When New Jersey Monthly magazine released their “Best Of” issue last month, I knew it was time to do a few short-distance road trips in the name of intrepid reporting. First stop, the Best Milkshake in New Jersey.

The magazine bestows the honor on McCool’s Ice Cream Parlour in Madison, a small residential suburb, noted for its roses, that holds a lot of fond memories for both me and The Husband. I lived there for a few years before we got married; in fact, we got engaged at a restaurant, The Garlic Rose, right across the street from McCool’s, so I needed little convincing to take a quick ride to Madison. The pretty tree-lined Main Street is a bustling little shopping area featuring casual little restaurants, clothing stores and boutiques.

A throwback to soda joints from the 50s, McCool’s is a fun place for kids and adults in search of a sweet treat. All they need is a jukebox in the corner and I swear I could picture The Fonz and Richie Cunningham chilling at the corner table.

As New Jersey magazine puts it, “Trust us when we tell you we know our way around a soda fountain. And the charming old-school version at McCool’s Ice Cream Parlour in Madison whips up a chocolate shake gooey enough to send you into blissful diabetic shock—and keep you coming back for more.”

After I picked up my son Nicholas from school, I promised him a treat, so we headed on over to see for ourselves if they really DO have the best milkshake in the state. I ordered my Chocolate Milkshake, while my son was swayed by the pastel pinks and blues in the cotton candy ice cream. While the owner, Jeff Reaves, was making the milkshake, I asked him what the secret was. He said one definite trick to making it “the best” was having the ice cream at the optimum temperature. He uses Hershey’s ice cream, which is not readily available for consumer purchase. I gotta say, it was one amazing shake. Cool, creamy and oh so deeply chocolatey. All in the name of research, of course.

Next road trip? Investigative reporting on the best french fries? Best Italian food? Best pizza? Best Bread? Best Bakery? Hmmmm, decisions, decisions …