Back in our post-college days, the most appropriate way to kick off the Labor Day weekend always seemed to involved indulging in adult beverages.

These days, we find ourselves gravitating more toward childlike treats. Thank goodness for Jeff Reid.

Reid is the man behind the inaugural Chicago Luxury Ice Cream Festival, which opens at 7 tonight at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Dr.

The setup sounds brain freeze-worthy -- more than 15 tasting stations offering up artisan ice cream and gelato for 25 bucks. Local "micro-creameries" include Indiana's Trader's Point Creamery, Sibby's Organic of Wisconsin, Chicago's Black Dog Gelato and Wilmette favorite Homer's.

And there's more: chocolate, cheese, beer, wine and coffee from a host of area vendors. (We said childlike, not childish.)

Reid promises this is just the beginning. Next summer, it'll be a three-day affair.