There is something about summer that brings out the kid in all of us. We take it a little easier, spend time playing outside and let ourselves give in to the sweet memories – and treats – of childhood.

Before you go off in search of those elusive lemonade stands or ice cream carts, let us save you time – just come to Fulton and Callaway County to revisit idyllic days gone by.

What’s more nostalgic than sharing a banana split, an old-fashioned phosphate or a made-to-order shake at Sault’s Drug Store’s 1930s soda fountain in Fulton? If frozen yogurt is more your thing, head over to Fifth Street to Lulu’s where you can fill your cup by weight and choose from a variety of sprinkles and toppings. There’s nothing like lots of sprinkles to make you feel like a kid again.

After something sweet, you might find yourself craving something salty – or something that is the perfect combination of the two. Go-Po the Gourmet Popcorn Shop, also in Fulton’s downtown Brick District, uses farm-fresh kernels and high-quality ingredients to craft traditional favorites like caramel and cheddar, plus seasonal flavors such as lemon meringue.

Of course, lot of people just can’t make it through the day without a cup – or several cups – of coffee. Good thing the Playhouse Café in the Brick District in Fulton is now serving Fretboard Coffee out of Columbia, in addition to breakfast and lunch.

Just across the street from Go-Po in Fulton is The Spot, known for handspun cotton candy in bags, balls, cones and cakes in multiple flavors … fresh “smashed” lemonade from traditional to the more … exotic and vintage candies sure to bring back memories.

One delicious icy treat comes with a challenge, from the Frozen Brain shaved ice bus. As you’d expect from a vehicle, it moves around town, but finding it is part of the fun (start by checking their Facebook page). Trust us, the bus is hard to miss and well worth the search!

When you’re finally ready to go back to adulting, don’t miss a stop at The Station cocktail bar, featuring boozy, frozen cocktails and an amazing back patio. If you can arrange to be there on a Friday, the live entertainment is pretty sweet, too.

Finally, mark your calendars for the Fulton Street Fair, to be held in the Brick District June 22-24. This annual, small town festival is big on entertainment including a motorcycle show, hot air balloon glow, a carnival, live music and more. It is also the first and only summertime stop on the Callaway County Mutton Trail, which showcases a tangy sandwich that’s a flashback to older times. For those who haven’t acquired a taste for mutton, the Street Fair has plenty of other food options for the less adventurous.

Whether you’re looking for a fun family weekend, or only have time for a day trip, summertime in Callaway County is a pretty sweet sentimental journey!