As the temperature begins to rise and summer approaches, there is no better time to visit some unique local ice cream shops. There are many amazing ice cream stores around the CESJDS area, but a few personal favorites are The Scoop Ice Creams, Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream and Mimi’s Handmade Ice Cream.
The Scoop:
Located in Cabin John Village, The Scoop offers a simpler ice cream experience. The store’s design is elegantly basic, and offers places to sit to enjoy one of their many homemade scoop, drink or sundae options, along with other fun menu items. These include customizable cakes, pies or a pup cup, an ice cream treat made with dog friendly ingredients.
The ice cream at The Scoop stands out because of its incredibly smooth and light texture, along with being noticeably less sweet than ice creams at other shops. When I went, I tried their Malted Twix, Vanilla Chai, and Lemon Poppy Seed flavors. My favorite of the three was the Lemon Poppy Seed, as the lemon flavor tasted fresh and the poppy seeds added a nice texture.
While I did enjoy this store and it is a decent place to stop if nearby, I do not suggest making a special trip to The Scoop. Other shops in the area have much more exciting flavors, better energy and a brighter atmosphere.
Mimi’s Handmade Ice Cream:
Mimi’s Handmade Ice Cream is located in Federal Plaza, around five minutes away from the JDS Lower School. This location makes it an amazing place to visit on the way home from school. The store is colorfully decorated and has plenty of seating when eating their unique ice cream.
One thing that stands out about Mimi’s menu is their innovative flavors, which include cucumber, Thai basil and black sesame. During my trip to Mimi’s, I tried their White Chocolate Raspberry, Cinnamon Crunch and Thai Basil ice cream. While my favorite was White Chocolate Raspberry, I did love the Heath bar pieces mixed into the Cinnamon Crunch and the unique savory flavor of the Thai Basil. Their ice cream was all very creamy, and the subtle flavors allowed the textures to shine through.
If looking for a new favorite ice cream flavor or a fun treat to try with friends, Mimi’s is the place. The staff at Mimi’s are very friendly and greet all customers with a smile and willingness to help, elevating the experience. I highly recommend going to Mimi’s for an ice cream place.
Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream:
As a popular store with a few locations around Maryland and Washington D.C., Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream never disappoints. My favorite location is in Wildwood Shopping Center, as the storefront draws customers in with its bright colors and welcoming atmosphere.
Something that impressed me immediately about Sarah’s is their interesting and locally inspired flavors. While I was there, I tried Bethesda Brownie Brickle, Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread, Sandy Shore Chesapeake and Summer Peach Melba. All of the flavors I tried were delicious.
I especially enjoyed the crunch from the shortbread pieces in the Lemon Poppy Seed and the chocolate-covered graham crackers in Sandy Shore Chesapeake, which elevated their taste. While the ice cream at Sarah’s is a bit sweeter than other shops, they are my personal favorite.
Sarah’s has outdoor seating available, and Wildwood is a cute shopping area, making it a fun outing with friends. I highly recommend trying Sarah’s this spring or summer, as it is a must-visit store. With so many unique and delicious flavors, it has options for everyone.
All of these shops are great options for a sweet treat with varying options for everyone to enjoy, however, my go-to is Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream. The flavors are all amazing, the staff is very friendly and patient and it is an all-around amazing ice cream shop. I highly recommend trying it.
