Favorite past times on the quaint island of Chincoteague, Virginia include going to the beach, crabbing, fishing, boating, and eating ice cream. Spending one summer in this beach town will turn you into an ice cream connoisseur. There are only a few ice cream shops on the island, but our family's favorite, hands down, is Island Creamery. This colorful ice cream shop's ambiance consists of twinkly lights and bright smiles, with the cherry on the top being the life-sized lighthouse in the middle of the store.
Island Creamery opened its doors in 1975 and describes itself as the "only homemade ice cream on Chincoteague Island". The creamery gets the product to make the ice cream from Lancaster County cows. The store utilizes local fruits to find new ideas for ice cream flavors. For example, when the Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival comes around, they make blueberry ice cream! This flavor is a true favorite for any fresh fruit lover.
The flavors are inspired by popular attractions and events on the island. For example, "Wallops Rocket Fuel" consists of chocolate, cinnamon, and chili pepper, and gets its name from the NASA rocket launches that take place just miles from the island. Additionally, the flavor "Pony Tracks" has a vanilla ice cream base with peanut butter cups and a swirl of fudge and peanut butter. This flavor gets its name from the annual pony swim taking place this year on July 25th. This tradition has taken place for 93 years and brings so much excitement to the town. Other flavors include mint chip, peanut butter cup, whiskey brittle, rum raisin, java jolt, marsh mud, birthday cake, and many more. I have come to this place for twenty years—my entire life—and have quite the opinion on my favorite flavors. My favorites include snickers cheesecake, cake batter, and cookie dough. My family loves the fruit flavors including the black raspberry and cherry vanilla.
At night, this town would not be complete without the shop. The creamery provides enjoyable evenings for so many locals and tourists all year long. Although, DO NOT let the size of the line discourage you from trying the delectable flavors. Often super crowded, they know how to get you through their line fast! Crowds do not intimidate these workers; they are quick and have a memory like no other. They will take five peoples orders of multiple scoops and cones, and always provide perfect ice cream.
The staff is always happy to help, no matter the request. At the end of a busy day, staff members will smile and thank you for stopping in, even as they still have ice cream all over the floor to clean. Friendliness and ice cream go hand-in-hand at this place. This is the perfect place to bring kids, as they also have a huge and inviting patio area. This place is a perfect spot for a treat, some time to relax, and chats with family and friends. Next time you are near Chincoteague Island, give this place a try! Trust me, you will never want to leave.
