Summer is nearly here, and that means there’s one sweet treat on everyone’s mind — ice cream. Sure, you could buy a carton from the grocery store, but an outing to a local parlor to enjoy a scoop or a cone is always much more exciting (and usually tastes better). Here are 10 favorite options you’ll want to try.
Always Ice Cream Company | Multiple Locations
With its many locations, it could be easy to forget Always Ice Cream was founded right in Annapolis. Its award-winning handcrafted ice cream rotates through 200 flavors — including vegan and gluten-free options. You can find Chesapeake locations Crofton, Edgewater, Severna Park and West Annapolis. alwaysicecreamcompany.com
Annapolis Ice Cream Company | Annapolis
Founded by the same team as Always Ice Cream company, this original shop still maintains the old-fashioned charm that the founders missed from their native New England. Consider it a place where you can enjoy ice cream mad on site daily in a quaint, cozy shop right in the middle of scenic historic downtown. annapolisicecream.com
The Daily Scoop | Pasadena
Tucked away on the Lake Shore peninsula, this hidden gem is owned by the same team behind Always Ice Cream Company and Annapolis Ice Cream Company, but it still maintains the premium product that has made it a local favorite for decades. dailyscoopicecream.biz
Ann’s Dari-Creme | Glen Burnie
This unassuming little spot along Ritchie Highway goes back to the 1940s. Its homemade ice cream is prepared fresh every day, and while you’re choosing from among the 30 flavors, you can also enjoy a savory item like a sub or chili dog. It’s sweet and nostalgic. anns-dari-creme.weeblyte.com
The Cold Penguin | North Beach
Located right on the North Beach boardwalk, this old-school ice cream shop has a colorful interior and upbeat vibe, which makes it a welcoming place to enjoy a scoop, cone, sundae or shake. facebook.com/thecoldpenguin
The Ice Cream Place | Solomons
With its picnic tables on the patio out front, this family-owned parlor is the perfect place to enjoy ice cream on a warm sunny day — though it also has indoor seating for those times when it’s rainy or chilly! facebook.com/theicecreamplacesolomons
Storm and Daughter’s Ice Cream | Easton
This ice cream parlor offers whimsy and charm in its old-timey atmosphere. It’s known for doing Waffle Wednesdae, when you can get your ice cream served on — you guessed it — a homemade waffle. stormanddaughters.com
Justine’s Ice Cream Parlour | St. Michaels
When you visit this family-owned ice cream shop, you’ll be impressed by its “Famous Wall of Shakes,” featuring 90 classic and signature milkshake flavors to choose from. Feeling especially sweet-toothed? Try the Titanic Sundae Challenge and eat eight scoops with six toppings in under 30 minutes. justinesicecreamparlor.com
Bonheur Pies & Ice Cream | Easton
At this relaxed café, ice cream is made on site, and you can also enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. bonheureaston.com
Tasty Toucan | Stevensville
Its homemade ice cream comes in a range of flavors, but the real star of this shop is the artisan ice pops made on site, as well as the shop’s handcrafted chocolates. tastytoucan.com
