The DC Scoop

«I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream»
Like ice cream? Of course, you do! I mean who doesn’t? So when I woke up this morning and discovered that there was a free ice cream event going on in DC called DC Scoop, I immediately jumped up, got dressed, and got out. Boy was it a blast! Not only did I get to sample amazing treats like Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt, Honey Lavender Lemonade Ice Cream, and even Gin & Tonic Sorbet (YUM!!!), I got to spend the day with an eclectic mix of DC urbanites. On top of that, the event was held in DC’s beautiful Union Market, «an authentic market of culture and commerce.»
Yes, the lines were super long and each took about 20 minutes to get to the front; but, in my opinion, this element of anticipation added to the joy of getting that FREE sample of delightful yumminess. Some of the vendors, like Dolci Gelato, even gave out half scoop samples… well worth the wait! My favorite from them was the Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip. There are no words to describe how good it was. It is a must try for any ice cream affectionado. When I had sweet tooth overload, I was able to mellow out with one of Ice Cream Jubilee’s fabulous concoctions, Gin and Tonic. Sorbet. I don’t even like to drink Gin and Tonic but this smooth and creamy cocktail was right on point.
Another perk of this event was that the crowd was super diverse, and there was an ice cream variety for every pallet. To me the best thing about DC living is that it has so many people from so many places adding to it’s magical flare. There is never a dull moment… that is if you are not afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Check out Union Market’s website for other fun (and often FREE) events like this. I guarantee you won’t regret it. (*‿*)

If you missed the event, don’t fret. See the vendor list below, for information on all the selections as where you can go to pick up your own batch of DC’s finest selections of scoopable treats.
Participating Vendors include:
Carmen’s Italian Ice
Dolcezza Gelato
Dolci Gelato
Giffords Ice Cream
Ice Cream Jubilee
Milk Cult
Nice Cream
Shake Shack
Suga Mama Sweets
Trickling Springs
King of Pops
Little Baby’s Ice Cream
Lulu’s Ice Cream
Timber Pizza Co.
Amore Gelato

This annual event is a good time! Be sure to go early [Union Market has lots of options for lunch beforehand] to hit a couple of the ice cream stands before the lines start really getting long. Early on, the lines take around 5 – 10 minutes, but they stretch to 20 or so minutes as the crowd builds. Also bring a hat and wear sunscreen — I don’t often do either, but standing in the sun in an open parking lot for a few hours made this a time I wish I had. (In 2013 this was held in July, while in previous years I think it was in September. The hat and sunscreen may not be as important if they return to the Fall.) The flavors served ranged widely, and the vast majority were at least a little unique (s’mores, snickerdoodle, olive oil and sea salt, Thai iced tea, blueberry pie, etc.). Also, while ice cream heavy, a few stands also served sorbet, custard, Italian ice, etc. Most of the 20 or so stands provide bite-​size samples of individual flavors, although a few stops gave out full-​cup samples and/​or had multiple flavors to choose from. (The Sinplicity food truck was the primary example of the latter categories and even let you combine scoops from among the several flavors they were offering.) Many of the stands also had ice cream available for purchase. Two large tents in the middle of the lot held DJ’d and live music, one being primarily a family tent with music and dancing for kids.