Everything's better with cookies and ice cream. Even furniture shopping.

I found this out the first time I took my family to Bob's Discount Furniture, at the Clarks Pond shopping complex in South Portland. My wife and I were browsing for something, maybe a child's bed, when we spotted Bob's "On the House" Cafe.

Tucked into the back of the store is a pretty spacious little candy store/ice cream parlor, where folks are invited to sample free ice cream, popcorn, cookies, candy and other treats.

There are tables, and even some recliners. If this is designed to get people with children into the store, it works. We've gone back a couple of times.

Now Bob's is on my list of good, free, indoor places to bring the kids on a rainy or cold day. One time, there was a big-screen TV in the cafe playing "The Wizard of Oz." Sophie happily watched for 15 minutes, eating a cookie.

Then we went and browsed some couches and recliners.

It was our way of saying "Thanks for the treats."

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