Readers Digest scoured the country last summer to find the “absolute best ice creams in the U.S.A.” and has put together a list that consists of their best ice cream spot in each state. The Maryland winner now has locations across the state and in DC.
The Charmery, named for the nickname of the city where it started (Baltimore), now has three Baltimore locations, a Howard County location, a DC location, and recently closed its Montgomery County (Chevy Chase) store. Prior to its closure, The Charmery was ranked 6th in our very own Mr. MoCo’s 2024 favorite ice cream/frozen treat list in Montgomery County.
The Charmery’s first location opened in Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood in 2013. Since then, husband and wife team David and Laura Alima, have opened three additional locations. The Charmery has quickly become not only a Baltimore mainstay, but also an East Coast destination for premium and highly original. ice cream. Since opening, they have won numerous ‘Best of Baltimore’ awards and was previously named one of the 40 best ice cream shops in America by Thrillest.
Alima and his Ice Cream team have also become known for their seasonal, exclusive, and one-off flavors. Each week they release a new exclusive “#FridayFlavorDrop” flavor intending to last only a few days. Some of these feature collabs with local and national musicians, athletes, and artists, each benefiting a local non-profit. Some of their beloved flavors include Ice Cream Sando (a flavor that tastes just like an ice cream sandwich), Saffron Olive Oil, Saturday Morning Cartoons (sugar cereal ice cream with cereal marshmallows), and Cheese and Crackers (cheddar cheese ice cream with Ritz cracker pieces).
Per Reader’s Digest: “Within walking distance of renowned Johns Hopkins University, The Charmery in Baltimore offers experimental flavors like Maryland Mud, Saturday Morning Cartoons, and Mango Lime Hot Sauce. Most important, this Charm City ice cream shop sells a Maryland staple: Old Bay ice cream. This quirky ice cream shop also offers color-changing “magic” spoons and homemade marshmallows.”