Top 5 Ice Cream Spots in Woodbridge

When it comes to summertime in northern Virginia, there’s nothing better than sweet and decadent ice cream. As the heat rises and humidity becomes overwhelming, you know it’s time to hop in the car and get a frozen treat. Summertime in Virginia means outdoors, sports, and the distinct possibility of overheating. It’s an ideal time to get the family together or meet your friends for a sweet treat. And if you’re based in the Woodbridge area, you know that ice cream spots abound, both right in town and a short drive away.

Sure, there are quite a few chain ice cream places around, but we believe in supporting local and trying some of the more unique spots. To help you do this, we’ve listed our top five favorite local ice cream parlors in and around Woodbridge, Virginia. It’s time to plan that next sweet escape!

Frostie Moose Soft Ice Cream Store

There’s nothing quite like a tall, well-balanced soft serve ice cream to satisfy that sweet craving. At Frostie Moose, the staff is experts in building a mountain-high cone balanced with the perfect toppings. In fact, the impressively high cones are nearly famous! Consistently receiving four to five stars on all online review platforms, you know you’re getting value for your money at this Woodbridge ice cream shop. They even have vegan options to cater to all customers, so everyone can find something to suit their tastes.

Visitors call their ice cream perfectly creamy, rich, and delicious, and they offer generous portion sizes. Starting with a relatively simple menu of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter, mint, strawberry, and more, Frostie Moose offers dozens of toppings and numerous cone options to customize your order. Try a milkshake, malt, or sundae next time you visit.

La Neveria Michoacana

If you’re looking for a different kind of ice cream experience or want to branch out in the flavors you try, then search no further than La Neveria Michoacana. An authentic Mexican ice cream shop in the heart of the DC-Maryland-Virginia metro area, La Neveria Michoacana consistently impresses. Flavors include popular options such as vanilla and cookies and cream but also branch into the more exotic and out of the ordinary, such as tequila and rose.

One of their most popular and interesting offerings is Mangonada, which is a fresh mango ice cream made with real mango, topped with tamarind and chili mix. It is definitely a unique ice cream experience and one that will certainly help you escape the heat of the Virginia summer. The line can get long, especially on hot days, so be sure to get there early or be prepared to wait a while. Of course, we think the wait is well worth it.

Campbell’s Frozen Custard

Another local option for a frozen treat is Campbell’s Frozen Custard, offering up ice cream’s creamier cousin. Campbell’s is a family-run business, which offers a limited menu of vanilla and chocolate, as well as two special flavors, every day. Their website also offers a monthly forecast of special flavors, so you can plan your visit to get your favorite option. They definitely get creative with special flavors, including Spice Cake, Maple Walnut, Birthday Cake, Key Lime Pie, and more.

In case you aren’t certain, custard differs from ice cream in that it’s made with egg yolk incorporated into a milk, sugar, and cream base. Normal ice cream may have egg yolk but does not necessarily incorporate it to the same level. Bring your furry friend — they have pup cups for dogs who also want to cool down on a hot day.

Jimmy T’s Soft Serve

If you’re willing to leave town for the perfect cone, just 8 miles from Woodbridge down Route 1 in Dumfries, you’ll find Jimmy T’s Soft Serve. Started in Fredericksburg, Jimmy T’s opened this second location near Woodbridge and is a true Virginia original. The owners believe in offering their customers a wide variety of options, with an impressive menu of over 26 flavors of soft serve ice cream.

They also offer sundaes, including specialty sundaes like the Peanut Butter Blast, which has chocolate and peanut butter sauce, ice cream, and Reese’s and Nutter Butter cookies, along with shakes and Jimmy Mombo’s, which is ice cream with one mixed-in topping. They even have shaved ice for those who prefer something less creamy. It’s definitely worth the short drive out of Woodbridge to try this ice cream spot.

Nathan’s Dairy Bar

This next spot is a bit further afield — a 30-minute drive from Woodbridge in Manassas — but it’s worth it. Nathan’s Dairy Bar is about as classic as you can get. From the red and white facade to the retro dairy bar sign to the picnic tables with large umbrellas, this 20-year-old ice cream stand is the real deal. In addition to staple flavors, Nathan’s offers seasonal specialties such as harvest apples in the autumn and pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. Be sure to visit their website and look out for special offers, such as buy-one-get-one, before you make the drive.

Ice cream isn’t just for summer. Throughout the year, you’ll find friendly faces ready to serve up a refreshing treat at these local ice cream spots. Now that you’ve heard our top recommendations for ice cream spots in and close to Woodbridge, Virginia, it’s time to hit the road and get yourself a treat. Did we miss one of your favorite local ice cream spots? Let us know; we’d love to hear from you!

Treat Yourself to a New Set of Wheels

Perhaps you’ve been thinking of treating yourself to something else this summer, like selling your current car and upgrading to a new set of wheels. Cruising through Woodbridge in your new car from Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC and getting a nice, cold ice cream treat on a summer day certainly sounds like the ideal experience. So hit the road, grab some ice cream, and enjoy the weather in northern Virginia.

Image via Unsplash by dylanferreira

Tags: Ice Cream, Woodbridge
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