The ultimate in comfort foods, this frozen delicacy has been around since the early Greeks sweetened snow with honey and fruit. The Persians had their version that added herbs and spices, and in China and other parts of Europe, people would pay good money flavored ices and fruit sorbets. In the United States, soda shops and ice cream parlors sprang up and quickly became favorite meeting places. Once refrigeration moved into homes, everyone could have ice cream any time they wanted. Wherever you're traveling in the Mountain State, you'll find one of these great places to satisfy your ice cream craving.
Opened in 1947, Austin's in Kenova, West Virginia. has been providing the same friendly smiles and fresh homemade ice cream every year. Voted "The Best in West Virginia" by WV South last year and the "Best in the Tri-State” in 2015 by The Herald Dispatch, you'll find delicious frozen delights here like the seasonal ice creams like blueberry cheesecake, pumpkin, and a special grape pineapple.
Raspberry chocolate chip. Expresso Oreo. Chocolate caramel Butterfinger. Do those ice cream flavors make your mouth water in anticipation of feeling the fabulous frozen food? Then come on down to Ellen's Homemade Ice Cream in Charleston, West Virginia. You can come for one of the healthy delicious lunch choices and have dessert or just start with dessert! Daily specials are offered and when you're done there, you can order your favorite ice cream pie to take home and share.
The saying is that you haven't lived until you've eaten at Fat Eddies in Mount Nebo, West Virginia. If that's true, you'll want to stop by this little ice cream shop located right up the road from the Summersville Dam. A favorite spot for locals while they're growing up, many return to visit friends and family and make a point to stop by for their favorite flavor of ice cream or West Virginia hot dog. Even if you do have to stand in line during their open months, the wait is worth it.
Serving food with high-quality ingredients and a smile, Pufferbelly's Ice Cream Station in Fairmont, West Virginia, is a great place to take the family or meet friends. Premium hand-dipped ice cream cones and other goodies like Whistle Stop Sundaes, milkshakes, and smoothies are featured daily and the atmosphere is nostalgic of an old-time train station.
Not just your typical fast food place, Gibby's Ice Cream and Grill in Shinnston, West Virginia, is an eat-in, take-out, drive-thru, sit-and-rest-a-spell kind of place. With outdoor seating in good weather, visitors can order lunch or dinner in addition to tasty frozen cones, sundaes, shakes, and banana splits. If you like slushies, try the Bahama Mama or the Mocha Cappuccino.
In addition to fast, friendly service and traditional ice cream and shake flavors, visitors to Lynn's Drive Inn in Bluefield, West Virginia, will also enjoy trying the more unusual flavors like cantaloupe, grape, German chocolate, or kiwi. For the less adventurous, you can still get chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
Ice cream isn't just for the summer and that's especially true at Our Back Porch Ice Cream in Mannington, West Virginia. Family owned and operated, this little shop has been around for more than three years. Some of the favorites include hand-dipped butter pecan and cotton candy. The shop recently expanded their offerings, and they now serve full breakfast, specialty coffees, and donuts.
Combining what have to be the top two comfort foods, Pizzas and Cream in Nebo, West Virginia, has hit the mark more than once with happy customers. Starting with a brick oven for pizza, this father-son duo quickly branched out to include ice cream and other frozen treats. Try one of their famous "Pie" ice creams or the Peppermint Pattie ice cream if you enjoy a cool minty taste.