a good time while getting ice cream, why would you want to go?” For him, ice cream is about hanging out, talking, and having fun.

   Kala Rulison, a sophomore, agreed, saying, “Vibe is definitely up there,” and she’s been going to Brusters since she was little. “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 it 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,” she said. 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 explained. If she could create her own flavor, Ellen 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.” Ragib on the other hand likes the neatness of the cup, but if I were to get a cone it would definitely be the waffle one. 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, like 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.