Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors and explore what Maryland has to offer. What better way to start than a trip to one of our many dairy farms or local ice cream shops for a sweet treat?

July is National Ice Cream Month, giving Marylanders a delicious way to cool down during a Mid Atlantic heat wave.

According to the Maryland Department of Agriculture, there are 387 dairy farms in the state that generated $169 million in sales last year. To help highlight the importance of Maryland’s dairy industry, the agency has launched the state’s sixth annual Best Ice Cream Trail, including nine dairy farms and their locally-made ice cream, stretching from Western Maryland all the way to the Eastern Shore.

Kicking off the trail in Western Maryland is Smithsburg’s Misty Meadow Farm Creamery, with flavors ranging from chocolate cake batter to the seasonal bubble gum. The creamery offers dairy-free sorbets, as well as gluten, peanut, and tree nut-free ice cream and desserts for those with allergies.

In Aberdeen, Keyes Creamery not only serves premium ice cream, but also customized ice cream cakes and ice cream pies for special occasions. This Harford County staple is gearing up for National Ice Cream Day on July 15 – be sure to stop by for a $7 banana split special.

The 290-mile trail is just one way to celebrate National Ice Cream Month. Marylanders can visit additional locally-owned and operated ice cream shops to get in on the fun and taste test some local creations.

Opened in 2013, The Charmery in Baltimore has since expanded to two additional locations – York Road in Towson and the highly-anticipated Union Collective space on 41st Street.

Hoffman’s Ice Cream & Deli – which celebrated its 70th anniversary in Westminster last year – is operated by fourth-generation family members, with the fifth-generation currently in training.

Voted our capital’s best ice cream for 11 consecutive years, the Annapolis Ice Cream Company rotates its 36 flavors daily, and prides itself on being the only ice cream made in the city.

DoDo Cookie Dough & Ice Cream in Ocean City puts a spin on the usual ice cream sundae by pairing it with edible cookie dough. After an overwhelmingly positive response, the company has decided to ship its cookie dough nationwide.

These are just a few of our favorite sweets throughout the state. Check out this Ice Cream Lovers’ Guide to find even more Maryland creameries.

From small, traditional family farms to modern aquaculture operations, Maryland has it all—and it’s all thriving. Learn more about Maryland’s agribusiness industry.