Happy Monday, Union County! It is the biggest week of the summer, and our towns are going all out for the Fourth. This year carries extra weight too, with America's 250th birthday being celebrated all over the county. We have rounded up where to catch fireworks every night this week, a patriotic concert in the park, the return of the Firecracker 4-Miler, and a couple of new places worth a bite. Let's get into it.

With temperatures expected to soar this week, there’s no better excuse to treat yourself to something cold. Whether you’re craving a classic cone, handcrafted gelato, or a towering sundae, these local ice cream shops are some of our favorite places to cool off while supporting Union County small businesses. Here are six sweet stops worth adding to your summer bucket list.

🍦 Magic Fountain Union Creamery
1081 Stuyvesant Ave., Union

A Union County summer tradition for generations. Magic Fountain makes its premium ice cream and Italian ice in-house and has been serving families since 1984. Known for generous scoops and dozens of classic and seasonal flavors, it’s worth the inevitable line on a hot evening.  

🍦 Vanilla Bean Creamery⁠
22 North Ave. W., Cranford

A downtown favorite serving award-winning homemade ice cream made fresh daily. From classic scoops and sundaes to milkshakes and seasonal flavors, it’s the perfect stop before exploring Cranford’s charming downtown.  

🍦 Rocko's Ice Cream
38 S. Martine Ave., Fanwood

Located in the heart of downtown Fanwood, this family-owned shop serves premium hard and soft ice cream, sundaes, shakes, Italian ice, and frozen treats. It’s a perfect stop after dinner or before catching one of Fanwood’s summer events.  

🍦 Scoops The Ice Creamery
2014 Route 22 E., Scotch Plains

A neighborhood favorite with more than 60 homemade flavors rotating daily, along with soft serve, sundaes, shakes, and ice cream cakes. It’s been helping Union County families cool off for years. 

🍦 Zita’s Homemade Ice Cream
1790 Springfield Ave., New Providence

A New Providence favorite since 2000, Zita’s serves award-winning homemade ice cream, Italian ice, milkshakes, sundaes, and creative specialty flavors made fresh in-house. It’s one of Union County’s most popular spots to cool off on a hot summer day. 

🍦Magic Fountain
498 Morris Ave., Summit

A summertime staple in Summit for decades, Magic Fountain is known for its homemade ice cream, soft serve, sundaes, shakes, and generous portions. Whether you’re stopping by after dinner or spending an evening downtown, it’s a classic destination for a sweet treat.