The temperatures are really heating up this summer!
You can head to the pool for a refreshing dip or stay close to the air conditioning, but sometimes there is just nothing better than a frozen treat! Whether it’s creamy scoops, frozen sweets or icy drinks, Loudoun has plenty of options to keep you cool this summer.
We All Scream For Ice Cream
The Meadows Original Frozen Custard – Ashburn
If you are hot, you probably can’t think of anything that sounds better than the words: Arctic Swirl. At The Meadows, you can get original frozen custard or yogurt swirled together with your favorite candy, nuts or fruit. But, that’s not all. The Meadows recently added Artic Swirl Slushies! For a lighter option, check out the fat-free Italian Ice with a variety of flavor options ranging from Blue Raspberry to Root Beer. Don’t’ forget to bring your furry friend along as well to get a pup cup.
Gruto’s Soft Serve – Purcellville & Leesburg
This fun, family-friendly and locally owned soft serve ice cream shop has expanded into two Loudoun towns. Gruto’s serves fresh, high-quality soft serve March – October in Purcellville and year-round in Leesburg. Shop owners take pride in being able to incorporate local produce into their recipes. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Triple Decker Belly Wrecker next time you stop by.
Scruffy’s Ice Cream Parlor – Middleburg
A sweet staple in downtown Middleburg, Scruffy’s has been serving delicious scoops of ice cream for 30 seasons and counting! As if you needed more of an excuse to eat ice cream, Scruffy’s is also a huge supporter of animal rescues and even donates all tips to the local shelter to help animals in need. Sweet treats and supporting a good cause? Say no more!
The Yard – Ashburn
What is better than sipping on a milkshake on a hot summer day?... Nothing. Check out One Loudoun’s new milkshake bar, The Yard. The milkshakes here are so crazy and over the top, that they will have you coming back for more. This location even has an Ashburn exclusive milkshake called Virginia is for Lovers.
Tipped Cow Creamery – Purcellville
For fresh, hand-crafted ice cream, try Tipped Cow Creamery. Located above local favorite Monk’s BBQ, This family-owned shop makes delicious vanilla and chocolate waffle cones in house, has a list of core flavors that are served year-round as well as rotating flavors that are constantly updated. Feeling hungry? Grab a spoon and dig into killer sundaes available in Banana Split, Classic, Neapolitan or Peanut Butter.
Frosty Fruits, Smoothies and Pops
Greenheart Juice Shop – Leesburg
With three locations in Loudoun, Greenheart crafts 100% organic, unpasteurized, cold-pressed juice and superfood smoothies. From Cacao Bliss to Mango Colada, this tiny shop packs a variety of big flavors. Refreshingly fresh drinks and snacks that are both healthy and tasty? Yes, please!
Fantasticks – Ashburn
Ice cream and summertime can make anyone feel nostalgic! Create your dream gelato pop with a variety of gelato flavors, dips, toppings and drizzles. Let your inner kid thrive at this sweet spot in One Loudoun!
HoneyBee Creamery – Ashburn & Leesburg
If you are looking for a delicious and lighter alternative to ice cream, check out HoneyBee Creamery’s Italian Ice. Not only can you find delicious ice cream here, but at the Ashburn location you can try Italian ice flavors like mango, cherry and pina colada!
Cool Off with a Caffeine Fix
Coffee shops can be the perfect cool-down spot! Shoes Cup & Cork in downtown Leesburg is an eclectic little joint that was originally a shoe repair and hat cleaning business established in the early 1920s. While appreciating the history of the building and the funky vintage shoe chandelier, grab a frozen latte or cold brew. Don’t forget to check out the outdoor secret garden and bocce ball court!
Another great place to get frozen lattes is Mocatinas, which has a variety of flavors for their frozen lattes such as Dulce de Leche, Salted Caramel and the traditional Mocha. If you are not feeling coffee, they also have soft serve ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, and Italian creamosas.
Lastly, head over to Coldspoon Coffee for a unique twist on coffee shops. You can find specialty drinks such as lemonade espresso, draft coffee and a number of flavored lattes that pair perfectly with their homemade Greek yogurt.
Wine Slushie Season!
When the summer sun starts heating up, wine lovers go straight for the slushie! This incredible invention allows you to drink red wine varietals (which are normally served at room temperature) in frozen form, usually with a sweet twist. Often mixed with local fruits and sparkling sodas, wine slushies have everything you need to stay cool and hydrated on a hot day. From a glass of Frosé to a carafe of red wine, slushies come in various sizes and flavors so you can decide whether to share or keep all for yourself – no judgement!
Here are a few of Loudoun’s wineries that are serious about their slushie game:
868 Estate Vineyards - Hillsboro
Bluemont Vineyard – Bluemont
Dry Mill Vineyard & Winery – Leesburg
Quattro Goombas Winery – Aldie
Bleu Frog Vineyard - Leesburg
Cocktails with Cupcake
Cool off with a cocktail and a miniature horse with a big personality this summer! The Salamander Resort & Spa is offering Cocktails with Cupcake every Friday and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sip on Gold Cup’s Cupcake Cocktail exclusively sold while Cupcake is visiting the Grand Lawn. Not able to meet Cupcake at those times? That’s okay, the resort is also offering private meet and greets and photoshoots for any event of your choice.
