Summer, sadly, is over. And with it comes shorter days, longer nights, and weather too cold for most ice cream shops to remain open. In recognition of this, I have compiled a list of the top four ice cream spots in Maryland as one last hurrah to the end of summer and a way to promote local business in fun and tasty ways!

Number Four: The Charmery

You can find the Charmery Creamery in many locations across Maryland, but my favorite location is the one right in Hampden, where I had my first (and life-changing) taste of mint chocolate chip ice cream. The Charmery is not only on this list because of their rotating flavors chosen by husband and wife David and Laura Alima, but because of their many local collaborations. Community is a core value at The Charmery, and they embrace this through promoting up and coming artists (as well as local businesses and farms) in Baltimore. Their reputation and morals are what cements The Charmery as a top Maryland ice cream and gathering spot.

Number Three: Cajou creamery

When most people think of ice cream, they don’t always think of setting records and helping millions of people, but Nicole Foster and Dwight Campell did. Cajou Creamery is the first black-owned cashew milk ice cream shop in the country, and it was founded in honor of their son, whose lactose intolerance never let him enjoy food the way everyone around him did. Cajou Creamery makes sweet treats and shared memories accessible to many through their bold, international flavors like Mango Lassi and Baklava. Found in Baltimore, Cajou Creamery truly is the first, and arguably the best, of its kind.

Number Two: Lakeside creamery

If you’re indecisive when it comes to picking what flavor to get, Lakeside creamery might not be your first choice. However, if you’re looking to try a new flavor every time you visit, you might be in luck. Lakeside Creamery rotates up to 50 unique flavors daily, while also maintaining their classics like vanilla and cookies and cream. This diverse display is set in front of one of the best water views in the state, making it a perfect backdrop for long winded yap sessions over milkshakes and sundaes. Lakeside Creamery is celebrating their 30^th anniversary this year and have been dedicated to helping “the brightest young adults” get job experience since the very beginning!

Number One: Brooms Bloom Dairy

I may be biased when saying Brooms Bloom is some of the best ice cream around, considering they have been a summer staple for both my family and me for many years, but it is not entirely without reason. Brooms Bloom offers a rotating menu consisting of dozens of ice cream flavors with ingredients from their own farm. Flavors like coffee Oreo, butter pecan and even corn being among them. Not only do they excel in creating rich and diverse ice cream, but they also feature cheeses, sandwiches, soups, and other dishes made fresh. Their outdoor seating boasts some of the best sunsets in Maryland (See photo above!), which create a perfect backdrop for summer photo shoots or games of cornhole.

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