Carl's Cones

Name: Carl’s Ice Cream

Location: Fredericksburg, VA

Meal: Ice cream cone and root beer slush float

Type: Ice Cream

This is the second restaurant here on The Hungry Traveler to appear on the National Register of Historic Places. It really is  a shame that I only recent made my first trip to Carl’s a Fredericksburg institution since 1947. The place just oozes charm. The owners clearly know not to tinker with success. My roommate served at as my guide for the night which was good because the line is impressive. With so many people behind you the pressure is on to be quick with your order.  I visited on the Sunday of the Labor Day three-day weekend, the weather was quite honestly perfect so needless to say Carl’s was a popular destination. Even under these conditions the line moved very quickly, don’t be discouraged.

The ice cream is the real deal. They only make three flavors (chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry). At the suggestion of my guide I went with a regular size chocolate/strawberry cone. The jumbo size is massive, the cone itself is at least the size of a soda can. Regardless of size or flavor I think what makes Carl’s so great is texture. The ice cream is just the right temperature and oh so smooth and creamy.

You don’t often find restaurants that are historically noted. Carl’s deserves the praise and you should get there as soon as possible.

Carl's at night

Root Beer Slush Float

In line at Carl's

Vale Wood Farms

Name: Vale Wood Farms

Location: Loretto,PA

Meal: Iced Tea and Ice Cream

Type: Dairy

Vale Wood Farms is a  dairy in Pennsylvania that represents everything that is right in the food industry today. Vale Wood Farms is family owned and operated; its been that way since before the Civil War. They pride themselves on delivering great products, my favorites include: iced tea, chocolate milk, peanut butter fudge ice cream, and just about everything. Being a family owned corporation the goal is not to cut corners and boost profits; the goal is to deliver a great product. Home delivery is an option with Vale Wood, yet another throw back to a time when things were different.

Iced tea from Pennsylvania is, in my opinion, different and better than any other iced tea. Southern Sweet Tea is just that, tea sweeten with LOTS of sugar. Bottled iced tea, like Lipton, to me tastes like brewed tea sweetened and with lemon added. Pennsylvania style iced tea is cloudy in appearance, sweetened but not over the top, and has just a hint of lemon flavor. Vale Wood Farms is the gold standard by which I judge the other Pennsylvania iced teas and there are many (Wawa, Rutter’s, Turkey Hill, Rosenberger’s, to name a few).

If you find yourself traveling through Western PA and you’re anywhere near Loretto you’ll be quite happy if you take a side trip off Route 22 to visit Vale Wood Farms. The dairy store sells all of their products, including hand packed scooped ice cream cones.  Not only will you be treated to some great food, you’ll have a glimpse of how things used to be done and still are, at Vale Wood Farms.

Vale Wood Farms Dairy Store

Cows

Chocolate Nut Dipped Cone

Name: Kline’s Freeze

Location: Manassas,VA

Meal: Chili dog, chocolate dipped cone, and a Pepsi

Type: Ice cream stand

You don’t find too many old independent restaurants in my Northern Virginia neck of the woods. Kline’s Freeze is a great exception to that rule. Perched atop a hill just a few minutes into Prince William county off of Route 28, Kline’s has been serving up great food and treats for decades now. Obviously, a restaurant with Freeze in its name and a giant cone on top is going to specialize in ice cream but they serve up a decent menu of freshly prepared foods as well. The service was quick albeit a little spotty; all the employees seemed to be high school age and content with acting like high schoolers. Given the steady line of customers when I was there (on a overcast lazy Sunday nonetheless) they seem to be doing a good enough job as is.

Kline’s chili dog is good, fairly humble but still enjoyable. I made the mistake of ordering my chili dog with everything on it, that included ketchup, mustard, relish, onion, and finally the chili. Kline’s chili is not spicy at all, its actually a little sweet. When I unwrapped the chili dog I immediately was reminded of the sloppy joes my Mom used to make. The chili, ketchup, and relish combined to make for a too sweet dog. Next time I go I will be sure to specify just mustard and onions on my chili dog but I will be ordering it again.

As mentioned the ice cream is Kline’s star product, soft serve in this case. Your choices are chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. I opted for a chocolate and nut dipped vanilla ice cream cone. I am normally not a fan of hard shell dipped cones; they leave my mouth with a waxy feeling, Kline’s had none. Even on an overcast day my cone was a refreshing treat. Be prepared to eat fast as the chocolate they dip your cone in is hot enough to jump start the melting process.

Kline’s Freeze is a spot worth visiting, an independent restaurant still taking pride in their product. Ice cream doesn’t have to be expensive, they remembers this and keeps their entire menu very well priced. Don’t forget the nice side effect of going to eat at Kline’s in Manassas, you’ll be in Prince William county was gas is cheap.

Kline's Freeze

Chili Dog

There is a lot to order at Kline's