National Ice Cream Day: How Are You Celebrating?

Sunday, July 21 is National Ice Cream Day and in Alexandria's sweltering heat, it couldn't have come at a better time.

Ice cream-lover President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of July as the frozen confection’s special day.

In the proclamation, Reagan called for all people of the United States to consider ice cream with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

Vanilla remains the most popular flavor among consumers followed by mint chocolate chip and cookies and cream, according to an International Dairy Foods Association 2012 survey.

How will you celebrate and what’s your favorite flavor?

Around town, here are a few places you can sample the good stuff:

A la Lucia, 315 Madison St. for its gelato.

Artfully Chocolate - This candy and snack shop in Del Ray at 2003A Mount Vernon Ave. also serves Gifford's and Hershey’s ice cream and milkshakes.

Ben & Jerry’s - 103 South Union St. – The national chain offers sorbets, smoothies and of course Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey among many other unique flavors.

Boccato Gelato – Stores in Clarendon and Old Town offer fresh gelato in many flavors.

Buzz, 901 Slaters Lane – The bakery serves house-made ice cream along with its usual baked goodies.

Café Pizzaiolo – 1623 Fern St. has gelato after you enjoy a pizza or pasta dish.

Dairy Godmother, 2310 Mount Vernon Ave. – OK, it’s custard and not ice cream, but always worth a visit.

Extra Perks, 822 N. Fairfax St.: Fruit smoothies in interesting flavors.

McDonald's, various locations – Soft serve ice cream, sundaes, smoothies with of course, the drive-through option.

Pop’s Ice Cream, 105 King St. – An old fashioned ice cream parlor.

Potbelly, 401 John Carlyle Street – Milkshakes!

Scoop Grill and Homemade Ice Cream, 110 King St. – The name says it all.