Free Treats At Rita's, Dairy Queen In Northern Virginia On Monday

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Monday is the first day of spring, and that means free Italian ice from Rita's and free ice cream at Dairy Queen locations coast to coast, including the stores in Northern Virginia.

This is the 25th year that Rita's is giving away Italian ice to mark the change of seasons. The limit is one per visitor.

Customers are encouraged to snap a photo of their “cool treat” and share it on Instagram or Twitter for the chance to win free Rita's for a year (52 free Italian ice coupons). Use the hashtag #RitasFirstDayOfSpring from March 20 to March 25 to be entered into the Rita’s First Day of Spring Photo Contest. See the rules.

These area Rita's are open until 9 p.m.:

• Sully Station Shopping Center, 5097 Westfields Blvd., Centreville
• 10726 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax
• 1606 Village Market Blvd. SE, Suite 100, Leesburg

  Get ready for #ritasice #free Italian Ice #giveaway from 12pm-9pm! Tweet a pic with your cup & #RitasFirstDayofSpring for a chance to #win! pic.twitter.com/W5mGKOS4JG

In addition, Dairy Queen is giving away a free vanilla cone to each visitor on Monday, March 20. While the cones are free, people are encouraged to donate to the Children's Miracle Network.

Loudoun County DQ locations:

• 44050 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, Ste 183, Ashburn
• 548 Fort Evans Plaza, Leesburg
• 25401 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, Suite 180, South Riding

Fairfax Area DQ Locations:

• 6050-E Burke Commons Road, Burke
• 13840 Braddock Rd Ste C, Centreville
• 13905a Metrotech Drive, Chantilly
• 4076 Jermantown Road, Fairfax
• 9011 Silver Brook Road #101, Fairfax Station
• 742 Lynn St., Herndon
• 5230-C Port Royal Road, Springfield

  What’s the best way to celebrate the #FirstDayOfSpring? By taking a bite of summer. #FreeConeDay is today, 3/20 #HappySpring pic.twitter.com/0VjF4sh5NY

Image: Rita's Italian Ice