Ben & Jerry's
Check website for DC Metro locations
Metro DC
Fabulous flavors and a tasty selection can be found at this dairy delight. Still I wish the lines weren't so long and the bill wasn't so high. Noteworthy, this is an ideal outing for a hot day. I would try to sell it to your child as a special treat as multiple monthly visits will start to get VERY EXPENSIVE! Of course, where else can you get Bananas on the Rum and Cherry Garcia☺
Carvel Ice Cream
Check website for Metro DC locations
Carvel Ice Cream is such a throw back to my youth. I still remember getting a few scoops of ice cream in the signature Major League Baseball promo cup. A scoop of mint chocolate chip in a red plastic Philadelphia Phillies cup on a hot summer day, life didn't get better. It is wild to be sharing one of my childhood memories with my daughter. In an area where many folks come from different places, it can be comforting to head to a "hometown" ice cream shop. Fast forward to present day, parents will love that Carvel still offers a REASONABLY priced outing for your family. I say this because my last trip to Ben & Jerry's almost caused me to re-fi my house! Carvel is a fun destination for young and adult. They offer amazing ice cream cakes, fabulous shakes and tasty take home treats. Note, Donna and Randy at the local Oakton store offer up their venue for low cost birthday parties that include self serve ice cream for older kids and a sprinkle machine. Most of the local stores are franchise owned and have warm folks running the show for their local community.Coldstone
Check website for Virginia locations
Check website for Virginia locations
A chain with a twist. Coldstone is all about the show. Pick your favorite flavor and toppings and watch the staff prepare a scrumptious desert!
Cone-E-Island
2000 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington DC 20006
202-822-8460
Dolcezza
1560 Wisconsin Avenue
Washington DC 20007
202-333-4646
Local favorite among the downtown set. Reviewers have given this gelato haven two "Yums" Up☺
Gifford Ice Cream & Candy Company
Bethesda, Chevy Chase & Rockville
Southern Maryland
Old school fun is offered up at this establishment that has been doing business since 1938. They have seen it all and do it all! Ice cream, cakes, cookies, sorbets, shakes and even coffee. Gifford’s is so good that they carry their own brew. From hot fudge to ice cream, Gifford’s has an extensive line of goods to satisfy any sweet tooth! Noteworthy, the Pistachio Ice Cream is "da bomb"!!
Larry's Cookies & New York Ice Cream
1633 Connecticut Avenue
Washington DC 20009
202-234-2490
Maggie Moos
Check website for DC Metro locations
Metro DC
Maggie Moo is the latest national contender for our love and affection for iced dairy. The offering is delicious, the kiddie cups are perfect and the price is a bit less than Ben & Jerry's. Maggie Moo is quickly growing in popularity in the Metro DC area. Check the web for store updates and news.
Max's Best Homemade Ice Cream
2416 Wisconsin Avenue
Washington DC 20007
202-333-3111
Tons of funky flavors and a hometown feel make this a charming shop. The location has an almost cult like following among locals, many of whom are grown and have returned with their own children. Check out the wall of fame that shows tons of local little ones. They are Max's most satisfied customers. Noteworthy, since opening, the store has been owned and operated by Max and his wife.
Milwaukee Custard
13934 Lee Jackson Highway
Chantilly VA 20151
703-263-1920
Local favorite for custard. Additional locations in Herndon and Manassas.
Moorenko's Ice Cream Café
8030 Georgia Avenue
Silver Spring MD 20910
301-588-5656
Big thumbs up! Check out their location in McLean, VA.
Nielsens Frozen Custard
144 Church Street
Vienna, VA 22180
703-255-5553
Yummy!! As a die hard fan of Philadelphia custard, I was ecstatic to find Nielsens Frozen Custard, a great shop in the heart of Vienna that serves up a delicious offering of floats, concretes (just like a Dairy Queen Blizzard), sundaes, fries and even grinders. Grinders were very popular when I was growing up. Take your favorite hoagie (a.k.a. sub) and heat it up, you now have a grinder. Expect a fun family atmosphere. Note, Nielsen’s is located on the cutest street you will ever find. So fun! While in The Town of Vienna, stop by Church Street Pizzeria, take a stroll or bike ride on the W&OD trail, visit the Vienna Farmers' Market on Sat mornings or take in a neighborhood concert on the Vienna Green on Friday nights. I couldn't love this town more!!
Scoop Beauregard's Ice Cream
5849 Washington Blvd
Arlington VA 22205
703-536-7000
Tasty Arlington treat that is a local family favorite and is often considered one of the area's best!
Summer Delights
6939 Laurel Avenue
Takoma Park MD 20912
301-891-2880
The Dairy Godmother
2310 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria VA 22301
703-683-7767
Oh you just have to make a trip to The Dairy Godmother to have a full appreciation for this adorable "old school" dessert shop. Specializing in homemade custard, not ice cream, this shop has made its mark with locals. Located in Del Ray's version of "The Miracle Mile", the Dairy Godmother has a delectable offering of custard, sorbet, cakes and even a treat for Fido. Their "Pup" treats are doggy friendly! Noteworthy, for those that aren't familiar with custard, it carries less calories and fat than its sibling, ice cream. As I was growing up in Philadelphia, custard was a summertime staple that was paired with "water ice" to make the perfect gelato. Custard on its own is fabulous☺
York Castle Tropical Ice Cream
9324 Georgia Avenue
Silver Spring MD 20910
301-589-1616
Ja makin me crazy is what you will hear from satisfied customers. This unique ice cream shop serves a creative line up of tropical ice creams including: mango, passion fruit, pine colada and banana. The Jamaican born owner's proudly display their heritage through the store's funky and colorful interiors.
Yum Yum Ice Cream Café
12164 Fairfax Towne Center
Fairfax VA 22030
703-218-0300
This was my favorite ice cream shop during my third trimester. I craved every item on the menu. I gave myself a pass on Sundays throughout the summer. Nothing was sweeter during those long, hot weeks. They have the most tasty banana splits with chocolate sauce. The name says it all "YUM, YUM"!