1. Chaps

Located on the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, Chaps has used family recipes to make their ice cream for more than 75 years, so you can be sure that what they serve you is freshly made. Walking into Chaps is like walking into the 1950s, and the old-fashioned décor offers a sense of nostalgia you can’t find anywhere else.

Chaps has two locations. Visit their Downtown Mall location to enjoy your cone in one of their comfortable, retro booths or walk around the mall to people watch. Or visit their new storefront on the Corner by UVA where you can pick up a sweet treat to enjoy while you explore UVA Grounds!

2. SugarBear Ice Cream

SugarBear Ice Cream's specialty flavors are not to be missed! They frequently incorporate local produce and goods into their flavors, such as honey from Thistlerock Mead, jam from Jam According to Daniel, and chocolate shavings from Gearharts Fine Chocolate.

SugarBear is conveniently located just along the Rivanna River on E. High Street AND at their new second location on Ivy Road! They offer scoops, sundaes, cookie ice cream sandwiches, and pints to-go.

3. Crozet Creamery

Located in Crozet's Piedmont Place, Crozet Creamery's ice cream is made from scratch using fresh ingredients! They have two special, yummy sundaes, the 434, named after Charlottesville’s area code, and the 22932, named after Crozet’s zip code. Locals are always raving about Crozet Creamery, and for good reason -- be sure to check them out.

4. La Flor Michoacana

Located on Cherry Avenue across from the Salvation Army, La Flor Michoacana was opened in July 2015 by Colombia native Birzavith Polania and has come to be known for its yummy popsicles and ice cream. Everything is freshly made, and the unique flavor combinations make them a must visit!

The "Mangoneada," one of La Flor Michoacana’s most popular popsicles, is a mix of mango sorbet, fresh mango, and chamoy sauce. Be sure to stop by and check out the classic Mexican flavors. And during the summer, we recommend enjoying these popsicles while floating on the Rivanna River at the Rivanna River Company!

Two popsicles held next to each other. On the left is a red popsicle with an orange streak in the middle and the right is a white popsicle with red flecks throughout.

5. Moo Thru

Moo Thru, a Charlottesville classic located at the Dairy Market, is the perfect place to enjoy delicious ice cream and indulge in a wide variety of summertime flavors. Highlighted flavors include Blackberry, Cake Batter, and Raspberry Sorbet. They even offer pints for purchase in case a cone just wasn’t enough. You’ll spot their classic red barn and cow logo from a mile away.

An ice cream cone covered in sprinkles held out in front of the camera.

6. Carter Mountain Orchard

Carter Mountain Orchard is a local favorite for peach and apple picking fun, as well as their spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Their apple cider donuts are famous and so is their soft-serve ice cream in the summer. Their two flavors, peach and vanilla, pair perfectly with a peach crisp or apple cider donut. We recommend checking them out on Thursdays in the summer -- they host a sunset concert series with free live music.

7. Splendora's

Another Charlottesville favorite! Splendora’s, located in the Shops at Stonefield, has been providing Charlottesville & Albemarle County with fresh, authentic Italian gelato for years. Using local ingredients, they specialize in the smooth, frozen treat that was the first style of ice cream. Gelato contains less fat than American ice cream but is just as thick and satisfying! Splendora’s is locally owned and operated and serves new flavors based on the season.

8. Kilwins

Along with their innovative ice cream flavors, like the rainbow-swirled 'Superman,' Kilwins also offers classic flavors (hello Chocolate, Toasted Coconut, and Mint Chocolate Chip) and a wide selection of other desserts like caramel candy-covered apples and handmade fudge (made right in front of you!) Cool down with your sweet treat in the store or take it to-go for a stroll along the historic Downtown Mall, either way, you'll be back for more!

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9. Kohr Bros Frozen Custard

Looking for the perfect soft serve ice cream? Kohr's offers a variety of smoothies, treats, and frozen custard flavors available in either a cup or cone. Stop by for some classic Charlottesville ice cream at their Pantops location or their location in the Woodbrook Shopping Center. For an extra special treat, stop by on April 15th for their Nickel Cone Day -- frozen custard cones are just five cents, all day!

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10. Botanical Fare

Last but certainly not least are our friends at Botanical Fare with their NEW vegan soft serve options! Located just off the historic Downtown Mall, Botanical's ice cream is oat-based, which means it's delicious AND extra creamy. They plan on always having vanilla available, with a rotating second flavor.

A small ice cream cone on the left and a cup of ice cream on the right held up in front of a brick wall.

No matter what kind of ice cream or cold sweet treat you like, Charlottesville and Albemarle County have the perfect places for you. We hope you get out and enjoy the fresh summer air with a scoop of your favorite yummy frozen treat! Feel free to share your best ice cream shots with us using the hashtag #visitcville for a chance to be featured on our Instagram!

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