Ice Cream Trail: 6 Southwest Virginia shops to sate your summer sweet tooth

From over-the-top milkshakes in Wise to homemade classics in Roanoke, discover the Southwest region’s must-visit ice cream trail before the month melts away.

Craving something sweet to beat the summer heat? July is National Ice Cream Month, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a cool scoop from some of Southwest Virginia’s favorite local spots.

The Southern Churn 

Address: 627 State St, Bristol, VA

The Southern Churn, situated in Bristol (on the Virginia side of the Tennessee border) is a sweet tooth’s paradise. The shop offers delightful ice cream, gourmet fudge, and a selection of fine chocolates.

The Southern Churn favorites: Butter pecan, peanut butter fudge, and chewy praline.

Blue Cow Ice Cream Co.

Address: 1115 Piedmont St SE Roanoke, VA

Blue Cow Ice Cream Co. now has multiple locations across the commonwealth, but its roots were planted right in Roanoke. Whether you’re craving classics like cookies and cream or curious about seasonal flavors like goat cheese and blueberry, Blue Cow Ice Cream Co. is a delicious reminder that big flavors can come from small places.

Blue Cow Ice Cream Co favorites: Blue cow patty, goat cheese with blueberry swirl, and brown butter pecan.

Pop’s Ice Cream and Soda Bar

Address: 1916 Memorial Ave SW, Roanoke, VA

Pop’s Ice Cream and Soda Bar is a beloved family-friendly spot located in Roanoke’s Grandin Village. The shop offers a variety of savory items including soda floats, soda fountain treats, and homemade ice cream.

Pop’s Ice Cream and Soda Bar favorites: Fresh lemonade, the royal banana split, and s’mores sundae.

RELATED: Inside scoop: 10 unique VA ice cream shops to visit for National Ice Cream Month

Homestead Creamery

Address: 7254 Booker T Washington Hwy, Wirtz, VA

Looking for an award-winning option? You can find Homestead Creamery delights all throughout the state (and in surrounding states). The creamery is family-operated business, known for its A2A2 dairy products.  

Homestead Creamery favorites: Chocolate pecan, espresso chocolate chip, cookie dough, cookies and cream, and Hokie Tracks.

Moo Moo’s Delights 

Address: 1432 Roanoke Rd, Daleville, VA

Moo Moo’s Delights is a mom-and-pop shop for ice cream lovers, offering Hershey ice cream products—including dairy free and sugar free items, too. 

Come for the cow-themed charm and stay for the BBQ sandwiches and Nathan’s hot dogs.

Moo Moo’s Delights favorites: Ice cream flights, banana splits and sundaes, and the cowabunga milkshake.

K&E Southern Sweets LLC 

Address: 332 E Main Street, Wise, VA

If your summer adventures take you through Wise, don’t miss the chance to indulge at K&E Southern Sweets LLC—a charming local gem. This family-run dessert and diner spot is best known for its over-the-top milkshakes and a wide variety of indulgent treats.

K&E Southern Sweets LLC favorites: Banana split, jumbo cheeseburger, and wedding cake cupcake.