From historic ice cream parlors to roadside frozen custard stands, these seven spots are local favorites with delightful flavors across Appalachia.

Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream — Charleston, West Virginia

Address: 225 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV 25301

Website: https://www.ellensicecream.com

Ellen’s has been a sweet landmark in downtown Charleston since September 1997. All of its ice cream, gelato, sorbet and sherbet are made on site from scratch, and the menu rotates seasonally with creative options alongside beloved classics. Customers frequently share favorites like banana splits, hot fudge sundaes and espresso Oreo milkshakes.

Beyond frozen treats, Ellen’s serves fresh soups, green salads, wraps and sandwiches, making it a local favorite for lunch followed by dessert. You’ll often find a lively downtown crowd — families, college students, and visitors — especially on warm summer evenings.

The Meadows Original Frozen Custard — Duncansville, Pennsylvania

Address: 471 Municipal Drive, Duncansville, PA 16635

Website: https://meadowsfrozencustard.com

The Meadows Original Frozen Custard started in 1950 in Duncansville and is one of the oldest frozen custard stands in Pennsylvania. Unlike traditional ice cream, frozen custard includes egg yolks for a richer, smoother texture, and The Meadows uses a recipe developed decades ago that’s still beloved by locals.

In addition to cones and cups of custard, the menu features milkshakes, sundaes, arctic swirls, banana splits, root beer floats and smoothies — classic summer staples that have drawn generations of visitors. The original stand has grown into a familiar summer tradition for families and road-trippers alike, with seasonal crowds forming as temperatures rise.

Austin’s Homemade Ice Cream — Ceredo, West Virginia

Address: 1103 C Street, Ceredo, WV 25530

Website: https://www.austinsicecream.com

Austin’s is one of West Virginia’s most iconic small-town ice cream parlors, with roots going all the way back to 1947. Originally started by a local family and passed down through generations, the business has grown over the years while staying deeply rooted in community tradition.

The Ceredo location is known for its wide variety of flavors — over 40 at times — including quirky originals like grape pineapple and national award-winning standbys like chocolate and vanilla. Their makers have won numerous ribbons at national competitions, and even dairy-free options such as apple cinnamon oatmeal have taken home honors in recent years.

During peak season, families and kids from across the tristate area line up for scoops, and in winter months the shop closes temporarily, reopening in spring to welcome summer crowds.

Small Town Scoops — Jonesville, Virginia

Address: 150 West Main Street, Jonesville, VA 24263

Website: https://www.smalltownscoops.net

Small Town Scoops lives up to its name — a classic Main Street ice cream parlor in Jonesville where locals and travelers alike gather for cones, sundaes, and shakes. The shop’s atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, where neighbors chat over sweet treats and kids linger out front with melting cones.

The menu features traditional favorites alongside seasonal specialties, and Small Town Scoops often hosts community events or fundraisers that bring the town together. It’s exactly the kind of place you visit on a slow summer evening stroll, lingering over conversation and your favorite scoop.

404 Café & Creamery — Big Stone Gap, Virginia

Address: 404 Shawnee Avenue East, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219

Website: https://www.facebook.com/404cafeandcreamery

404 Café & Creamery is a local favorite in Big Stone Gap, a historic small town in southwest Virginia. Known for its hand-dipped ice cream and cozy café atmosphere, 404 blends homemade scoops with a menu of coffee, baked goods, light lunches and soups — perfect for cooling off in summer or warming up during fall.

The café has been recognized locally for its quality, and ice cream often draws visitors who combine dessert with other menu items like grilled sandwiches or freshly baked pastries. Hours extend into the evening, making it a popular spot for an after-dinner treat.

Aunt B’s Ice Cream — Bean Station, Tennessee

Address: 1026 Main Street, Bean Station, TN 37708

Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2666331496985180/

Aunt B’s Ice Cream in Bean Station brings classic roadside parlor vibes to East Tennessee. The shop has a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of serve-yourself cone windows and generous portions that define family outings. Though it doesn’t have a large web presence, local listings and community guides show it serves up all the classics: cones, floats, sundaes, and shakes.

Whether you’re cooling off on a summer road trip or picking up a treat after dinner, Aunt B’s delivers the kind of simple, satisfying dessert experience that makes small towns memorable.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams — Athens, Ohio

Address: 9 West Washington Street, Athens, OH 45701

Website: https://jenis.com

Jeni’s has grown into one of the most respected artisan ice cream brands in the country, but its first shop opened right in Athens, Ohio, where the creative approach to flavor began. Known for thoughtfully sourced ingredients and inventive combinations, Jeni’s blends foodie flair with handcrafted technique.

Flavors range from playful, like salty caramel and brambleberry crisp, to seasonal specials that highlight local produce. The Athens shop is a lively stop in a classic college-town setting — perfect for strolling Court Street with a cone in hand and exploring nearby galleries, coffee shops, and bookstores.

These seven ice cream and frozen custard destinations aren’t just places to cool off — they’re local traditions, community gathering spots and tasty waypoints on summer road trips. Whether you prefer handcrafted classics, inventive artisan flavors or rich frozen custard, each stop offers its own story and scoop worth tasting.