Top 3 places to get ice cream with your pup
The very difficult job of ice cream taster was put to the test. We drove all over in search of the coolest, tastiest ice cream ever. Here’s what you’ve got to check out in your last remaining bits of summer!
Best ice cream all around: South Mountain Creamery
For the creamiest, most luscious, decadent and truest to ice cream there ever was, South Mountain Creamery wins, hands down. Located in Middletown, MD, it's a little drive past Frederick. As you drive through the mountain and country hillside, roll down your back windows (as long as your pup is buckled up in a certified seatbelt) and let your dog get a whiff of that good rural air. As you get closer, you'll see signs for cow crossing. Go slowly on the road, because if you drive too fast you'll easily miss the place. It's a small building with picnic tables and spacious parking, with a large field on one side and a cow barn on the other. It's a little place in the middle of nowhere and it's AWESOME.
Although you really can't go wrong with any flavor, the pumpkin ice cream is a definite must try. You can take home ice cream by the pint, and they also have other items such as milk, meat and cheese. There's a calf barn that you and your pup can explore, and goats as well.
The only downside is that you can't take your dog into the ice cream shop with you, and there's only a portapotty to use. Luckily the parking is very close and the wait is never long. You could even tether your pup to the picnic table right by the door while you run in. There's an ample amount of window space so you can keep an eye on your dog from inside.
If you're looking for a peaceful day trip, go to South Mountain Creamery. It is 100% worth the drive! (P.S. They have a shop in Frederick as well, but the location is tough to get to when traveling solo with a dog…more on that another time).
River's note: Before South Mountain Creamery, I never really liked ice cream. Actually, I never really liked anything that wasn't meat. But when mama gave me a little spoonful of the pumpkin ice cream…WOW! I made her give me more. I memorized what the pint of pumpkin ice cream from there looked like, and later that week when mama pulled it out of the freezer, I skipped up the kitchen steps (I forgot there were actual steps) and was ready for more. I know she must've bought that whole thing just for me.
Best everyday treat: Carmen's Italian Ice
Carmen's is like your neighborhood bestie. You know that friend you have, where you can just go over anytime and stay awhile, and it's always a good time? That's Carmen's. The ice cream is good. Satisfyingly good. When you're craving a sweet, don't want to drive to far, and just need a something to do, a place to go? Go to Carmen's. They've got Italian ice, milkshakes, gelati and snacks too.
There's 2 locations, one in Olney and one in Rockville. Both are located in a little shopping center within walking distance of local neighborhoods. The parking lot is small but sufficient. The nice thing is that you order at a walk up window at both locations, so your pup can stay in line with you. No leaving your furbaby in the car. Also ask for a pup cup, they'll give you a cup of whipped cream.
A couple downsides, one being long lines. Don't ever go there in a hurry. It's a popular place (for good reason) and lines are always long. Goes smoothly though. Also, seating is pretty limited. In Rockville there are some tables and benches, but in Olney, there's only a couple benches so most people end up sitting along the curb or eating in their cars. It's chill and low key, and a delicious way to end the day.
River's Note: I like Carmen's. I like waiting in line and socializing with all the people and other dogs. I'm really excited when mama gets the ice cream AND a pup cup. If I pull her away from the line fast enough, she just might drop her ice cream and I can have the whole thing….not confessing to any past mishaps….
Best flavors: Sarah's Handmade Ice Cream and Treats
For a special outing, go here. The flavors are unique and the ice cream is beyond excellent. Like almost South Mountain Creamery kind of excellent. Sarah's excels in the creativity of the flavors, from Thai Ice Tea to Pool Party. When you walk inside, you're hit with a reminiscent beach boardwalk feel. It's divine. You can even bring your dog in to order the ice cream with you, and they have a special pup cup made of yogurt, pumpkin, peanut butter and beef liver just for your 4-legged best friend. How special is that! The thoughtfulness that clearly goes into each flavor creation, including the pup cup, is just what any dog parent is looking for. If your dog wants real ice cream though, even among all their cool flavors, a simply vanilla does exist.
There are 2 locations, one in the Wildwood Shopping Center, and the other off of River Road - both in Bethesda. The downside to Sarah's is that it can get pretty crowded, especially in the evening. At the Wildwood location, the line was out the door and every table was full on a Friday night. If you've got an anxious, fearful or overexcited dog, find a quiet time to go. They're open at 11am, so the earlier, the better.
River's Note: Mama really likes this place, but I thought it was just okay. I had to stay in the car because there were a lot of people and it was scary for me. I didn't even get out of the car for a sniff or walk because the entire shopping center was full. Mama brought me a pup cup but after I licked the beef liver dusting off, I didn't really want it anymore. Maybe another dog would have liked my leftovers, I'm just a picky eater. I guess sometimes it's okay for me to take mama out to get treats only she likes and she doesn't have to share with me ALL the time.
What do you think? Have you been to any of these places? To all 3? Send a message to us and share what your favorite flavors are! What were your experiences at these places? Do you have a recommendation that wasn’t on the list? Do tell!
And as always, keep Riding Certified :-)
