Joyous milkshakes on a steamy summer day

A milk shake is no doubt the antidote to a scorching July day. It won't melt in your grip like an ice cream cone or leave you twitchy like a Frappuccino. And there's something about that old-fashioned, transport-you-back-to-the-'50s vibe the drink provides. With or without the malt, crowned with whipped cream, rich with chocolate and peanut butter chunks, or Dairy Queen-style blizzard-y, it's a chilling pleasure.

Midsummer night's cookies 'n' cream

Located off Bahia Vista Street, in the Mennonite community of Pine-craft, is Wilma's Big Olaf Creamery (one of many in the franchise). It's quaint, with its gift shop and small checkout counter, and serves up one of the most unforgettable cookies 'n' cream malted milk shakes in a to-go white foam cup with a straw. Floats and a plethora of ice cream flavors are on the menu, too, and with its small-town feel, Wilma's is a summer evening's family destination.

Wilma's Big Olaf Creamery, 3350 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota; 330-2020; www.wilmasbigolaf.com.

Slurp, shop and stroll

Slurping a thick, rocky road milk shake while strolling along the sidewalks on St. Armands Circle is a lovely complement to a shopping afternoon. Of course, with this as your accessory, you may not fit into any of the outfits at the many boutiques, but hey, maybe stick with the shoe stores this time. While there are plenty of competitors in the neighborhood, Scoop Daddy's wins in ambience, with its diner look, paraphernalia and nostalgic New York egg creams.

Scoop Daddy's, 373 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota; 388-1650; www.scoop daddys.com.

PB and chocolate up to par

What's a better end to a miniature golf game than a peanut butter and chocolate milk shake? Since the course and the ice cream parlor are adjacent, it's just a hop away from a par to a decadent retreat. Actually, it's a full-fledged restaurant with Italian food, and the scoop selection is vast. Meander inside after a hot hour or so of putting on the green for the air-conditioning, the TV on the wall and the cool, saccharine treats that await.

Evie's Ice Cream Parlor, 4735 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; 377-2399.

Real ice cream rules

The name says the ice cream is real, and it is evident in the shakes. Choose from thick or extra-thick. Freezes (7-Up or Sprite with sherbet or Italian ice), floats (vanilla ice cream and a fountain drink), shakes (malted or regular) and sodas (ice cream and flavoring) are staples at this walk-up-to-the-counter-and-order joint. Not to mention there are 38 flavors of ice cream, some with no sugar added, and you can tack on a Nathan's hot dog with your indulgent dessert of choice.

Bruster's Real Ice Cream, 8151 Lakewood Ranch Main St., Lakewood Ranch; 373-1777; www.brusters.com.

Two flavors in one glass

Pioneer of the side-by-side milk shake, Steak 'n Shake simply can't be left off the list, if only for the fact that there's no better sanctuary at 3 a.m. Malts, "sundae" milk shakes, orange freezes and "fruit 'n frozen yogurt" shakes are among the post-bar delights. A "banocolate" or "strawnana" combination tops off some skinny French fries and a cheeseburger like nobody's business, and the maraschino cherry on a whipped cream cloud ends the evening right.

Steak 'n Shake, 106 44th Ave. E., Bradenton; 755-3673; www.steak nshake.com.