Best Ice Cream In Virginia Beach
If you’re NOT looking Sweet Frog, this is your list. You can throw a dart at the Oceanfront and it’ll land on a Sweet Frog. No need for a list there!
This is article is about ice cream shops in Virginia Beach that are locally owned and operated!
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Looking for more of the best Virginia Beach has to offer? Look no further.
In my own research when we moved here, Google & Trip Advisor failed me more than once returning results that were grotesquely off base. I’ve written up all our favorites – restaurants with kids, date nights, ice cream, indoor things to do and beaches. Get it all in your inbox here
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- Indoor activities if it rains or you get a sunburn
- The best local ice cream
- Restaurants with kids more than a coloring sheet!
- Free things to do at the oceanfront
Why Small Batch Ice Cream
The best ice cream in Virginia Beach is small batch made. It the preferred choice for ice cream enthusiasts for a number of reasons. The production of small batch ice cream is a slow and deliberate process, resulting in a high-quality product that is rich in flavor, texture, and overall experience. Here are some of the reasons why small batch ice cream is considered to be the best:
- Quality ingredients: Small batch ice cream makers take pride in sourcing high-quality, fresh ingredients to make their products. Unlike mass-produced ice cream, small batch ice cream uses real cream, sugar, and natural flavorings. This results in an ice cream that is creamy, sweet, and bursting with flavor.
- Unique flavor options: Small batch ice cream makers often experiment with new and unique flavor combinations, resulting in a wide range of flavor options that are not typically found in mass-produced ice cream. From seasonal flavors such as pumpkin spice to unique creations like balsamic strawberry, small batch ice cream offers a variety of options for even the most discerning ice cream connoisseur.
- Lower overrun: Overrun refers to the amount of air that is added to the ice cream during the production process. Small batch ice cream typically has a lower overrun than mass-produced ice cream, resulting in a denser, creamier product that is more satisfying with every bite.
- Artisanal touch: Small batch ice cream is made by hand, with care and attention to detail. This artisanal touch results in an ice cream that is not only delicious, but also visually appealing, with swirls, chunks, and other textures that add to the overall experience.
- Support of local businesses: By purchasing small batch ice cream, you are supporting local businesses and the local economy. This not only helps the community, but also ensures that you are getting a fresh and locally sourced product.
1. Lolly’s Creamery
17th street a 3 1/2 blocks from the beach in the Vibe District
Lolly’s has a limited year round menu, but has special seasonal flavors that sell out fast.
Our first experience was less than thrilling when the online menu didn’t match up to the actual onsite offerings… we had four boys expecting fireworks ice cream and had to change their orders unexpectedly. Just don’t get excited for anything before you get there!
Lolly’s is our number one choice for the best ice cream in Virginia Beach because it has a great product and a great vibe for the beach – not a strip mall like the others.
Seating is all outdoor, and super limited for the numbers they serve. Prepare to sit on the ground, a curb or the tailgate if you’re not walking and eating.
- Expect lines
- Limited menu
- Seasonal flavors sell out fast
- All outdoor seating, usually full!
- Flight is $9
Year Round Flavors
- Cookie Monster
- Strawberry
- Three Ships Coffee
- Mint Chocolate Chip
- Double Dark Chocolate
- Real Deal Vanilla
Check out the non traditional family photo session we did at Lolly’s!
2. Blue Cow Creamery
On the Chesapeake Bay/North End VB at the corner of Great Neck road & Shore Drive
Blue cow’s location is a strip mall with tables/chairs. Its super close to our house so we go often when we’re getting a fix. But it is lacking the beach vibe. When we have family in town wanting the best ice cream in Virginia Beach, we take them here or Lolly’s.
Like Lolly’s they have a base set of year round flavors and add in seasonal favorites.
Flights are $9
Year Round flavors
- Double-fold vanilla
- Chocolate
- Red Rooster Coffee with Chocolate Chip (Roanoke)
- Three Ships Coffee Chip (Virginia Beach)
- Brown Butter Pecan
- Birthday Cake
- Oreo
- Chocolate Brownie
- Sea Salt Brickle with Caramel Swirl
- Goat Cheese with Blueberry Swirl
- Blue Cow Patty
- Vegan Chocolate
3. Gelati Celesti Gelato
Off Laskin Road at Hilltop Shopping Center
I personally can’t attest, but my 11 yo went with friends and raves about it. Its on our list!
It was a recent winner for the best ice cream in Virginia Beach by a local magazine. I’ve found those results to be pretty promising. There’s a lot of competition for the best ice cream in Virginia Beach so it’s hard to choose!
4. Gerald’s Ice Cream Bar
Laskin Road in Hilltop Shopping Center
Gerald’s has an old fashion vibe. Lots of flavors organized by type – vanillas, chocolates, nuts, fruits, etc. Gerald’s definitely offers the most options, but it can be overwhelming. There’s just so many combinations, I don’t want to have to decide or wade through all the words on the menu.
- The most flavors!
- Lacked the beach vibe of Lolly’s
- Most expensive we’ve been to.
- A flight of 6 flavors as $19. (Most are 4 flavors for $9)
BONUS! Brown Dog Ice Cream
If you feel like a drive… or its a rainy day… Drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore.
Brown dog operates like Lolly’s & Blue Cow with standard year round flavors and seasonal options.
Brown Dog is definitely the best ice cream in Cape Charles, competitive for Coastal Virginia. If you’re already headed out there, you must walk over!
Featured in Southern Living July 2021!
Best Ice Cream in Virginia Beach
In conclusion, small batch ice cream is the preferred choice for many ice cream enthusiasts due to its high-quality ingredients, unique flavor options, lower overrun, artisanal touch, and support of local Virginia Beach businesses. While mass-produced ice cream may be convenient and widely available, it simply cannot compare to the quality, flavor, and experience of small batch ice cream. So the next time you are in Virginia Beach for a delicious frozen treat, opt for small batch ice cream and taste the difference for yourself!
More about Virginia Beach
- North End Virginia Beach Family Photographer
- Vibe Creative District Virginia Beach
- Master Family Photographer Certification
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- 3 Best Reasons Why You Must Do an Extended Family Photoshoot
I'm a South Carolina native, USMC spouse, and recovering homeschool mama of a four boy circus. Bring me your crazy!
After 11 years of photographing families all over the world, I've realized my clients aren't printing their images. We go through all this work to get dressed, coordinated and then let those photos die on the hard drive.
No more!
There's nothing easy about family photos but I'm here to help you with every step from what to wear to printed in your hands whether thats an album or wall art. I want you to Make your people the rock star of your house!
You'll be reminded of what really matters every day when you see the giant prints of your crew laughing on your walls every. single. day.
Currently stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia photographing families all over the Hampton Roads area from Suffolk, Norfolk, Chesapeake and the Eastern Shore all the way to Portsmouth and Elizabeth City!
Follow along on the Gram at @alisonbellphotog or reach out today!
I find joy in chaos. The louder, the better! I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
