When the temperature starts to climb, it seems like the perfect excuse to get some ice cream for an afternoon treat. Lucky for us, this area of Virginia has a great selection of shops where you can get classic ice cream sundaes and unique local flavors.

Here's a scoop-by-scoop guide on some of our summertime favorites.

Chandlers Ice Cream
936-962 River Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901
Don't blink or you'll miss this old school stand in Pantops serving soft-serve cones and shakes! Their menu of classic flavors & toppings is sure to hit the spot on a hot day.

Chaps
223 E Main St Charlottesville, VA 22902
https://www.chapsicecream.com/
A downtown favorite for over 40 years, Chaps is an old-fashioned ice cream shop in the heart of the Downtown Mall. The shop will give you a sense of nostalgia and you're sure to find a flavor that hits the sweet spot.

Crozet Creamery
2025 Library Ave, Crozet, VA 22932
https://crozetcreamery.com/
A Crozet favorite for over a decade, this shop is constantly updating their flavors so you can always find something new to try. Not all flavors last long, so if you see something on their list you better run to try it before its gone!

La Flor Michocana
601A Cherry Ave, Charlottesville VA 22903
https://laflormichoacana.com/
If you haven't tried La Flor Michocana's paletas, you are missing out! These delicious popsicles come in a wide variety of flavors inspired by local ingredients & authentic Mexican flavors.

Moo Thru
946 Grady Avenue Charlottesville, VA 22903
https://moothruva.com/
Now that Moo Thru is in the Dairy Market, you don't have to make such a drive for these delicious treats! The ice cream is made with fresh milk from the Smith Family farm in Remington VA.

Papa Jim's
265 Turkeysag Trail, Suite 112 Palmyra, VA 22963 & 19289 James Madison Highway Troy, VA 22974
https://www.papajimsicecream.com/
Papa Jim's serves soft serve ice cream in both Troy & Lake Monticello. Every month you'll find a unique specialty treat (like Ice Cream Nachos or Peach Cobbler) along with Italian Ice, & other frozen snacks.

Splendora's Gelato
2050 Bond St Unit 170, Charlottesville, VA 22901
https://splendoras.square.site/
A Charlottesville favorite for over 20 years, Splendora's Gelato shop is full of classic flavors and unique combinations that can only come from local ingredients. You'll find flavors that include local produce or wines and flavors inspired by local restaurants and farms.

Sugar Bear
1522 E High St, Charlottesville, VA 22902 & 2405 Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
https://www.sugarbearcville.com/
A newer ice cream shop that has quickly expanded to two locations, SugarBear highlights local flavors & unique combinations. You'll find classic flavors like orange creamsicle along with new concepts like oatmeal ice cream with jam.

Whether you're spending your summer days outside at the pool or indoors at your desk, a sweet treat is a great way to enjoy the most of summertime in Charlottesville. We hope you like this list of shops we've put together for you. Tell us if there's anything we missed!