The heat is on! Temperatures are in the 90s so what better way to cool down than a quick tour of some local ice cream shops?
National Ice Cream Day is July 16 and to help you celebrate the day properly, Montgomery Community Media has the scoop on five great places for sweet treats:
Jimmie Cone
Located in Damascus, Jimmie Cone has been in business since 1962. Jimmie Cone serves traditional cones. But its signature dishes are the unique ‘boats’ and ‘flurries’ it offers. With five different types of ice cream boats, including a hot fudge cake boat and a super banana boat, perennial kids of all ages can find something to sink their spoons into.
“People come from all over the place,” says store manager Tito. “We’ve had people come from Pennsylvania, we’ve had people come from Virgina… Everybody comes up to Jimmie Cone.”
On the first and third Saturday of every month, Jimmie’s offers a “Cruise Night.” People drive vintage cars into the parking lot, and can coast through the lot with ice cream, admiring the classic rides.
A local ‘mom and pop shop’, Jimmie’s just started accepting credit cards a few years ago, says Tito. Every morning owner Chelsea Hamilton opens both store locations, one in Damascus and one in Mt. Airy. Jimmie Cone is located at 26420 Ridge Road in Damascus.
The Baked Bear
This Bethesda dessert shop puts a unique twist on an ice cream shop. Started by two childhood friends, the Baked Bear offers enormous ice cream sandwiches. With over a dozen types of cookies and flavors, the Baked Bear lists numerous combinations to sample. Customers can even ask to have their sandwiches warmed up if they wish. Recognized by Forbes, Baked Bear has grown to become a nationally known brand. The Baked Bear is at 9229 Rose Avenue in Bethesda.
Recognized by Forbes, the Baked Bear has grown to become a popular national brand.
photo courtesy ‘thebakedbear’ Instagram.
Gemelli’s Cafe
If you’re looking for something beyond just the traditional ice cream cone, Gemelli’s Traditional Italian Market in Gaithersburg may be your gelateria of choice. They serve up treats like gelato and Italian sorbets – both great vegan and dairy free options for those looking to cool off. Gemelli’s can be found at 12169 Darnestown Road in Gaithersburg.
The Charmery
Newly opened in Chevy Chase Lake, the Charmery repeats the popular menu featured at its original Baltimore locations. With flavors like Old Bay Caramel and Maryland Mud you can appreciate one of kind down-home creations. Other unique tastes include Pink Lemonade, Roasted Strawberry and Root Beer Float. Vegan specialties include Coconut Chocolate Chip and Chai Sorbet. Check out the Charmery at 8551 Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase.
Moorenko’s
This long-time local favorite has the scoop on Ultimate Premium ice cream in the area. With 17% butter fat and egg yolks as ingredients, Account Manager David Galinsky advises it lingers on the tongue longer. Tastes here tend to the more refined with emphasis on natural flavors and coloring. So your mint chocolate chip won’t be green but it will hit your palate with stronger flavor and less sugar. Made just up the road in Brookeville, you can find Moorenko’s ice cream in many fine dining settings like upscale hotels in the area. My MCM visited the shop at 8030 Georgia Avenue just south of downtown Silver Spring.
