Looking for the best ice cream in Virginia?
You’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of the top 12 ice cream shops across the state. From old-fashioned soda fountains to artisanal gelato, you’ll find something that suits your tastes and budget.
The Best Ice Cream Shops in Virginia
🍦 Need a quick recommendation? Our very favorite ice cream shop is Kline’s Dairy Bar. They serve truly homemade ice cream, made fresh every morning. A close runner-up is Carl’s in Fredericksburg for its old-fashioned feel and amazing chocolate malts.
1. Doumar’s Cones and Barbecue in Norfolk
Doumar’s Cones and Barbecue is a historic restaurant in Virginia Beach that is known for their delicious hand-rolled waffle cones. The restaurant got its start at the 1904 World’s Fair when Abe Doumar curled his waffle and put a scoop of ice cream on top. Since then, Doumar’s has been serving up some of the best barbecue and ice cream in Virginia.
You can even watch the waffle iron make the cones right in front of you..
For a unique and tasty barbecue experience, head to Doumar’s Cones and Barbecue in Virginia Beach.
Customers can choose from a variety of meats like brisket, pulled pork, and chicken, as well as delicious sides like macaroni and cheese or collard greens. And, most importantly, don’t forget to finish your meal with a creamy ice cream cone.
(If you love the idea of BBQ and ice cream, check out our list of the Best BBQ Places in VA!)
2. Abner B’s Ice Cream
Located in historic downtown Fredericksburg, Abner B’s is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious treat while strolling by the shops!
This ice cream shop has been in business for over 40 years and is known for its unique flavors. During my latest visit, there was a honey orange blossom flavor and a mint cookies and cream flavor (shown in the photo) that was so good!
They have created more than 475 different flavors of ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt that rotate on the menu.
There are two locations in Fredericksburg, the first one in the heart of the tourist district and the second location is at Embrey Mill Town Center.
Fun Fact: The B stands for Butterfield!
3. Bean’s Ice Cream in Poquoson
Bean’s Ice Cream is a family-owned ice cream parlor in Poquoson, a small community near Newport News in coastal Virginia. We love the bright and colorful ice cream shop that has free arcade games!
Bean’s serves a great selection of hand-dipped Hershey’s ice cream, including plenty of allergy-friendly options and dairy-free ice creams.
4. Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co. in Alexandria
Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co. is a popular ice cream shop in Alexandria, Virginia. It is known for its old-fashioned ambiance and delicious frozen treats.
Some of their most popular items include:
- Classic sundae
- Root beer float
- Banana split
What makes Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co. unique is their wide variety of flavors. You can choose from over 50 different flavors, including classics like vanilla and chocolate, as well as more unique flavors like key lime pie and pumpkin spice.
They also have lots of creative sundaes on the menu.
If you’re looking for a delicious and nostalgic ice cream experience, then head to Pop’s.
5. Sugar Creek Snowy and Sweet
Sugar Creek Snowy and Sweet in Woodstock, VA serves Pennsylvania Mennonite Creamery ice cream.
If you seek out local favorites and hidden gems, then you HAVE to get the Grape-Nuts ice cream! Trust us, it’s a local favorite for good reason!
There are 35 other flavors being served, too, including our favorite: Box of Chocolates! In addition to the hand dipped ice cream, you can also get SnoBalls, milkshakes and sundaes.
There are new specials every day, so be sure to check their Facebook page before visiting!
You’ll find this sweet stop in Shenandoah County, Virginia.
6. Kline’s Dairy Bar (various locations near Harrisonburg)
Kline’s Dairy Bar is a local favorite for ice cream in the Harrisonburg area. The shop has been in operation since 1947 and offers a variety of flavors and toppings.
This is one of the most nostalgic ice cream parlors in Virginia, and it’s been in business since 1943.
In addition to its amazing ice cream, Kline’s Dairy Bar is also known for being pet-friendly. This makes it a great destination for animal lovers, as they can enjoy a tasty treat while their furry friends play in the nearby park. (We love it here!)
7. Pack’s Frozen Custard
This is a small, local chain with some of the best premium ice cream around. We love their milkshakes, banana splits, and their black raspberry soft serve.
Our kids love their ice cream “lollipop”, which is a snowcone filled with ice cream.
Here’s a picture of their menu.
8. Chap’s Ice Cream in Charlottesville
There are a lot of delicious ice cream shops in Virginia, but Chap’s is one of the best.
Chap’s Ice Cream is a retro 1950s shop that serves up some of the most delicious ice cream, frozen yogurt, and gelato around.
There’s a coffee shop attached and you can also get breakfast or lunch here.
They are in the historic downtown mall (one of the most fun things to see in Charlottesville).
9. Homestead Creamery Farm Market in Burnt Chimney
Homestead Creamery is a dairy farm and ice cream store located in Franklin County, Virginia. They are well-known for their delicious ice cream, which is made with fresh milk from their own cows.
They also sell milk and other fresh dairy products at their market.
They have a variety of flavors to choose from: the classics plus seasonal flavors that rotate.
Here are all the flavors they’re currently offering.
10. Carl’s Frozen Custard in Fredericksburg
Carl’s is a small, family-owned ice cream shop in Fredericksburg, VA. They serve frozen custard in just a few flavors but they’re all delicious.
Visiting this spot feels like stepping back in time.
Our favorites here are the strawberry topping and the chocolate malt. On nice days, be prepared to wait in line a bit as this is a local favorite.
There’s no interior, but there are benches nearby to sit and enjoy your sweet treat.
They close from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day.
11. Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream in Richmond
Bev’s is one of the cutest and friendliest ice cream parlors in the state and serves homemade ice cream.
It’s also a great place to get a custom birthday cake.
Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream serves classic delicious flavors plus a few seasonal selections. (Our favorite is Heath Bar!)
12. The Split Banana in Staunton
The Split Banana is a local favorite in Staunton, VA. It has been voted as one of the “Best of Virginia” by Virginia Living Magazine and has received certificates of excellence from TripAdvisor for several years running.
The Split Banana offers unique flavors like:
- Caramel peanut butter
- Papaya pineapple
- Baby ginger
- Apple pie ice cream
They also serve up some of the most creative and delicious sundaes around. (Our favorite is the “Kit Kat Klassic”.)
There are many delicious ice cream shops in Virginia, but the ones listed above are some of the best. If you’re looking for a great place to get ice cream in Virginia, any of these places would be a good choice.