When the summer heat rolls in, there’s no better way to cool off (and treat yourself) than with a scoop of something sweet. Whether you love a classic vanilla cone, adventurous seasonal flavors, or dairy-free delights, our area is full of local ice cream shops serving up frozen favorites with plenty of hometown charm.
I’ve rounded up some of the best spots across Northern Virginia, the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, and beyond—because nothing says summer like a cold cone on a hot day.
Frederick, MD:
South Mountain Creamery – Farm-fresh ice cream straight from their own cows. Reader tip: try the peach ice cream!
Reston, VA:
Pitango Gelato & Coffee – Organic, small-batch gelato made completely from scratch.
Ben & Jerry’s – All the classic flavors you love, plus a feel-good mission.
Ice Cream Jubilee – Known for creative, seasonal flavors made with high-quality ingredients.
Fairfax, VA:
Woody’s Ice Cream – A neighborhood staple for soft serve with all the toppings.
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – Around 150 rotating flavors made fresh every day.
Ashburn, VA:
Meadows Original Frozen Custard – Creamy custard and toppings galore since 1950.
Authors – Small-batch ice cream with a focus on community and flavor.
The Yard Milkshake Bar – Over-the-top milkshakes you’ve probably seen on Shark Tank.
Gruto’s Soft Serve – Weekly new flavors and 25+ toppings to choose from.
Winchester, VA & Stephens City:
Red Fox Creamery – Homemade ice cream and desserts in a friendly, family-run shop.
Pack’s Cones-N-More – Tons of flavor options and great service.
New Town Creamery – A retro ice cream stand serving up sundaes, sliders, and more.
The Dairy Corner – Beloved for their frozen custard and generous servings.
Front Royal, VA:
C & C Frozen Treats – Handmade ice cream with bold flavors and a fun twist on the classics.
Spelunker’s – Famous for their rich, creamy frozen custard.
Western Loudoun:
Gruto’s (Purcellville) – The mobile truck version of Gruto’s Soft Serve, often parked at local wineries and events.
Moo Thru Ice Cream Truck (Hillsboro) – Find their truck around Loudoun’s farmers markets, serving up locally sourced ice cream.
The Tipped Cow (Purcellville) – A cozy spot in town known for hearty comfort food and their homemade ice cream—perfect for a sweet local treat.
Jefferson County, WV:
Abby’s Restaurant & Ice Cream (Charles Town) – A local diner serving big sundaes and hand-dipped cones.
Royalicious Bagel Bakery & Deli (Charles Town) – Known mostly for bagels but don’t skip the ice cream counter in summer!
Nutters Ice Cream (Shepherdstown) – A sweet little shop with classic flavors and a nostalgic vibe.
Berkeley County, WV:
Rocky’s Soft Serve (Martinsburg) – A seasonal favorite for soft serve and banana splits.
DeFluri’s Fine Chocolates (Martinsburg) – Famous for their chocolate, but in summer, they serve fantastic ice cream too.
Tony’s Ice Cream (Inwood) – A community spot with generous portions and tons of toppings.
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 ice cream tour this summer. Supporting small businesses never tasted so good!
