National Ice Cream Day falls on Sunday, July 20 — the perfect excuse to treat yourself. From rich, creamy custards to refreshing dairy-free delights, we’ve rounded up the best spots to satisfy your sweet tooth. Grab a spoon and celebrate accordingly.
Arlington
Nicecream | 2831 Clarendon Blvd.
Sweet treats and a science experiment? Located in Clarendon, this local shop makes its ice cream with local ingredients and liquid nitrogen. Nicecream is open daily, and flavors continually rotate, so you’ll never get bored. We highly recommend a milkshake with dairy-free mocha cookies + cream ice cream.
Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream | 5849 A Washington Blvd.
With locations in Arlington + Vienna, there are two spots where Toby’s can satisfy your sweet tooth. Along with tasty treats for you, they also offer pupsicles for your furry friends.
Mimi’s Handmade Ice Cream | 1201 S Joyce St.
If you’re looking for creative scoops, Mimi’s is the spot for you. Try flavors like snow ginger or wasabi peas — we sure haven’t seen this anywhere else. There are also a couple of boozy options for those over 21 years old.
Alexandria
Pop’s Old Fashion Ice Cream | 109 King St.
The founder, Ray “Pop” Giovanni, had been in the ice cream business since the 1940s. You can get any flavor of your dreams, from chocolate peanut butter cup to carrot cake. Pop’s also offers specialty sundaes like the Cup O’ Dirt made with chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, Oreo crumble, chocolate sprinkles, and gummy worms.
The Dairy Godmother | 2310 Mt Vernon Ave.
This frozen custard spot has a changing flavor of the day, which you can find out using the Flavor Forecast. We’ve got our eyes on Tollhouse Cookie and Banana PB Cake.
The Custard Shack | 1401 Belle Haven Rd.
Right next door to its pizzeria, The Haven, this is the perfect spot to get your post-dinner sweet treat. When it comes to the frozen custard — which is superior to ice cream if you ask us — you can choose from vanilla, chocolate, cookies + cream, strawberry, and the flavor of the day.
Fairfax
Woody’s Ice Cream | 10435 North St.
This is another ice cream spot with a wide variety of flavors for you to choose from. Maybe you’re thinking mocha fudge brownie. Or maybe you’re in the mood for something fruity like classic strawberry ice cream.
Sugar Mama’s Ice Cream | 11208 Lee Hwy.
This mom + pop ice cream spot is a must when you’re in Fairfax. It has a ton of options, including Indian flavors like Kesar pista, Ras malai, and more. You can also indulge in vegan flavors available in pistachio, Oreo, or various Italian ices.
Terra’s Ice Cream | 2070 Chain Bridge Rd.
This spot is for all of our gluten-free readers. Terra’s Ice Cream works to create clean, tasty products that are all gluten-free. We’re dying to get our hands on the Terramisu ice cream on a gluten-free cone.
Rest of NOVA
Great Falls Creamery | Great Falls | 766 Walker Rd.
This local, family-owned ice cream spot also serves treats like freshly baked goods, coffee, and more. Offering 24 flavors, there is plenty to choose from, including a rotating seasonal selection.
Nathan’s Dairy Bar | Manassas | 8948 Mathis Ave.
Founded in 2001, this seasonal ice cream shop offers a wide variety of flavors, including specialty options that rotate twice a week. When it’s Thanksgiving, Nathan’s sells its famous Pumpkin Ice Cream Pies.
Lil City Creamery | Falls Church | 114 W. Broad St.
This Falls Church favorite serves ice cream from Woodside Farm Creamery of Hockessin, DE. There are tons of flavors to mix + match, allowing you to get a little bit of everything. We’re immediately drawn to the chocolate fudge brownie ice cream.
Gruto’s Soft Serve | Leesburg | 107 S. King St.
This family-owned restaurant has been serving the community since 2014. Enjoy flavors including vanilla, chocolate, black raspberry, and banana. You can also twist some of them together.
