5 Favorite Local Ice Cream Joints

There is something refreshingly comforting about a big bowl of ice cream. Diving into a bowl of the creamy dessert provides the perfect post-dinner treat, while the crunch of a cone makes for an excellent summer cool-down. Check out the following list of some of our favorite nearby ice creameries, featuring everything from hand-dipped Hershey treats to homemade gelato:

Critzer Family Farm, Afton. Along with a wonderful selection of strawberries, cherries, blackberries, and raspberries, Critzer Family Farm also offers its patrons some mouthwatering homemade ice cream crafted from their very own fruit.

Splendora’s Gelato Café, Charlottesville. Did you know that gelato was the first European ice cream to reach the United States? Try this Italian dessert with flavors like Dulce de Leche, Pink Grapefruit, Mint Chip, Amaretto, and Blood Orange.

Kirt’s Homemade Ice Cream, Charlottesville. Indulge in a scoop, cone, ice cream cake, or ice cream cupcake from this family-owned establishment. (Plus, if you want to enhance your already-delicious dessert, you have the option of adding on a free topping.)

Chirios, Nellysford: Savor the chill of ice cream at this local pizza joint, featuring hand-dipped Hershey’s that you can eat by the scoop or sip in milkshake form.

Klines Dairy Bar, Waynesboro. Grab a bite or two of old-fashioned continuous freeze ice cream at this much-loved dairy bar. The special flavors change depending on the date, so check the flavor cards for everything from Brownie Batter to Lemon Gingersnap.

Bonus: Chiles Peach Orchard, Crozet. Indulge in homemade ice create at this orchard’s annual fundraiser event. On August 6-7, 2016, attend the 32nd Annual Homemade Peach Ice Cream Days, where you can sample the Crozet Lions Club ice cream (made with ripe, juicy peaches from Chiles Orchard!)

Happy summer from Afton Mountain Bed & Breakfast!