August is historically the steamiest, stickiest, sweatiest month of the year–brilliant move, Founding Fathers, building the nation’s capital on a swamp–in these parts. We’ve tracked down 31 frozen treats (one a day for the rest of this month) to provide you with some temporary, and often insanely delicious, relief.
The place: Peterson’s Ice Cream Depot – 7150 Main St., Clifton; 703-830-7898; www.petersonsdepot.com
The prescription: Patti Hopkins Clifton Red shake. “Hey, Nishi was here!” an obviously excited local pointed out to her companion after spotting another friend’s name on Peterson’s “conehead enrollment form” (promotional tool). Seems like everyone who pops by this award-winning ice cream shop are on a first name basis with everyone else. The chalkboard menu reads like the Clifton phone book, with most of their specialty items sporting the names of the intrepid regulars who helped inspire them. My love of fresh fruit and frosty beverages led me to the Patti Hopkins shake, a frothy refresher weaving together freshly chopped strawberries—juicy bits of real fruit pop up in every other spoonful—with velvety soft serve cut with the lemon-lime kick of tingly, bubbly Sprite.
Sundae junkies are well rewarded here, enjoying their pick of 10 (and counting) signature creations tricked out with all kinds of fanciful treats. Dessert seekers can also indulge in: traditional soft serve cones, custom shakes–amaretto, Georgia peach, mint chocolate, pumpkin pie and English toffee caught our eye–ice cream-cookie sandwiches, frozen malts and iced coffees.
–Warren
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Keep tabs on the month long Freeze Jag trek here.