Food

While Queens may not be chock-full of high-end gourmet creameries like Manhattan and Brooklyn, that doesn't mean we've only got Mister Softee. From authentic old-fashioned sofa fountains serving up insane sundaes to cool new ma-and-pa parlors like Long Island City's Malu, Queens has got its share of ice cream places worth traveling to—whether you live in the borough or are just passing through. These nine sweet spots are all family favorites for me and my brood. And if you don't dig ice cream, don't worry: Some of these shops are best known for other cold treats like Italian ices—a staple of my home borough.

There's certainly no shortage of places to indulge in sweet treats on the Upper East Side, but there's always room for one more, right? Especially a sugar spot as cool and unique as CuRious Candy.

The brainchild of high-end fashion designer Cynthia Rowley, CuRious Candy occupies the second floor of her recently opened four-story boutique, and it's not the place to go if you're just looking to pick up a bag of M&M's. In a way, the candy is almost beside the point. From the intriguing entryway, adorned with brambles, foggy mirrors and giant metallic roses, to the fantastical wall mural as you head up the stairs, to the shop's design centerpiece, a white peacock perched on a leafless tree, CuRious Candy is an immersive experience. A visit here is more about experiencing the atmosphere than the actual eating.