Cold Stone Creamery opened 20 years ago, and it is still consistent during these tough times. Its abundance of one-of-a-kind ice cream flavors allows anyone to mix and experiment with personal concoctions. These flavors are not the regular chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, although Cold Stone serves those, too. From sweet cream to cake batter, flavors also vary from location to location and season to season. If one cares to add a little more kick into a treat, mixes include fruit, nuts, cookies, cake and candy.

For those who push dairy limits, Cold Stone’s signature creations demand attention. Cold Stone Creations lure out the hungry savage in anyone by tantalizing works like Oreo Overload, Cookie Mintster and Cheesecake Fantasy. If ice cream does not hold a place in your heart, then cakes, shakes and healthy smoothies are also available.

The Cold Stone Creamery on North Rock Road in Wichita has yet to dissatisfy my hunger for premium dairy delectables. Actually, all the Cold Stones I have patronized provide that warm, upbeat atmosphere for family visits, dates and ice cream runs with friends. When you enter the creamery, an indescribable aroma tempts you. It is a syrupy smell graced with a sweet cream touch.

The staff I encountered was young and bright, and the employees easily chirped up with recommendations if a customer was unsure.

I ended up trying one of Cold Stone’s signatures, Coffee Lovers Only, in a chocolate-coated waffle cup, Love It size, which would translate to a "medium." One of the workers convinced me to get mocha ice cream with it instead of coffee ice cream.

The employee quickly mixed and prepared the ice cream on a cold granite slab, and he topped off the treat with caramel and chunks of Heath.

The ice cream immediately melts in your mouth but ships off your taste buds to planets all their own. Coffee Lovers Only was a perfect end to a harrowing week. Cold Stone’s fine ingredients and amicable appeal continue to entice my visits.