In the heart of Northern Virginia and Shenandoah Valley, adventure awaits all those with a love for frozen delights. This tantalizing journey, known as the Northern Virginia Ice Cream Trail, has beckoned visitors from near and far for many years! It offers visitors an opportunity to indulge in some of the most delectable frozen treats the region has to offer.
The expedition began with a visit to a cherished landmark, Carl’s Frozen Custard. “Last year, we celebrated 75 years,” reminisced the owner. “Carl was my uncle, originally from Pennsylvania. He brought the tradition of frozen custard from his small town near York.” The shop’s vintage appeal was not just in its aesthetic; it was meticulously preserved through the use of “electrofreeze machines, handmade back in the 1940s and 50s.” Each scoop of frozen custard carried with it the essence of tradition.
Not far from there, a quaint dairy farm by the name of Moo Through awaited. Ken Smith, the visionary dairy farmer, turned his farm into a thriving ice cream haven. “We were harvesting one day, and I saw all the people riding by,” Ken recalled with a smile. “They were happy and heading south, looking like they were going to enjoy a weekend away. And that’s when the idea for Moo Through was born.” The hum of churners filled the air as Ken and his team tirelessly produced hundreds of gallons of ice cream each day, a tribute to the farm’s enduring legacy.
Lastly, The Split Banana invites travelers to experience the elegance of Italian gelato. With a commitment to quality and flavor, the shop’s owner took pride in serving a frozen delight that was not only smooth and creamy but also a nod to the valley’s dairy roots. “Gelato is the Italian style of ice cream, made with a lot less air and a lot more flavor,” the owner explained. “It’s just delicious.” Every scoop transported visitors to the cobblestone streets of Italy, a tantalizing fusion of Old World charm and modern innovation.
The Northern Virginia Ice Cream Trail is a journey of flavors, a celebration of heritage, and a testament to the passion that people like Uncle Carl and Ken Smith pour into their craft!
