Strickland's is the lone California outpost of an Ohio franchise. Their claim to fame: soft-serve "frozen custard" sold within minutes of churning from steel contraptions that look like they came out of a '50s sci-fi flick. The ice cream is silken, smoother than Haagen Dazs before it hardens. Always offered is chocolate and vanilla, while two special Flavors of the Day get rotated monthly. The best way to enjoy Strickland's ice cream is in a cone, where their signature conical scoop sculpts the ice cream into stiff, undulating curves that end in pointed peaks. But you can get them to doll it up into a sundae or whipped into a cold shake. Summer never had it so good.