BEAT THE HEAT AT SOUTH RENO'S YOGURT BEACH

As the kids in my old neighborhood used to say, “It’s hotter than H-E-Double Hockey Sticks!”  (And by the way, how ‘bout those Chicago Blackhawks?)

The heat is definitely on in South Reno, with temps in the 100s expected for the next several days.  Most folks will wisely limit their time outdoors.  But if cabin fever creeps in and you’re craving a cold treat, a good place to visit is South Reno’s Yogurt Beach in the Village at Double Diamond, 748 S. Meadows Pkwy., Suite A-5 (around the corner from the Smith’s supermarket and facing the Renown South Meadows Medical Center).

Yogurt Beach sells refreshing frozen yogurt in non-fat and low-fat varieties, plus a few flavors of sorbet and vanilla or chocolate custard.  It’s a self-serve set-up.  You fill your cup with the flavors of your choice, as much or as little as you want of each.  Then stroll over to the topping bar, where you can garnish your fro-yo, custard or sorbet with fruit, nuts, candy or cookie bits.  Get your cold creation weighed — it costs 39 cents per ounce — then grab a spoon and enjoy, either inside the air-conditioned shop or when the weather is hospitable, at a table outside.

I love that Yogurt Beach offers healthy options and that I can control what goes into my cup.

Here, for example, is a mixture of non-fat Madagascar Vanilla and non-fat Oregon Blackberry frozen yogurt, topped with fresh blackberries and chopped almonds. Light, simple and satisfying.

My kind of treat at South Reno's Yogurt Beach

On another warm day, I bought a serving of gelato at the South Reno Whole Foods Market, 6139 S. Virginia St.

I ordered the White Chocolate Raspberry gelato, which was interesting and featured some big chunks of white chocolate at the bottom of the bowl.  I’m more of a fruit lover, though, and wished I could have tasted more raspberry instead.

Gelato at South Reno's Whole Foods Market

That’s why I’m more inclined to cool off at Yogurt Beach.  If I’m in the mood for berries, cherries, pineapple tidbits, etc., they’re available in the quantities that I desire.  For more information about Yogurt Beach, visit http://yogurtbeach.com/locations/ .

BONUS TRAVEL TIPS: 

If you’re lucky enough to visit Chicago this summer  — and I feel cooler just looking at this scene of Lake Michigan, overlooking the Chicago skyline and Navy Pier …

Sailing on Lake Michigan, overlooking Chicago

... there are a few iconic ice cream shops that I highly recommend.

• Gertie’s is a true Chicago institution, founded in 1901.  It’s the place to go for old-fashioned, decadent ice cream sundaes, milkshakes and floats.  In my youth, I’d hang out with friends and family at the former Gertie’s location on 59^th and Kedzie, next to the Colony Theatre.  Currently, Gertie’s shares real estate at various Chicago and suburban locations with Lindy’s Chili, a delicious and rib-sticking Windy City meal since 1924. To learn more about Gertie's and Lindy's, visit http://www.lindyschili.com/ .

• The Original Rainbow Cone was established in 1926 in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood and still draws several generations of fans.  The namesake delicacy is a cone loaded with orange sherbet, pistachio ice cream, Palmer House ice cream (New York vanilla with cherries and walnuts) and then strawberry and chocolate ice creams.  Colorful and scrumptious!  Check out The Original Rainbow Cone at http://rainbowcone.com/ .

• Last but not least, there’s The Plush Horse, located in a cute little house in woodsy Palos Park, a Southwest suburban (Chicago) favorite since 1937.  Oodles of house-made ice cream flavors are available by the scoop, in a cone or in a sundae.  My no-fail flavor at The Plush Horse is their Fresh Peach.  Others in my family go wild for their Rum Raisin or Mint  Chocolate Chip.  Read about The Plush Horse at http://www.theplushhorse.com/ .

Savor your summer, here in South Reno or wherever the roads may lead you!