(fishmarketva.com) – Old Town Alexandria, Virginia

How I heard of this place: We walked by overflowing space on more than one occasion, and were disappointed to continue on our journey, without stopping. This was the occasion we had been awaiting.

Type of cuisine: Homemade ice cream, Italian ice, shakes and sundaes. Simply. Dessert. “Pop’s is an old-fashioned Ice Cream Parlor located in historic Old Town Alexandria. We make our own ice cream on the premises, and our product selection also includes home baked desserts, espresso beverages, milk and protein shakes.”

Ambiance: “A place for first dates and play dates. An after school hangout and senior social destination. A place you can take a date or your three-year-old on a Saturday night. A place for all generations, you are never too young or old for Pop’s.” The two steps leading up to the small white double-doors, and onto the black and white tiled floor put you back at least 20 years! Remembering the heightened energy, the excitement and the giddy feelings of being six years old in your favorite ice cream shop, the red-painted ceiling with white trim space, ceiling fans whirring by and container after container of colorful ice cream flavors cannot help but stop time, giving one unlimited joy and eagerness to choose! Limited seating is available opposite the lengthy ice cream line, directly under the mirrored wall, spherical lights adding amber glow to the space. At the back of the establishment, a room is windowed off, with views into the striped walls and stainless steel panels of the ice cream kitchen.

What I ordered: Chris and I shared two scoops: Cookies & Cream and Pralines & Cream ($5). We had one childsize Chocolate ice cream, and another adult-sized of the same, a cup of Cookies & Cream, and one Mango Italian ice ($2.75).

What I loved: The chocolate. Pure. Simple. Delicious.

Why I loved it: Fun and festive, 1950s-themed ice cream parlor.

Cost: Average to high ($3-$7 per ice cream concoction)