Okay, let me begin by saying this area has a serious addiction to ice cream.  And let me be clear that this isn’t a criticism in any way.  In fact, pair this with the affinity for great coffee (see our local coffee shops post), and you’re pretty much set when you visit over the summer.

Now, I’ve occasionally had to make some tough sacrifices for this job, and one of them is the many ice cream cones I’ve had to eat in order to accurately write this blog.  You’re welcome.  Somebody had to do it.

Seriously, though, I sincerely hope you have a chance to check out at least one or two of the below listed shops the next time you’re in the Winchester area (by the way, don’t hesitate to let us know if I missed anything!).

Ice Cream

A&L Scoops and Swirls

Our southernmost sweet tooth haven, this small family-owned ice cream shop offers up soft serve, scoop ice cream and a full ice cream menu, with many delicious desserts to choose from. Located just down the street from Laurel Ridge Community College, they’ve got that coveted outside patio seating to fully enjoy our beautiful, laid back warm summer evenings. 7597 Main St, Middletown, VA 22645

Bonnie Blue Ice Cream Hut

Featuring fresh creamery ice cream from Country Creamery in Pennsylvania, this new addition to one of our most popular restaurants is open weekends during the spring, summer and fall! And yes, one of their available toppings is bacon bits from their famous in-house cured bacon. Be sure to dip inside the cafe and get a cup of great local coffee while you’re there.  334 W Boscawen St, Winchester, VA 22601.

CD’s Coffee and Cream

Craig and Diana (the C and D of this establishment) have carved out a very busy little spot here on Rt 50 just a minute or two west of Valley Health Hospital. The best of both worlds, you can have your caffeine and sugar fix at the same time here. Featuring single origin volcanic soil coffee and locally made Garber’s ice cream, this is a must stop when exploring our beautiful countryside!  2953 Northwestern Turnpike, Winchester, VA 22602

New Town Creamery

Opened in early 2014, this husband and wife operation took the place of the former McCoy’s Dairy Bar.  This completely new ownership has made high quality, fun foods their focus.  In addition to regionally sourced ice cream, they have an array of quick summer foods like hot dogs, funnnel cakes and fries.  And be careful, they’ll deep fry just about anything.  Their Easter special?  Deep fried Cadbury eggs.  Their summer best seller?  Deep fried Oreo cookies…  320 Fairfax Pike, Stephens City, VA 22655

Red Fox Creamery & Country Store

Owners Kathy and Brian Lewis opened Middleburg Creamery in 1996, and relocated to the Old Town Winchester pedestrian mall in late 2010.  This is a true creamery that makes everything from scratch.  Kathy is the ice cream guru, whipping up many great classic and seasonal flavors.  Far from just a creamery, though, they have a scratch kitchen that turns out local favorites like chicken salad, rotisserie chicken, chili, soups, baked goods and more. 146 N Loudoun St, Winchester, VA 22601 

The Sugar Shack at The Homestead Farm at Fruit Hill Orchard

Located just minutes out of Winchester on Hwy 522 North, this sweet stop is right next to (and operated by) The Homestead Farm at Fruit Hill Orchard. You can get hand-dipped or soft serve ice cream here – and the best part is possibly the great market next door. Local organically grown fruit and vegetables, gifts, and of course live bluegrass music every Thursday evening during the summer and fall. 2502 N Frederick Pike (Hwy 522), Winchester, VA 22603

Frozen Custard

The Dairy Corner (formerly Pack’s Dairy Corner)

One of the very original locations of a Pack’s Frozen Custard shop, this building has been providing cold treats to the Winchester community and visitors since 1957. Under new ownership a few years ago, it continues the long tradition of great custard! Check out their Facebook page for weekly specials and seasonal hours. 177 Dairy Corner Pl, Winchester, VA 22602

JB’s Ice Cream Shoppe

While the owner’s initials are also JB, the shop is actually named after their pups Jasper & Bear! This frozen custard shop is located in the parking lot behind another one of our ice cream spots, Newtown Creamery. They each deliver great and unique experiences, so make sure to stop by both! Check out their great Facebook page for weekly flavors, hours and other specials. 380 Fairfax Pike, Stephens City, VA 22655

Mattie’s Frozen Custard Shop

This is the new(ish) physical location for the very popular food truck that has been in our area for several years. See the below listing for their touching story. 2430 Valley Ave, Winchester, VA 22601

Mattie’s Soft Serve Frozen Custard (food truck)

A few years after 5 year old Mattie, a kindergartner at a local elementary school, died unexpectedly in 2005, her aunt and uncle sought out and opened up an ice cream truck to keep her memory alive. Today, the distinctive 33-foot long purple bus can be seen around town, often parked near the Martin’s supermarket on Rt. 7 near I-81. They have creative, rotating flavors but you’ll always find Mattie’s favorite, the banana split with a cherry on top, on their menu. Check out their Facebook page for their current schedule! Location varies – check Facebook page for schedule

Pack’s Cones-n-More Frozen Custard (3 locations)

Pack’s is a local institution – a regional chain started several decades ago by the one and only Mrs. Pack – where you’ll get a very similar but not identical experience at each of our three local remaining locations.  When Mrs. Pack retired several years ago, we understand that the locations were bought by either close family or long-time employees.  Now, a word to the wise, if you’ve never had true custard before, take it easy, Chief.  This is some seriously rich awesomeness in a cone.  And go prepared for a line, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings all summer.

1) 2021 N Frederick Pike (522 North), Winchester, VA 22603 – Facebook page link with weekly specials

2) 2580 Northwestern Pike (Hwy 50), Winchester, VA 22603 – Facebook page link with weekly specials

3) 105 Full House Dr (Rt 11), Winchester, VA 22603 – Facebook page link with weekly specials

 

 

Disclaimer – no businesses paid us or gave us anything to be on this list – we just love sweet treats and our local businesses, as we hope you do when you visit!