I tell you, the life of a Patch reporter is hard, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone – especially when it involves ice cream, and checking out the different places to get it here in town.

According to the Internet (and who doesn’t believe the Internet??) Americans eat 23.2 quarts of frozen dairy products per person per year. That includes ice cream, ice milk, sherbet and ices. That’s a lot of ice cream, so if you’re falling behind, now would be an ideal time to catch up.

We are lucky here in Concord to have plenty of places to find the frozen confection, unlike our neighbors in Acton, who have to cross town lines to satisfy their sweet craving. Here, then, is a little guide to where to get your fix.

Concord Center

Right in the center of town, there are two places to satisfy your urge for the cold and creamy. The first is Helen’s, right on Main Street. Helen’s has been here since 1936, serving full meals in addition to their ice cream, which comes from Brigham’s. Anyone familiar with Brigham’s knows it’s quality ice cream. They deliver it in all manner of vehicles, including cones, frappes, ice cream sodas, root beer floats and specialty sundaes. You can sit in one of their booths or take your treat out and walk around town.

If you cross the street to Main Streets Market and Café, head down the alleyway to the burrito bar at the back of the building. Don’t be fooled – they sell ice cream here. They even have a lovely little porch on the back, where you can sit and revel in the quiet; otherwise, there are picnic benches behind the store and benches just outside in the alley, all away from the hustle and bustle of Main Street.

Concord Depot

Butting up against the train tracks on Thoreau Street is Bedford Farms, which has the prestige of being the longest continuously running business in the town of Bedford. We’re very glad they crossed town lines and set up shop here in Concord. Their ice cream is smooth and delicious, and comes in all varieties: cones, frappes, sundaes, sodas. They also sell ice cream pies and cakes, great for when you’re having a whole bunch of people over and need a quick dessert. There are only a few seats inside, so most people end up outside on the bench. Don’t let a long line discourage you; it moves quickly.

West Concord

The newest entrant to the ice cream market is Reasons to Be Cheerful, which took over the space next to the 5&10 last summer. It is a lovely destination shop, with lots of seating inside, as well as out on the front porch, where you can watch the world go by while licking your cone. All of the ice cream is made on the premises, with new and innovative flavors popping up almost daily. Their waffle cones are homemade, and they have lovely ice cream cakes, decorated by the very talented Rachel. And if you’re needing something a little warmer, they have crepes – sweet and savory – as well as all manners of coffee. Oh, and real homemade lemonade, the kind where they actually squeezed lemons to make it, which I can personally attest is the perfect combination of tart and sweet, and oh so refreshing.

It’s difficult to choose which shop to go to. I recommend you do your own taste comparison, and visit them all. Let us know about your favorite in the comment section below.

Do you have something you would like to share? Contact me at stefanieac@comcast.net and I will be happy to help you spread the good news. And follow me on Twitter: @stefanie3131.