Your ultimate guide to ice cream shops in Richmond
Get dairy-free and dairy-full soft serve at Study Hall. | Photo by RICtoday
Whether you’re a gelato aficionado or looking for a dairy-free fix, there’s plenty to discover on the Richmond ice cream scene.
Our guide has 20 places for a sweet treat, plus flavor recommendations from readers and an interactive map to find the scoop closest to you.
Davvero Gelato, mobile
Owner Layne Montgomery makes her own oat milk for her specialty dairy-free gelato.
Bonus: A permanent location in Lakeside is in the works, set to open this summer.
Gelati Celesti, multiple locations
You can find Gelati Celesti’s artisanal ice cream at seven different locations in the Richmond area. Flavor favorites include chocolate decadence and Rainbow Cookie.
Reader rec: Just Ask — no, really. The white chocolate ice cream with frozen peanut butter and Oreo chunks is a local favorite, shouted out by Peter E., Susan B., and Will P.
Gelati Celesti also has a mobile ice cream operation.
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Photo via @libbiemillrva
One Way Cream & Goodies, Jackson Ward
This cereal-infused ice cream bar has no shortage of creative mix-ins, flavored whipped creams, and sweet scoops.
Spotty Dog Ice Cream Co., Union Hill
A New England-style specialist, this spot spent half a decade at farmers markets around the city before setting up its permanent parlor.
Reader rec: Shawn M. has a new name for Spotty Dog — “tastebud heaven.” They recommend the malted Madagascar vanilla.
Bev’s has been serving New England scoops in Richmond since 1998.
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Photo by RICtoday
Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream & Cafe, Carytown
A New England-style staple, Bev’s has been serving up scoops in Richmond since 1998.
Reader rec: Lorna T. recommends a refreshing scoop of raspberry chip.
Study Hall, Forest View
If you’re in the mood for soft serve, this walk-up window has you covered with dairy and vegan options.
Click the button below to see more local shops and explore the interactive map.
Flowers After 5: Dan & The Fam | Thursday, June 27 | 5-8 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond | $0-$20 | Groove with the psychedelic rockers and bring your leashed pup to this special Garden night.
Flying Squirrels vs. Somerset Patriots | Thursday, June 27 | 6:35 p.m. | The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | $10-$25 | Stick around after the game for fireworks.
Friday, June 28
4th Friday Opening Reception | Friday, June 28 | 6-8 p.m. | Art Works, 320 Hull St., Richmond | Free | See six new exhibits, meet the artists, participate in hands-on art activities, and enjoy live music and refreshments.
Grails | Friday, June 28 | 7 p.m. | Richmond Music Hall, 619 E. Main St., Richmond | $25 | The Portland rock band will play with Nathan Bowles Trio.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Rihanna | Friday, June 28 | 8:45-10 p.m. | The Dome at the Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond | $40+ | We may be waiting for new music from the pop star herself, but in the meantime the Listeso String Quartet will play some of her biggest hits in an immersive environment.
Saturday, June 29
“Hill of Heroes Day” Open House | Saturday, June 29 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Virginia War Memorial, 621 S. Belvidere St., Richmond | Free | Bring the family to see the new exhibit, shop the used book sale, see Nutzy and Nutasha, and experience a demonstration for Ft. Gregg-Adam’s K9 Military Working Dogs Unit.
Pride Henna and Glitter Tattoos | Saturday, June 29 | 2-5 p.m. | Väsen Brewing Company, 3331 W. Moore St. , Richmond | Free entry | Enjoy a craft brew and get some temporary body art from a local artist.
Sunday, June 30
Flamy Grant | Sunday, June 30 | 8 p.m. | Dogwood Dell, 600 S. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | Free | Witness an unforgettable performance from the award-winning drag queen as part of the Festival of Arts.
You’ll soon be able to enjoy a slice from Zorch south of the river. The Carytown establishment is opening Zorch Pizza Parlor on Forest Hill Avenue. The new restaurant will be full-service with a patio, picnic area, and outdoor bar.
Civic
The city has yet to issue the bonds for a new baseball stadium and will likely miss the end-of-the-month deadline to get state sales tax incentives. Chief Administrative Officer Lincoln Saunders said the delay is due to a lawsuit filed earlier this year. (Richmond BizSense)
Development
The former site of the Dairy Bar in Scott’s Addition could become home to over 200 apartments and a luxury hotel — the first in the neighborhood. Capital Square says it wants to raise $77 million from investors for the project. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Edu
RPS is looking for a new name for Richmond Alternative School. Students, families, staff, and community members are encouraged to submit ideas through Wednesday, July 10. Potential names should be relevant to Richmond history, culture, or geography.
Arts
A new exhibit opens at Southside Contemporary Art Gallery this Friday, June 28 at 5 p.m. “They Call Me Pain” will include a collection of works by mixed media artist Huey Lightbody. It’ll remain at the gallery through Aug. 9.
Music
Love local music? Join Shockoe Records and the Valentine on a bus tour through the past and present of the city’s music scene. The special event is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 4 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. and has a limited capacity — tickets are on sale for $50.
Biz
A former Times-Dispatch editor is starting a new nonprofit news site. The Richmonder will launch Sept. 9 and plans to focus coverage on the mayoral race, City Council, and the School Board.
Film
Do you have a special memory at the Byrd Theatre? The historic movie palace is collecting stories from Richmonders in advance of its centennial celebration in 2028. Share your story by email.
Eat
Looking to dine out this weekend? Make an online reservation for Echelon Wine Bar or JewFro — tables are available through Tock.*
Sports
🏆 ESPN honors Richmond athlete
Local athlete receives ESPN Youth Leadership Award
Smith launched Sportable’s inaugural wheelchair basketball camp and women’s wheelchair basketball clinic. | Photo by Brian McWalters/Road Win Photos
A local athlete is receiving a national award for her efforts to promote adaptive sports. Hannah Smith has been announced as a Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award honoree.
Part of the ESPN Sports Humanitarian Awards, the Youth Leadership Award celebrates those who use sports to make positive changes to their communities and the world.
Smith got her start in adaptive sports a decade ago, at the age of 11. She joined Sportable, a Richmond-based group that provides sporting opportunities to over 400 athletes each year.
As a Sportable athlete, Smith started playing wheelchair basketball competitively. She also helped launch the group’s first wheelchair basketball camp and women’s clinic.
Smith will also be recognized at the ESPY Awards on Thursday, July 11. You can watch the event on ABC starting at 8 p.m.
The Buy
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A great basic baseball cap to keep the sun off your face all season long, like ones from Life Is Good or Adidas.
I imagine our readers are happy to hear the news of the Zorch expansion — it did come away with the win in our pizza bracket this year. I can’t wait to see what arcade games will be at the new place.
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