Adventure Us: Roanoke’s Ice Cream Adventures

October 7, 2021 | Cristy Carr | Adventure Us, Blog

By the time late summer rolls around, it sometimes seems like the heat will never break – even though school has already started again! So it’s important to have a working knowledge of the area’s ice cream options for hot weather emergencies. We are still educating ourselves on Roanoke’s rich and growing ice cream scene, but here are a few we have enjoyed this summer.

Blue Cow Ice Cream: located in southeast Roanoke, Blue Cow is a specialty ice cream shop featuring a myriad of unique flavors, including dairy-free options and gluten-free cones. Many of their handcrafted ice creams are sourced from local ingredients. Situated along the Roanoke River greenway, the shop is especially convenient for walkers and bikers. Address: 1115 Piedmont St SE, Roanoke, VA 24014

Here’s the Scoop: off Route 419 in the Oak Grove Plaza, Here’s the Scoop offers dozens of delicious flavors from Mayfield Creamery and Virginia’s own Richlands Creamery, along with homemade waffle cones, all served up in a cheery atmosphere where your kids can draw on the walls! Address: 2033 Electric Rd, Cave Spring, VA 24018

Pop’s Ice Cream and Soda Bar: tucked back in historic Grandin Village, this old-fashioned shop is a year round dessert lover’s delight. In summer, take advantage of the cones or milkshakes served in original flavors from locally sourced dairy. Better yet, try a float with handcrafted soda from the vintage soda fountain. At present, Pop’s is only open for carry-out. Address: 1916 Memorial Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24015

Rookie’s: this little shop, right next to the famous Patrick Henry Hotel in downtown Roanoke, offers some of the most delicious specialty ice cream sandwiches – locally sourced ice cream squeezed between two fresh homemade cookies. Gluten-free and vegan options are available. Address: 611 S Jefferson St Suite 2, Roanoke, VA 24011

Dilly Dally General Store: this charming little shop in south Salem offers not only rich, creamy ice cream and milkshakes, but fresh homemade foods and local products of all sorts in its country store. After a hundred years of business, the store closed several years ago, but reopened last year under new ownership. Address: 1511 Eddy Ave, Salem, VA 24153

Homestead Creamery: no list of Roanoke ice cream options can be complete without a mention of the Homestead Creamery. This local dairy is one of the great traditions of the Roanoke Valley, still delivering its premium milk to the doorsteps of many people in the area. Before the summer ends, make sure to take a trip to the farm market store in Burnt Chimney for a refreshing scoop (or three) of its prize ice cream – and to check out its other fresh local goods! Address: 7254 Booker T Washington Hwy, Wirtz, VA 24184

This list is by no means comprehensive, but don’t worry – we will be working hard to update it with fresh information! Take time to check out Roanoke’s frozen dairy scene before summer weather disappears!