Beat the Heat with these Local Ice Cream Spots

When the summer heat rolls in, there’s no better way to cool down (and treat yourself) than with a scoop of something sweet. Whether you’re a fan of classic vanilla, bold seasonal flavors, or dairy-free delights, our region is full of local ice cream shops serving up frozen favorites with hometown charm. We’ve rounded up some of the best spots in and around Frederick, Rockville, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and beyond — because nothing says summer like a cold cone on a hot day.

Frederick, MD:

• Frederick Fudge & Ice Cream: A local favorite offering a variety of ice cream flavors, homemade fudge, and chocolates.

• South Mountain Creamery: Known for its farm-fresh dairy products and ice cream made from their own cows. Reader recommendation: Get the peach ice cream!

• Rocky Point Creamery offers 120 ice cream flavors in a family-friendly environment that features cows, farmland, and a sunflower field.

Rockville, MD:

• Carmen's Italian Ice: Specializes in Italian ice and soft-serve custard with a variety of flavors. Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options are available.

• Mimi's Handmade Ice Cream: Offers handmade ice creams, sorbets, and sherbets made with locally sourced ingredients.

• Sarah's Handmade Ice Cream and Treats: (2 locations in Bethesda as well!)

• York Castle Tropical Ice Cream: Features tropical flavors inspired by Caribbean traditions.

Washington, DC:

• Pitango Gelato: Offers authentic Italian gelato made with organic ingredients.

• Thomas Sweet Ice Cream: Known for its rich and creamy ice cream with a variety of mix-ins.

• Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams: Unique and creative flavors made with high-quality ingredients make Jeni’s one of the best around.

• Yala Greek Ice Cream: A new addition offering Greek-style ice cream based on tradition, with local and imported ingredients straight from the Mediterranean. 

Arlington, VA:

• Nicecream: Have your ice cream created right in front of you using liquid nitrogen for a fresh and creamy texture.

• Toby's Homemade Ice Cream: A neighborhood shop known for its rich and creamy ice cream.

Alexandria, VA

• The Dairy Godmother: This Wisconsin-style frozen custard has been a Del Ray favorite for many years. A daily flavor of fresh custard and sorbet is served in addition to a custom-blended traditional vanilla flavor. Plan your summer around the flavor forecast!

• Le Petit Ananas Hawaiian Shaved Ice: flavors are made in Hawaii with 100% pure cane sugar, top-shelf purées, and fruit juices, and are gluten-free. Locations in Del Ray and Ft. Hunt.

• Lil Cakes and Creamery: freshly crafted in-house ice cream, made of premium, hand-selected ingredients that create a sensory masterpiece

Reston, VA:

• Pitango Gelato & Coffee: Serving handcrafted, authentic organic gelato. The made-from-scratch products are churned in-house, free from colorings, flavorings, and preservatives. A family-owned business, Pitango now has eight locations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

• Ben & Jerry's: Famous for its wide range of ice cream flavors and commitment to social causes.

• Ice Cream Jubilee known for its unique and seasonal flavors made with high-quality ingredients.

Fairfax, VA:

• Woody's Ice Cream: A local favorite offering soft-serve ice cream and a variety of toppings.

• Bruster's Real Ice Cream: Serves a variety of ice cream flavors (around 150!) made fresh daily.

Ashburn, VA:

• Meadows Original Frozen Custard: Established in the summer of 1950, this shop is renowned for its creamy frozen custard and diverse array of toppings.

• Authors: Small batch ice cream built on togetherness and flavor.

• The Yard Milkshake Bar: Your ultimate dessert destination, specializing in over-the-top milkshakes, decadent sundaes, and premium ice cream creations. *As seen on Shark Tank!

• Gruto’s Soft Serve: With new flavors available each week and 25 toppings to choose from, there’s always something new!

Winchester, VA:

• Red Fox Creamery: A family-owned shop offering homemade ice cream and desserts.

• Pack's Cones-N-More: Known for its wide variety of ice cream flavors and friendly service.

• New Town Creamery, Stephens City: An old school ice cream shop dishing up sundaes, hot dogs, cheese steaks, and sliders, in a 1950s and 1960s atmosphere.

• The Dairy Corner: A quaint local spot known for its frozen custard and other ice cream offerings, plus generous servings.

Montclair, VA:

• SweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt: Offers a variety of frozen yogurt flavors with numerous toppings.

Fredericksburg, VA:

• Carl's Frozen Custard: A historic spot known for its creamy frozen custard and nostalgic atmosphere.

• Abner B’s Ice Cream: The best hand-dipped ice cream now with locations in Fredericksburg and Stafford.

Front Royal, VA:

• C & C Frozen Treats: serving handmade ice cream and Italian ice in Front Royal and Linden, VA. This is not your average frozen treat shop. Sample the delicious old-time ice cream with a new-age twist and bold, authentic flavors.

• Spelunker's: If you’re looking for creamy frozen custard, this is the place for you.

Luray, VA:

• Flotzie’s: Serving “magical” Ice Cream for over 22 years. Flotzies is a lovely little ice cream stand with outstanding service. A great break before or after visiting the Luray Caverns!

From old-school parlors to modern scoop shops, these local gems prove that great ice cream is never far from home. So grab your family, your friends, or just your sweet tooth, and make a few stops on your own local ice cream tour this summer. Supporting small businesses never tasted so good!