The 5 Best Ice Cream Places Around Wheeling

Nothing says summer—or a perfect indulgence any time of year—quite like a scoop of creamy, frozen goodness. The Ohio Valley offers a delightful mix of options, from classic drive-ins to specialty shops that craft their own unique flavors. The readers have spoken, and the Best of the Ohio Valley Readers' Choice 2025 recognizes these five top destinations for serving up the most delicious and memorable ice cream treats.

Kirke's Homemade Ice Cream

Kirke's is the undisputed local champion of homemade, artisan ice cream, having delighted the community for over 30 years. Their success is built on their commitment to making their ice cream fresh on-site daily, offering a vast selection of over 40 flavors that rotate seasonally. Customers benefit from trying unique, award-winning creations like Deer Tracks or Midnight Caramel Crunch, as well as reliably perfect classics. It’s more than just a scoop; it’s an experience often referred to as the "home of the 15-minute vacation."

Dairy Jean

Dairy Jean is a quintessential Ohio Valley institution, representing the classic seasonal soft-serve stand experience. This type of shop excels at delivering that nostalgic flavor and texture—a smooth, creamy swirl served fast and affordably. Their specialty is likely a perfect cone or a variety of soft-serve-based treats like milkshakes, floats, and sundaes, making it the ideal spot for a quick, family-friendly treat on a warm afternoon.

The Crumby Apron - Walker's Ice Cream

This location combines two wonderful treats: fresh baked goods and high-quality ice cream, likely featuring the historic local name of Walker's Ice Cream (which has family ties to Kirke's). The key benefit here is the delicious synergy between their offerings—imagine fresh-baked cookies or brownies paired with a scoop of premium ice cream. This fusion creates specialty sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, and desserts that go beyond a simple cone.

Fairyland Drive-In

Fairyland Drive-In is a beloved traditional drive-in that is recognized for serving up frozen treats alongside classic casual dining favorites (like hot dogs or burgers). Their high ranking indicates they excel at offering a full-service, nostalgic experience. Customers appreciate the convenience of the drive-in model and the satisfaction of getting a cold, refreshing milkshake, soft-serve cone, or specialty sundae to complete their classic American meal.

Fat Apple Bakery

While primarily known for its extraordinary bakery items (pies, cookies, and other desserts), the Fat Apple Bakery earns its spot by providing superior accompaniments to their sweet treats, likely including ice cream or gelato. This means the highest quality dessert you buy can be paired with an equally high-quality scoop, perfect for a la mode servings or creating a memorable, indulgent take-home dessert.

Thanks, Gemini.