Strands is a tricky take on the classic word search from NYT Games. If you're stuck and cannot solve today's puzzle, we've got help and hints for you here.

The answers to today's Strands, game #488, are… I roared through today’s word search at rapid speed. Most likely because I’m hungry and I’d love a BURGER – not one from a BARBECUE, though. In my experience that’s a bad idea. But also because there was little to challenge us here beyond the twisty-turny WATERMELON.

Key Takeaways The NYT Strands puzzle for July 3 goes Beyond Vanilla with indulgent, ice cream-inspired answers.The spangram ICECREAM connects a nostalgic spread