Five Fantastic Ice Cream Places in and Around Alexandria, VA

When you're out and about in Alexandria, Virginia, what better way to spend your time than to stop by one of the many dessert shops in the area? There are many innovative bakeries, ice cream shops, and candy stores selling all kinds of scrumptious treats. Stop by these sweet spots for a taste test. Nicecream Not only can you taste the delicious ice cream at this shop, you can watch them make it right before your eyes. What began in a small home kitchen has now become a well-known establishment with some of the freshest ice cream in the DC area. They mix ingredients from local farms with grass-fed cream. Gaze in amazement as you watch them use liquid nitrogen to freeze the ice cream right in front of you so you can enjoy truly fresh ice cream. They have new flavors available each week for you to taste test. Check out their flavor calendar to learn what's available before stopping by. Past flavors include Nutella, bananas and cream, honey lavender, wild blueberry, and salted caramel. The Dairy Godmother If you're craving frozen custard, you'll love this Wisconsin-style frozen custard joint. The Dairy Godmother offers several unique flavors that change each day. They use a frozen custard machine that briefly beats air out of the custard before pushing it into a waiting bucket and serving it. This makes the custard denser and extra creamy. You'll notice the difference, as their frozen custard tastes fresher and fuller than most. Their flavor forecast calendar lets you know which new flavor they're featuring each day. They've previously served mint brownie, cookies 'n cream, chocolate peanut butter, and funfetti. Don't feel bad eating your custard in front of your pup as the shop has two puppy pops created from yogurt and peanut butter. Your dog will love the tasty banana or pumpkin flavors that are safe for them to digest. Buzz Bakeshop Looking for tasty treats in a relaxing atmosphere? Buzz Bakeshop is a great spot for you. They have a friendly staff that greets you the moment you step in the door and assists you in picking the perfect dessert. You have a large menu to work with from brownies to cookies to cupcakes. They even have equally delicious options for their gluten-free and vegan customers like banana walnut muffins and vegan chocolate chip cookies. You can also choose one of their specialty cakes to bring to your next event. Blüprint Chocolatiers To satisfy all your chocolate cravings, head to Blüprint Chocolatiers. They're a cute little chocolate shop with production on the bottom floor and their retail shop on the top floor. You have a wide variety of chocolates and other candies to choose from when you step into the shop. Not only do their chocolates taste wonderful, but they're artistically designed to look visually appealing as well. They have a large mixture of both classic and unique flavors like mocha, minty mint, lavender honey, raspberry, and vanilla bean. Alexandria is a great area to try unique and savory treats. No matter which dessert option you choose, any of these spots are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. image via pixabay

Whether you're in the mood for pancakes smothered in syrup, an omelet made with all your favorite ingredients, or a sweet donut or pastry, you'll find something to satisfy your craving at one of the great breakfast spots around Alexandria, Virginia. So the next time you're getting ready to go out for breakfast, consider these area restaurants. Fontaine Eating at Fontaine's will delight your senses. From their friendly staff to their fresh menu items, everyone will leave here satisfied. In fact, because they make everything to order, you can enjoy a delicious meal no matter what your dietary restrictions might be. They can prepare your food the way you want it, all you have to do is ask. You'll find some of the best crepes in the metropolitan area on their menu. With options like the Old Towner, which has ham, sauteed spinach, and caramelized onions, and the Zenist, which has lentils and spinach and tomatoes simmered in a coriander coconut curry sauce, everyone is sure to find something they love. Other items on the breakfast menu include a breakfast Cobb salad and the quiche du jour. Elizabeth's Counter If your idea of a perfect breakfast involves coffee and doughnuts, then head to Elizabeth's Counter. From slow-brewed Yama cold drip to classic vanilla lattes, the coffee at Elizabeth's is some of the best in town. If you want sweet and tasty doughnuts, you'll find traditional, old-fashioned, and extraordinary options on the menu that are all made fresh daily. Vegan doughnuts are also available and come in flavors such as caramel and toasted coconut, maple French toast, and grandma's strudel, just to name a few. Breakfast sandwiches are available for those that don't have a sweet tooth at breakfast. Del Ray Cafe Are you going to breakfast with the whole family? Then Del Ray Cafe is the place for you. This family-friendly restaurant uses local, organic ingredients to create some of the best food around. Even for breakfast, you can enjoy appetizers like a chocolate croissant or a slice of fresh homemade banana walnut bread. For your main course, get an omelet made just the way you like it, or, if you're feeling adventurous, try one of the DRC signature dishes. On the weekends, this cafe also serves brunch from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Extra Perks Coffee Shop and Cafe Located in Old Town, Extra Perks Coffee Shop and Cafe serves delicious British and American fare for breakfast and lunch. While everything here is good, you can't leave without trying the Italian French toast that's made with ciabatta bread. One of the more unique menu items is the full British breakfast, which comes with two eggs, banger, applewood smoked bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast. If you don't make it here for breakfast, they also have a wonderful lunch menu. Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day, so why not treat yourself to the best that Alexandria has to offer. Try all of these great restaurants and let us know which one you like the most. image via pixabay

The federal tax code is not famous for producing moments of automotive excitement. Yet Section 179 contains a provision that might make a business owner look at a Ram pickup or Jeep SUV with renewed enthusiasm. For qualifying businesses in Alexandria, Arlington, Springfield, and the Washington, D.C., area, purchasing a work vehicle in 2026 could deliver a substantial first-year tax deduction. How Section 179 Works in 2026 Section 179 allows eligible businesses to deduct qualifying equipment purchases in the year the equipment enters service instead of spreading depreciation across several years. For tax years beginning in 2026, the maximum deduction is $2,560,000, with reductions beginning when qualifying equipment purchases exceed $4,090,000. That's the overall business limit, not a deduction automatically available for every vehicle. The deduction is also subject to taxable business income and other IRS requirements. The 6,000-lb. Question Vehicle eligibility hinges partly on Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or GVWR, which represents the manufacturer's maximum permitted loaded vehicle weight. It's not the vehicle's curb weight. Many vehicles rated above 6,000 lbs. escape ordinary passenger-car depreciation limits, but heavy passenger SUVs rated between 6,001 and 14,000 lbs. generally face a separate $32,000 Section 179 cap for 2026. Certain pickups with cargo beds at least 6 feet long, qualifying cargo vans, and other exempt configurations receive different treatment. That makes checking the exact vehicle's door-jamb certification label essential. Ram Trucks: Business Equipment with License Plates For Alexandria contractors, landscapers, and service businesses, Ram pickups deserve attention. Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria has 2026 Ram 1500 configurations, including Big Horn®, Rebel®, and Warlock models. These trucks can exceed the 6,000-lb. GVWR threshold, although the shorter 5-foot-7-inch beds found on certain Crew Cab models can affect which Section 179 limits apply. A qualifying Ram 1500 with a bed exceeding 6 feet, or a properly configured Ram 2500, may receive more favorable treatment. The right choice depends on the specific truck and its working duties. Jeep SUVs for Businesses on the Move Not every business needs a pickup bed. The dealership also has 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer models, including Upland and Limited Reserve configurations. These substantial SUVs may appeal to businesses transporting clients, personnel, or equipment. Their potential Section 179 treatment depends on GVWR, business-use percentage, and the heavy-SUV deduction cap. The Grand Wagoneer's considerable size doesn't automatically make its entire purchase cost deductible under Section 179. Business Use Is the Deciding Factor A qualifying vehicle must be used more than 50% for eligible business purposes, with deductions calculated according to actual business use. Driving between job sites or visiting customers may count; ordinary commuting generally doesn't. Businesses must maintain adequate mileage and purchase records. Eligible vehicles also need to be placed in service during the relevant tax year. Additional first-year bonus depreciation may be available under current federal rules, but its interaction with Section 179 and Virginia tax treatment deserves professional review. Find Your Business Vehicle at Ourisman CDJR of Alexandria A vehicle purchase should begin with the work it needs to perform, followed by the tax advantages it may provide. Visit Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria to explore available Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs, compare configurations, and confirm vehicle weight ratings. Schedule a test drive and consult your tax professional before purchasing to determine how Section 179 could benefit your business.