A welcome sign on North Main Street. (Robin Gibson photo)

March Madness continues … and by madness I mean weather. The brief warm reprieve a couple of weeks ago was nothing more than a punchline in Winter’s cruel practical joke. I feel sorry for the boaters who were tricked into taking boats out early, only to be faced with the costly realization that they may have to winterize again. Thank goodness we didn’t fall for it. Not nice, Winter, really.

Soon, however, all will be right with the world. Carolina Cones has reopened. Which means Summer is practically here, and I now have somewhere to bolt to on leaving my dentist’s office across the street. What goes better with a six month cleaning and check up than a big thick peanut butter milkshake, I like to say.

Don’t get me wrong: I don’t limit myself to post-dental nirvana. I treat myself regularly to this Cornelius treasure, as I know so many of us out there do. What a wonderful example of small town, local goodness. Where else can you pick out a potted plant, peruse the selection of frozen yogurt and ice cream flavors, and watch a model train circle above your head?

I’m usually disappointed when it closes for the season in November, and more than happy to see it return each year. I speak for a lot of us when I say, “Dear Carolina Cones, we’ve missed you,” “Welcome back,” and, “We like to eat ice cream when it’s cold, too.” Just kidding. Sort of.

The neighborhood favorite resumed its place atop the local ice cream scene last week and will reopen its Garden Center Friday, March 29.

So, hop on over to Carolina Cones in Cornelius this weekend, enjoy some ice cream, and check out the plants. Tell them Robin sent you. And may you all have a wonderful, warm, and HAPPY EASTER!

Carolina Cones is at 20801 N. Main St., Cornelius.

Robin Gibson is a writer living in Cornelius. You can find her blog at http://www.robingibsonart.com/blog.html.