The best artisan popsicles in the DMV are not in the freezer aisle. Swimming and air conditioning will cool your family down, but a paleta stand does it with more flavor, and most of these shops are a short drive from home.
Key Takeaways
- The bigger picture: The DMV’s artisan popsicle scene goes well beyond the standard freezer pop, with creative flavors inspired by Mexican, Colombian, Caribbean and Italian gelato traditions. These local shops and stands offer a genuinely unique and delicious way to beat the summer heat, with some being only a short drive from the DMV.
- More details: Standouts include Jarabe Gourmet Pops, A Mano in Rockville and Fantasticks in Ashburn where kids can customize their own gelato pop with toppings and chocolate drizzle.
- Why this matters: Many of these popsicle makers prioritize natural ingredients, local fruits and dairy-free options, making them a guilt-free treat that works for families with dietary restrictions, younger kids and adults who want something a little more elevated than a standard ice cream stop.
Artisan popsicles in DC
Jarabe Gourmet Pops
Offering elite summer treats for kids and adults, Jarabe Gourmet Pops has multiple locations across the DMV so any family can enjoy a cool summer treat. A new twist on Mexican paletas, Jarabe’s pops are inspired by Mexican, Latin American, Jamaican and Caribbean flavors. Jarabe features classic flavors like watermelon, mango and lemonade as well as new takes like tamarind, cucumber lime and hibiscus rosemary. Ice cream lovers can also enjoy creamy pops in flavors like strawberry yogurt, chocolate ganache and café con leche. If parents want to relax after a long day of kids’ activities and summer fun, they can try a “boozy pop” in specialty flavors that update monthly. Jarabe embraces a zero-waste and upcycling philosophy, utilizing fruits that otherwise would have been thrown away b
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y local grocers and turning fruit rinds into compost.
- Address: Pops offered at farmers markets across DC and Maryland; check the website for upcoming locations.
- Who it works for: 10 and up
- Cost expectation: $5 and up
Maracas Ice Pops
Shake things up at Maracas Ice Pop stand. With locations at FRESHFARM Markets and in the Nationals Stadium, Maracas Ice Pops use all natural flavors and fresh ingredients.
- Address: FARMFRESH Markets, 1098 New York Ave. NW, Washington, DC; Old Town Farmers’ Market, 301 King St., Alexandria, VA
- Who it works for: 2 and up
- Cost expectation: $5 and up
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Artisan popsicles in Maryland
Amano Real Fruit
Offering Colombian-inspired handmade ice pops, Amano combines Colombian flavors with Italian gelato techniques. Located in Rockville, Amano is dedicated to creating fun and healthy treats.
- Address: Based in Rockville, popsicles are available at restaurants, farmers markets and retail partners. Check social media for upcoming events and partners near you.
- Who it works for: 10 and up
- Cost expectation: $3-$10
Tasty Toucan
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With a diverse range of flavors, Tasty Toucan’s vegan and dairy-free paletas are a delicious way to cool off this summer. Be sure to check out their ice cream and candy treats while you’re there.
- Address: 400 Love Point Road, Stevensville
- Who it works for: 6 and up
- Cost expectation: $4 and up
Artisan popsicles in Virginia
Happy Michoacana
Innovative and delicious treats, Happy Michoacana offers cream-based and dairy-free popsicles in addition to their ice cream and drink selections. This Fredericksburg-based family business has unique flavors kids, teens and parents can enjoy.
- Address: 1146 Patriot Highway, Fredericksburg
- Who it works for: 8 and up
- Cost expectation: $3.25 and up
Fantasticks
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Home to gourmet custom gelato pops, Fantasticks offers a creative way to enjoy a sweet treat. Kids will love the ability to choose their own flavors, toppings and chocolate drizzle.
- Address: 44715 Thorndike St., Ashburn, VA, and Rio Lake Front, MD
- Who it works for: 9 and up
- Cost expectation: $6 with additional costs for toppings
Big Lick Ice Cream Co.
Big Lick’s richly flavored, small-batch ice pops are a family-favorite at the Blacksburg Farmers Market. In addition to their many fruit pops, Big Lick also makes artisan ice cream and cookie sandwiches.
- Address: 100 Draper Road, Blacksburg
- Who it works for: 7 and up
- Cost expectation: $4 and up
Joysicles
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Available at multiple farmers markets across the state, these natural popsicles are a unique summer treat. Pops are made from locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs.
- Address: Available at farmers markets across coastal Virginia, check the website for more details.
- Who it works for: 7 and up
- Cost expectation: $4 and up
Pop Love
Elevate your beach day with a stop at Pop Love at Virginia Beach. This company’s gelato on a stick provides tropical flavors in a low-calorie and low-sugar treat.
- Address: 4291 Holland Road, Suite 111, Virginia Beach
- Who it works for: 2 and up
- Cost expectation: $4-$10 per pop
Once the last pop is gone, keep the cool down going. Many of these makers sell at weekend markets, so pair a popsicle run with a stop at one of the best farmers markets in DC, Maryland and Virginia. If your crew would rather have a scoop than a stick, our guide to the best ice cream shops in Washington, DC maps out the spots worth the drive. On days when the heat wins, head indoors to one of the water parks and slides near DC that stay open in any season. And for everything else on the summer calendar, the DMV festival guide will keep the weekends full.
