Virginia summers are long, hot, and sticky — which means a solid rotation of ice cream shops, frozen custard stands, and shaved ice spots is essential for any family. If you're living in or around New Kent County, the good news is that you don't have to go far to find incredible frozen treats. There's a locally-owned creamery right in New Kent, a beloved coffee spot in Quinton with fantastic iced drinks, and a whole landscape of artisan ice cream parlors, frozen custard stands, and shaved ice shops within about 30 minutes in any direction.
This guide covers every frozen treat destination worth knowing about in New Kent, Quinton, Charles City, West Point, Mechanicsville, Richmond, Williamsburg, and nearby — from house-made ice cream with unique flavors and Thai-style rolled ice cream to classic walk-up dairy bars, New Orleans-style snoballs, and frozen yogurt perfect for a lighter treat. Each listing includes location, hours, what makes the spot special, and a local tip to make your visit even better.
Right Here in New Kent County
You don't even have to leave the county for great frozen treats. New Kent has its own locally-owned creamery and a popular Quinton coffee shop that serves up perfect iced specialty drinks on hot summer days.
Kilted Creamery
What makes it special: Locally owned creamery making all-natural, handcrafted ice cream right in the shop. Flavors include Blueberry Ginger, 2C Evans (cookie butter), ChocoStein (cookie dough blend), Caramel Cream, Oreo Cheesecake, and Cake Batter. Vegan sorbets, gluten-free choices, and dog-friendly treats available.
This is New Kent's hidden gem — just two miles off I-64. Ask to sample flavors before you decide, and don't skip the house-made waffle bowls. The mix-and-match scoops make it easy to try a few flavors in one visit. Perfect for a post-dinner drive or a Saturday afternoon treat.
Early Bird Cafe
What makes it special: Local favorite coffee shop serving hot and iced specialty drinks including lattes, espressos, chai, and creative flavored brews like the signature Beekeeper Latte. They also offer a food truck with brunch and breakfast items. Great for a morning iced coffee fix on a Virginia summer day.
Early Bird is the kind of spot that makes Quinton feel like a community. Swing by on your way to work for an iced latte, or take your weekend morning coffee outside and enjoy it. Their specialty brews are worth trying even if you're not usually a flavored coffee fan. Order ahead online for pickup if you're in a rush.
Mechanicsville & Hanover Area
Just 20–30 minutes north of New Kent, Mechanicsville and Ashland offer a solid lineup of ice cream and frozen treat spots — from a beloved community ice cream parlor to a quirky creamery-and-gift-shop combo tucked into the Hanover Airpark.
The Lazy Cow Ice Cream Parlor
What makes it special: Family-friendly parlor owned by Amanda Franklin, featuring homemade ice cream in classic and creative flavors — from chocolate and vanilla to seasonal options like cotton candy, strawberry matcha, and cheese danish. Also known for handmade ice cream pies and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The Lazy Cow originally started on Main Street in West Point before opening this Mechanicsville location, and it's become a community gathering spot for both towns. They partner with local businesses like Little Bean Coffee Co. and local bakers. Note: the original West Point location appears to be closed — this Mechanicsville spot is the one to visit. About 20 minutes from New Kent.
Bruster's Real Ice Cream
What makes it special: Classic Bruster's experience with slow-churned, small-batch ice cream made in-store daily. Known for their Belgian waffle cones made fresh on the spot, plus shakes, sundaes, banana splits, and a huge rotating flavor selection. A tried-and-true chain with consistent quality.
Bruster's is about 20 minutes from New Kent and a reliable choice when you want classic ice cream parlor vibes. The waffle cones are a must. The Bell Creek location is convenient if you're already shopping in Mechanicsville.
Lickinghole Creamery & Gifts
What makes it special: A quirky creamery and gift shop tucked into the Hanover Airpark. Serves hard-scooped ice cream sourced from Richlands Creamery in Dinwiddie, Virginia, plus Blue Bell Ice Cream. About 20 rotating seasonal flavors, plus specialty treats like ice cream tacos, ice cream nachos, and ice cream flights.
This is an experience, not just an ice cream stop. The gift shop is full of unique, snarky, and artsy gifts — worth browsing while you enjoy your scoop. The ice cream flight is a great way to try several flavors. About 30 minutes from New Kent, and the weekend-only schedule means you should plan ahead.
West Point & Charles City
West Point and Charles City are rural, community-minded areas that sit conveniently between many of the spots listed in this guide. While neither currently has a dedicated ice cream creamery, residents are well-positioned to reach excellent frozen treat options in every direction. West Point is about 20 minutes from Mechanicsville's ice cream spots and 30 minutes from Williamsburg's dairy bars and custard stands. Charles City sits between New Kent and Richmond — making Kilted Creamery, the Carytown ice cream shops, and everything in between easy to reach within 25–35 minutes.
If you're in West Point, The Lazy Cow Ice Cream Parlor originally opened on Main Street there before expanding to Mechanicsville. While the West Point location appears to have closed, the Mechanicsville location carries on the tradition and is just 20 minutes away. For Charles City, Early Bird Cafe in nearby Quinton makes for a perfect morning iced coffee stop, and Kilted Creamery is a short drive for an afternoon scoop.
Richmond
Richmond's ice cream scene punches well above its weight. From a woman-owned Carytown parlor that's been going since 1998 to a Food Network championship-winning creamery on Brookland Park, the city has artisan ice cream shops that are worth the 30–35 minute drive from New Kent. You'll find everything from Thai-style rolled ice cream to scratch-made waffle cones and handcrafted gelato. Most spots are concentrated in Carytown and the Fan District, making it easy to pair an ice cream stop with dinner, shopping, or a walk.
Scoop
What makes it special: A beloved Fan District shop making fresh, small-batch ice cream daily with frequently rotating flavors. What sets Scoop apart is their scratch-made waffle cones — prepared right in front of you — along with macarons and custom ice cream cakes. A true neighborhood gem that's earned a loyal following across Richmond.
Scoop is the kind of place where the cones alone are worth the trip. The Fan District location makes it easy to combine with a walk through one of Richmond's most charming neighborhoods. Stay late on weekends — they're open until 11 PM on Friday and Saturday nights. About 35 minutes from New Kent.
NarWhals Rolled Ice Cream
What makes it special: Richmond's first rolled ice cream shop, specializing in Thai-style rolled ice cream made to order on a frozen metal plate. Watch your ice cream get chopped, mixed, and scraped into beautiful rolls right in front of you. Choose from a variety of bases and customize with mix-ins and toppings. A fun, interactive experience that kids and adults both love.
Rolled ice cream is half the fun of watching it being made — bring the kids and let them pick their mix-ins. The Carytown location means you can easily pair this with dinner or shopping on the strip. Open later on weekends (until 10 PM Fri–Sat), making it perfect for a post-dinner treat. About 35 minutes from New Kent.
Bev's Homemade Ice Cream & Cafe
What makes it special: Woman-owned ice cream parlor operating since 1998 in Richmond's beloved Carytown neighborhood. Known for high-quality, all-natural, New England-style ice cream alongside house-made pastries, hot fudge, and coffee drinks. Rotating daily flavors include Espresso Oreo, Mint Chip, Mocha Almond, Black Raspberry, and seasonal fruit specials. Vegan oat-based ice cream, gelato, and dairy-free sorbet also available.
Bev's is a Richmond institution and one of the best ice cream shops in the region. Custom ice cream cakes are available for order, and they even do catering. Combine your visit with a Carytown stroll — there are unique shops on every block. About 35 minutes from New Kent.
Ruby Scoops Ice Cream & Sweets
What makes it special: Black-owned shop founded by Chef Rabia Kamara, the 2021 winner of Food Network's "Clash of the Cones." Specializes in premium, small-batch, handcrafted, all-natural ice creams with inventive rotating flavors like Hot Honey Cornbread and Ube Cookies & Creme. Nearly half the menu is vegan-friendly. The spacious 3,500-sqft shop also serves fresh-baked cookies and ice cream sandwiches.
Ruby Scoops is the real deal — a nationally recognized creamery that's worth the drive. Go on a Saturday when they're open longest and arrive early enough that popular flavors haven't sold out. When they sell out for the day, they close — that's how fresh everything is. About 35 minutes from New Kent.
Gelati Celesti Ice Cream
What makes it special: Richmond's own artisanal ice cream shop, established in 1984. Handcrafted gelato and ice cream at multiple locations across Richmond and Virginia Beach. Known for quality, consistency, and flavors that have kept locals coming back for over four decades. A Richmond classic.
Gelati Celesti has been part of Richmond's food scene for over 40 years — there's a reason they're still here. The Scott's Addition location is convenient if you're visiting the brewery district and want to pair a scoop with your afternoon. About 30 minutes from New Kent.
Kilwins Ice Cream, Chocolate & Fudge
What makes it special: A premium ice cream, chocolate, and fudge shop with a polished, gift-worthy feel. Known for their Original Recipe ice cream, hand-dipped chocolate truffles, and made-on-site Mackinac Island fudge. A great option for special occasion treats, date nights, or picking up a gift box of chocolates after your scoop.
Kilwins sits right on the Carytown strip, so you can make an evening of it — dinner, ice cream, and a stroll. Their fudge makes great gifts. Also has a Williamsburg location for those visiting the historic area.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg has some of the most distinctive frozen treat spots in the region — from an all-natural walk-up dairy bar with 100+ shaved ice flavors to a frozen custard institution running on a family recipe since 1950. Combined with New Orleans-style snoballs and a reliable Bruster's location, the Williamsburg side of the equation is well worth the 30-minute drive east on I-64.
Shoofly Dairy Bar
What makes it special: Family-friendly walk-up dairy bar operating out of the historic Queen Anne Dari-Snak building. Features grass-fed dairy soft serve, 100+ flavors of Hawaiian shaved ice (SnoBalls), organic ingredients, and house-made desserts including their famous shoofly pie. Opened in 2017 by the Hertzler family with a commitment to all-natural, chemical-free ingredients.
Shoofly is a must-visit if you're in Williamsburg — the walk-up service model feels nostalgic and the all-natural approach sets it apart from chain dairy bars. Over 100 snoball flavors means you could visit every week for a summer and never repeat. About 30 minutes from New Kent.
Meadows Original Frozen Custard
What makes it special: A Williamsburg landmark serving frozen custard made fresh daily from a family recipe dating back to July 4, 1950. Also offers frozen yogurt, gelati, and arctic swirls. The custard is prepared on-site throughout the day in small batches. Known for generous portions and a loyal local following.
Meadows has been around for decades and has earned its reputation. The frozen custard is denser and richer than regular ice cream — that's the custard advantage. Pair your visit with a walk around downtown Williamsburg. A reliable 30-minute drive from New Kent.
Sno-To-Go
What makes it special: A Williamsburg favorite since 1997, specializing in New Orleans-style shaved ice snoballs with 67+ flavor options. Also offers soft-serve ice cream, milkshakes, floats, and sundaes. The business donates customer tips to local charitable organizations — community-minded and delicious.
Sno-To-Go is the go-to for shaved ice in the Williamsburg area. At 67+ flavors, you'll want to try a different one every visit. The food-truck-style service fits the casual, fun vibe. Opens seasonally in March — mark your calendar. About 30 minutes from New Kent.
Bruster's Real Ice Cream
What makes it special: The same beloved slow-churned, small-batch ice cream as the Mechanicsville Bruster's, with fresh Belgian waffle cones made daily. Huge rotating flavor selection, shakes, sundaes, and banana splits. Consistent quality at a convenient Williamsburg location.
If you're spending the day in Williamsburg at Colonial Williamsburg or Busch Gardens, Bruster's is a quick, reliable ice cream stop nearby. The waffle cones are always fresh. About 30 minutes from New Kent.
Frozen Yogurt & Italian Ice
When you're in the mood for something lighter than a full scoop of ice cream, these spots offer frozen yogurt and Italian ice — refreshing, fruity, and perfect for a hot Virginia afternoon.
sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt
What makes it special: Self-serve frozen yogurt with a wide variety of flavors and toppings. A great option when you want a lighter frozen treat and love the build-your-own experience. Multiple rotating flavors available daily.
sweetFrog is a fun, interactive stop — scoop your own, pile on the toppings, and pay by weight. Kids love the self-serve aspect. About 25 minutes from New Kent.
Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
What makes it special: Specializes in Italian Ice (a smooth, refreshing water-based frozen treat) with dozens of fruit flavors, plus rich and creamy frozen custard. Great for hot summer days when you want something lighter than ice cream but more satisfying than a snow cone.
Rita's is the perfect pit stop on a warm Williamsburg afternoon. The Italian Ice flavors are bright and refreshing — try the Mango or Wild Black Cherry. About 30 minutes from New Kent.
