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Ice cream in the United States is almost as old as the country itself. The first ad for the sweet treat was published in the New York Gazette in 1777 and first President George Washington reportedly spent $200 in ice cream on the summer of 1790. History lessons aside, whether you're a classic vanilla or chocolate fan or into more far-fetched flavors, it's not hard to find a place in San Jose with your very favorite. Take a look at our suggestions of where to find the best ice cream in San Jose. Treat Ice Cream Company If you don't feel like spending too much time deciding what flavor to get, you know you've come to the right place when you enter the Treat Ice Cream Company. Sometimes, less is more. more For chocolate ice cream fans, there are at least five different variations on the menu, but the Brownie a la Mode and the Cookie Mint Krunch are the house's favorites raking in the highest praises from customers. Address: Downtown at 11 South 19th Street Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cre'Me Paris To say that Durian fruit is an acquired taste is an understatement. Unless you've lived in Southeast Asia all your life and are used to it, Durian's smell and flavor are hard to overcome (and forget). However, at Cre'Me Paris they've turned what's probably the world's least favorite fruit into an ice cream flavor. If you're brave enough to try it, dig in. If not, there are plenty of other creamy options to choose from. Address: East San Jose at 2200 Eastridge Loop Hours: Monday through Wednesday and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Willow Glen Creamery Sometimes you don't want complicated flavors. All you want is a giant dose of ice-creamed sweetness. Well, that's exactly what you get at Willow Glen Creamery. This locally owned business blends its own frozen yogurts in the store every day, with locally sourced ingredients. What's customers' favorite frozen yogurt flavor? Surprisingly, vanilla. If you think this is the blandest ice cream flavor of all times, pay a visit to this place and it will change your mind. Address: Willow Glen at 1100 Lincoln Avenue Hours: Sunday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 10:30 p.m. Sweet Rendezvous Slightly hidden in a little corner, this is the kind of ice cream you'll only find by chance or if you're really looking for it. That's part of the Sweet Rendezvous' charm. Don't overthink what to order, just follow the employee's suggestions. They never get it wrong.  And forget popular flavors. Everyone's favorite thing about this place? The free teaser scoop of any other flavor you want to try beyond the ones you just ordered. Address: Blossom Valley at 668 Blossom Hill Road Hours: Every day from noon to 9 p.m. Ice cream at these spots in San Jose is so delicious that it'll be hard to choose just one spot...or just one flavor! Photo by Maria Eklind | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Spring is here, with summer right around the corner. That means fresh air and farm-fresh food. If you're looking for a great way to spend some time outdoors, consider spending an afternoon at one of the San Jose area's amazing farmer's markets. You'll find a lot to love at each of these, so the hardest part is going to be deciding which one to visit next. Campbell Farmers Market The farmers market in Campbell has been voted one of the best open-air markets in the area. You'll find fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers here, as well as an exciting calendar of events. There's always something new going on at the Campbell Farmers Market, including festivals, live performances, and arts and crafts lessons. more The Campbell Farmers Market is open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Downtown San Jose Farmers Market From May to November, every Friday, San Jose's San Pedro Square transforms into a lively open-air farmers market. More than 30 local growers come to the Downtown San Jose Farmers Market to sell their wares every year, and you'll always find the freshest seasonal produce available here. If you can't wait to get home and cook up some delicious meals with your purchase, there are plenty of hot food vendors offering up some truly tasty menu options, so you never have to go hungry during your trip. There are plenty of other live events taking place downtown as well, so a trip to the farmers market is a great way to see everything there is to experience. The Downtown San Jose Farmers Market is open every Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Santa Clara Farmers Market The Santa Clara Farmers Market has one feature that sets it apart from many other open-air markets in the area. It opens every Saturday, rain or shine, all year long. While most other farmers markets in the area close during the winter months, this is one place you can count on all the time. Even better is the fact that the market is open on Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas weekend, and New Year's Eve weekend. Located in the heart of downtown Santa Clara, the market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunnyvale Farmers Market The Sunnyvale Farmers Market is located on Murphy Avenue at Washington and offers fresh produce from many of the same local growers you'll find at the Santa Clara market. Also similar to its sister market in Santa Clara, the Sunnyvale Farmers Market only closes once a year, for the annual Art and Wine Festival. The Sunnyvale Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. With so many great open-air farmers markets in the San Jose area, you've got plenty of reason to get out and enjoy the region's beautiful weather. This is also a great opportunity to meet some new people and explore the area's local culture. California and the San Jose area are well-known for top-notch community events, and visiting a local farmers market is a great way to discover everything else going in the area. Photo by gmtbillings | Licensed under cc by 2.0