National Ice Cream Day In Bethesda: Where To Celebrate

BETHESDA, MD — Ice cream lovers have a day to celebrate big-time once a year on National Ice Cream Day, which falls on Sunday, July 16. Many restaurants and purveyors offer deals and freebies.

McDonald's, for instance, is offering a free soft-serve vanilla cone if you download its mobile app to redeem the offer. The fast food restaurant has locations at 5214 River Road and 7101 Democracy Blvd.

PetSmart is giving away free doggie sundaes for pooches looking to celebrate the occasion Sunday at its PetsHotel locations. The nearest is at 6800 Wisconsin Ave. in Bethesda, along with 218 Kentlands Blvd. in Gaithersburg, 20924 Frederick Road in Germantown, and 5154 Nicholson Lane in Kensington.

There are numerous spots to get your ice cream fix, or other sweet treats, in and around Bethesda. Here are a few:

• Dolcezza (Bethesda) — Located on Bethesda Row, Dolcezza serves up fresh gelato in a variety of exotic flavors using locally-sourced ingredients.
• Wow Cow, 5241 River Rd in Bethesda
• Haagen Dazs Shop, 7237 Woodmont Ave. in Bethesda
• Tutti Frutti (North Bethesda) — A traditional self-serve frozen yogurt shop with endless toppings.
• Henry's Sweet Retreat, 4823 St. Elmo Ave. in Bethesda. The shop sells candy, chocolates, bakery items and other yummies, plus more than a dozen premium ice cream flavors.
• York Castle Tropical Ice Cream (Rockville) — Readers raved about the fresh, creamy ice cream available in a wide range of tropical fruit flavors.
• Carmen’s Italian Ice & Cafe (Rockville) —Since 2001, Carmen’s has been serving homemade Italian ice in over 60 flavors. Now, Carmen’s also offers creamy frozen custard and shakes to satisfy any summertime craving.

Where do you go for the best ice cream or summer treat? Tell us in the comments!

- By Charlene Arsenault and Alexis Tarrazi

Photo via Pixabay