On a beautiful Memorial Day weekend afternoon, a group gathered at Kilwins on King Street to embark on a unique walking experience — the Ice Cream History Tour of Old Town Alexandria. Hosted by Alexandria Food Tours’ Hope Nelson and Michael Lee Pope, this eight-stop tour blends delicious frozen treats with fascinating, lesser-known stories of the city’s past.
Starting and ending at local ice cream shops Kilwins and Goodies, participants sampled classic ice cream delights while exploring hidden historic gems off the beaten path. Highlights included a peek into the Friendship Firehouse Museum, Martha Washington’s favorite apothecary, the former governor’s mansion, and iconic local landmarks like the Seaport Inn Starbucks and Landini Brothers.
Hope Nelson, author and food columnist, curates the culinary side of the tour, while historian Michael Lee Pope shares quirky anecdotes and untold stories that bring Alexandria’s history to life. Their collaboration creates a perfect blend of food and culture, appealing to locals and visitors alike.
The tour also playfully nods to the “Cold War” of rival ice cream shops The Creamery and Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream on King Street, both beloved fixtures with loyal followings.
Participants finish the journey with a relaxed outdoor treat at Goodies, taking advantage of the pedestrian-friendly King Street blocks, a change welcomed since the pandemic.
If you missed this seasonal tour, don’t worry — more summer ice cream history walks are scheduled for June 22, July 20, and August 24. Tickets and details are available through Alexandria Food Tours.
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