Today is National Ice Cream Day!

National Ice cream day is actually a thing!   Nothing says summer like an ice cream cone dripping happily down the elbow of a grinning child, or sweethearts sharing a gelato in the afternoon heat.

Getting ice cream is the universally applicable form of joy sharing, and is flexible across a wide variety of circumstances. It’s the perfect way to spend a sweltering summer Sunday afternoon with the kids; it’s a great way to catch up with an old friend; it makes for a casual and fun first date – or a fail-proof extension of a successful first date. “So, should we get ice cream?” rolls of the tongue perfectly upon the conclusion of a conversation-filled dinner and is exceptionally more impressive than: “Uh. Wanna come in?”

So, forget the frozen yogurt—it’s dessert, not breakfast. Does it really need to be hot pink, self-dispensed at varying degrees of frozenness from machinery reminiscent of gas station Slurpees and topped with a disgusting array of toppings ranging from cereal to gummy worms? Maybe I’m a little biased toward the original—have your fro-yo (if you must) but don’t forget to try these classic and local ice cream favorites this summer. Make the kids’ day, impress that date or simply treat yourself to a double scoop when the sweltering-factor outside calls for it. Check out the best DC has to offer in frozen treats below, and then go!

Thomas Sweet Ice Cream & Chocolate
3214 P St NW, Washington, DC 20007

A Georgetown favorite featuring over 40 flavors daily, plus signature blend-ins, Thomas Sweet is also known to be a favorite of President Obama. The shop also offers baked goods, coffee drinks, sandwiches and more and invites you to find your sweet fix as well as your happy place.

Dolcezza Coffee and Gelato
Multiple Locations

Dolcezza specializes in crafting delicious gelato using only the highest quality local and seasonal ingedients. Owned by a husband and wife ice-cream crafting power duo, Dolcezza promises a scrumptious and unique experience every time you stop in.

Ice Cream Jubilee
301 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Charmingly located along the Anacostia Riverfront, Ice Cream Jubilee uses only locally sourced fresh cream from nearby South Mountain Creamery to craft the finest frozen treats with flavors ranging from blueberry pie to caramel popcorn. The owner, Victoria followed her love of ice cream from a career in corporate law to a life as a DC ice cream powerhouse – read her story here and don’t miss this special shop this summer.

Pitango Gelato
Multiple Locations

Using only the highest quality milk from the grass fed cows at Spring Wood Organic Farm, Pitango brings traditional Italian gelato to the DC area.   Founder Noah Dan grew up spending his summers in Trieste, Italy where he fell in love with all things gelato. Pitango follows old-style Italian recipes to this day.

Larry’s Ice Cream & Cupcakes
1633 Connecticut Ave, Washington, DC 20009

While most reviews of this underground ice cream shop mention the occasionally poor service and the staff’s grumpy demeanor, it’s not to keep them from coming back. Thick, creamy, delicious scoops in a myriad of creative homemade flavors at this basement level Dupont Circle shop draw in regulars and newcomers alike.

Dolci Gelati
Multiple Locations

Chef Gianluigi handcrafts a new flavor list every morning for your gelato-eating pleasure. Eclectic flavors include Aztec Chocolate, Thai Coconut Lemongrass and Cherry Blossom. With two DC locations and a gelato-on-wheels truck, Dolci Gelati is a don’t miss this summer.

Trickling Springs Creamery
1309 5th St NE Washington, DC 20002

Made using milk from local area dairy farmers that pledge to treat their cows with love and not with hormones, Trickling Springs ice cream is truly a DC area gem, sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Check out all of their retail locations here, and then stop by for a delicious scoop (or pint!) made even better by its local origins.

All pictures by and copyright Abbott Klar Real Estate Group