To some folks, ice cream makes the world go round. Give them a crunchy waffle cone with multiple scoops of their favorite flavor, and you’ve got some really happy campers. And while many of these ice cream enthusiasts will eat any cold, creamy treat they’re handed, others are very particular about their frozen desserts. Fortunately, there is a plethora of family-owned shops all around our area who dedicate their time and resources to creating the finest frozen treats available. For the month of August, we challenge you to visit some, if not all, of these praiseworthy suggestions.
Lickinghole Creamery – 10386 Leadbetter Rd., Ashland. Hard scooped ice cream from the farm with flavors like Triple Chocolate Chunk, Cotton Candy, and Lemon Cream.
Dalia’s Ice Cream & Bakery – 7310 Staples Mill Rd., Richmond. Lovely shop offering the best homemade ice cream, Tres Leches Cake, Mexican candies, Pan Dulce and more.
Minilandia Ice Cream and Candy – 4062 Crockett St., Richmond. Authentic Mexican ice cream & candy made fresh in-store.
Ray’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard – 2416 Old Brick Rd., Glen Allen or 3039 Lauderdale Dr., Henrico. The smoothest custard in flavors such as Death by Chocolate and Lemon Bar Lover.
The Big Scoop – 200 Towne Center W Blvd., #601, Henrico. Featuring a mix of hard ice cream, soft serve, Italian ice, milkshakes, and variety of sundaes.
Route 60 Sandwiches & Scoops – 13520 Midlothian Tpk., Midlothian. Serving many delicious flavors of creamy Hershey’s ice cream.
Blue Cow Ice Cream Co. – 7017 Three Chopt Rd., Richmond or 12171C W Broad St., Henrico. Only the best ingredients with unique flavors like Goat Cheese with Blueberry Swirl, Honey Lavender, and Triple Berry Crisp.
Cloud 9 Gelato – 14442 Hull St., Chesterfield. Known for “Desserts That Nourish,” Cloud 9 serves house-made gelato in unique flavors like Popcorn, Green Tea, and Banana Cream.
Kline’s Dairy Bar – 15589 Cosby Rd., Chesterfield. Serving fresh, creamy ice cream made daily with flavors like Butterfinger Flurry and Salted Caramel Crunch.
Wally’s Sweet Spot – 4220 Celebration Ave., Chester. Known for soft-serve cones, cups, sundaes, and malted shakes in flavors like Butter Rum, Toasted Marshmallow, and Pumpkin Pie.
La Catrina Ice Cream – 2470 Anderson Hwy., Powhatan. Offers unique, homemade Mexican-inspired ice cream flavors such as Gansito and Pinguinito, as well as sorbet and popsicles.
Mabel’s – S Creek One, Powhatan. Restaurant and Craft Dessertery famous for huge and fantastic sundaes and specialty desserts such as PB Madness, Sprinkly Insanity, and Crazy Dirt Sundae!
Casa Karamelo – 10022 Robious Rd., Midlothian. The go-to destination for authentic Mexican ice cream and treats in Midlothian. Absolutely scrumptious!
bub’s & Gracie’s – 7214 Hull Street Rd., Richmond. Five-star shop with homemade traditional and unique flavors inspired by the owner’s Jamaican & Haitian heritage. Their amazing Ube ice cream is a must-try.
Editorial by Kim Amboy; August 2026
