Ice cream — the staple summer treat with which to cool down from the sweltering heat and lingering Illinois humidity. Perhaps you aren’t divulging in the dairy dessert to look your best by the pool. But would you splurge for a holiday?

If so, you are in luck because July is federally recognized as National Ice Cream month. According to the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the observance in 1984 and, “Called for all people of the United States to observe these events with ‘appropriate ceremonies and activities.’”

What you consider “appropriate” is your own bag, but there are lots of places in CU to celebrate this special month. You may have missed National Ice Cream Day, which is the third Sunday of July, or July 20, but there is still time for recognition.

Go out for ice cream

Here are local favorites, both chain and locally owned:

Cold Stone Creamery (505 E. Green St., Champaign)

Marble Slab (1211 Savoy Plaza Lane, Savoy)

Baskin Robbins (515 S. Neil St., Champaign, and 404 W. University Ave., Urbana)

Jarlings Custard Cup (309 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign)

Cozy Custard (1511 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign)

Make your own

Look at http://www.ice-cream-recipes.com/ to find numerous recipes for homemade ice cream. You may want to stick with the usual vanilla, strawberry or butter pecan. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can find the recipes for green tea, egg nog, and even avocado ice cream.