After a week of all-nighters and library study sessions, one of the best ways to reward yourself after finals is to indulge in a frozen treat. Whether it’s ice-cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, or popsicles, these places in DC have you covered when it comes to cooling off in a sweet way.
1. Thomas Sweet
Where:Â 3214 P St NW
What: You can’t miss the bright orange sign of Thomas Sweet on your way to Georgetown. Stop in for traditional ice cream, fat free frozen yogurt, and a selection of fudge. And don’t worry, the line moves fast!
Stand Out Flavors:Â Coffee Heath Bar, Mint Chocolate Chip, Pistachio
2. FroZen Yo
Where: A variety of locations, but Friendship Heights is the closest to campus–5252 Wisconsin Ave, NW
What: This is your typical do-it-yourself frozen yogurt spot where customers pay based on the weight. Go crazy with flavors and toppings, or stick to the simple tart flavor—it’s up to you! The location in Frienship Heights is one metro stop away from Tenleytown, so it’s easy to satisfy your froyo craving with a quick fix.
Stand Out Flavors: Maple Bacon Doughnut, Greek Style with a touch of Honey, Snickerdoodle
3. Rita’s
Where:Â 1781 Florida Ave NW # F;Â 2318 Rhode Island Avenue Northeast
What: A wide selection of water ice, cream ice, frozen custard, and gelati makes Rita’s a DC favorite. Plus, it’s right across from Target in Columbia Heights, so you can de-stress with some retail therapy before heading over.
Stand Out Flavors:Â Mango-Orange, Key Lime, Swedish Fish, Red Velvet Cake
Where: Food Truck status: Big Poppa—check Twitter for the whereabouts (@pleasantpops)
What: Over 40 flavors of Mexican inspired paletas are all made from local and organic fruits, vegetables, herbs, and dairy.
Stand Out Flavors:Â Avocado Cream, Carolina Sweet Tea, Blueberry Pancake Cream
Where:Â 1451 P St. NW
What: Real milk and no artificial chemicals or flavors make the gelato and sorbet selection at Pitango stand out from the competition. No weird aftertastes here—just fresh and simple ingredients.
Stand Out Flavors: Spicy Chocolate gelato (traditional chocolate with a pinch of hot pepper), Orange Dark Chocolate sorbet, Mojito sorbetÂ
With these five options for different kinds of frozen treats, choosing one the next time you get a break may be difficult. Why not make it a point to visit all five during the summer? Now that’s a sweet end to the year and an even sweeter start to your best summer yet.
Photo credits:
Thomas Sweet www.thomassweet.com
Pitango Gelato www.goinggreendc.net
Pleasant Pops www.thinklocalfirstdc.com