Exploring Annapolis' Ice Cream Gems

Our family spent nearly a month in Annapolis as we dealt with work travel and windlass replacement. While there, we couldn't resist indulging in frozen treats during our adventures in this nautical town.

Storm Bros. Ice Cream Factory

A man looks into the window of an ice cream parlor with a red and white canopy above the window. The sign above and the window in front both say "Storm Bros. Ice Cream Factory: 48 Flavors"

Chris looks into Storm Bros. as we enjoy our ice cream out front! We went here for ice cream VERY regularly as a way to cool off at the end of many hot days!

Our all-time favorite in Annapolis had to be the legendary Storm Bros. Ice Cream Factory. This no-frills neighborhood parlor has been serving up delectable cones, shakes, sundaes, and more since 1976. As we walked in, we were greeted by a tantalizing display of flavors, making it challenging to choose just one.

Despite the long lines that testified to its popularity, the team at Storm Bros. was exceptionally efficient, ensuring we never waited long. With many flavors, we returned regularly to savor the creamy goodness that only Storm Bros. could deliver.

Annapolis Ice Cream Company

The Annapolis Ice Cream Company is a local creamery boasting an array of housemade flavors with an innovative twist. Some of their creations feature mouthwatering pies and cobblers, elevating the ice cream experience.

While the Annapolis Ice Cream Company had its charm and intriguing flavor combinations, it didn't quite surpass our exceptional experience at Storm Bros. Nevertheless, it offered a unique ice cream journey for the curious palate, enticing us to explore flavors beyond the ordinary.

More ice cream! This photo is also from Storm Bros… We went there so many times and didn’t take pictures of the other ice cream places!

TropQ Pizza

Although TropQ Pizza may not initially strike you as an ice cream stop, this gem had a delightful surprise for us. Collaborating with a local creamery, they treated patrons to fresh, homemade ice cream every week, showcasing a variety of flavors to tantalize taste buds.

What made TropQ Pizza even more special was its dedication to catering to diverse dietary preferences, including offering several vegan ice cream options. This made it an inclusive destination where everyone could enjoy a sweet respite on a hot day. Our visit to TropQ Pizza reminded us that unexpected ice cream gems can be found in the most unlikely places!

We also enjoyed pizza at TropQ! In this restaurant, you place your pizza order at a digital kiosk that sends it to the kitchen to be made. If you want ice cream, you step a little further toward the back and order right at the counter.

Chick & Ruth’s Delly

Step into Chick & Ruth's Delly—an Annapolis landmark serving up greasy-spoon breakfasts and piled-high sandwiches. But what truly sets them apart are their old-fashioned milkshakes and malts, offering classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and cookie dough, transporting you back to the golden era of milkshake delights. Coffee lovers can savor the aromatic coffee-flavored milkshake, while fans of the timeless cookies and cream combo find their taste buds dancing with delight.

However, the crowning glory of Chick & Ruth's milkshake offerings is the infamous "Colossal Milkshake." This towering 6 lb shake is a true test of milkshake might! Only the brave dare to take on this mammoth creation, and those who conquer it earn the satisfaction of finishing the challenge, a coveted spot on the wall of fame, and a Chick & Ruth t-shirt to commemorate their triumph.

A mom and daughter look at a large shake they've received, with a brownie and whipped cream on top!

Alison and Gwynnie inspect one of the smaller shakes we enjoyed from Chick & Ruth’s Delly. Yummy!

As a celebration for finally selling our Catalina 30 back home in Michigan, we went to Chick & Ruth’s Delly to enjoy their unique shake flavors. While not quite an ice cream shop, it deserved a mention!


Our ice cream escapades in Annapolis left us with many delightful memories. Storm Bros. Ice Cream Factory remains our undisputed favorite, with its long-standing legacy and mouthwatering array of flavors. Despite Storm Bros.' high rank on our list, JoJo’s in St. Michaels still holds the top position of favorites as the creamiest ice cream with the best flavor.

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Appreciating Historic Annapolis

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