A small. Yum.

About two months ago, I heard whisperings that spring was about to kick off with the opening of Gifford’s Ice Cream. It was still in the 40’s though at the time, and we were more likely to have snow than sun on any given day. So, like the west-coast wimp I sometimes am, I waited to head to the Bangor stand once the mercury reached 65 degrees this past weekend.

I went with one of Gifford’s new flavors – Mt. Katahdin Crunch. The vanilla ice cream filled with bits of toffee and chocolate is part of the company’s new Outdoor Adventure Series, according to a recent news release. Other flavors include: Appalachian Trail, Campfire S’more, Fly Fishing Fudge, Golden Road Butter Brickle (um, yum?!) and Muddy Boots. All are inspired by Maine’s outdoors and summer activities.

The press release also mentioned that Cherry Vanilla was on its way back to stands after a few years off, for anyone wondering.

Gifford’s has five stands located in Auburn, Bangor, Farmington, Skowhegan and Waterville. According to their website, they sell more than 50 flavors and have served Mainers more than 2 million cones each summer since 1980 when the first stand opened.

For me, the experience was made golden by the children playing tag on the small grassy picnic area, sticky with melted ice cream and the questions of “What’s your favorite?” or “Hmmm, what should I order this time?”

I look forward to many more trips to come this summer.