By Irene Morales Ward
8/11/2007
Having lived in the Fredericksburg area for nearly 20 years doesn't exactly make me an expert in Civil War history. However, I do think it makes me something of an expert in another field - area food!
Initially I didn't understand the hype and hysteria. It was February when I first moved to South Stafford and the idea of an ice cream cone was not exactly top on my list of things to indulge in. But it didn't take long for me to hear whispers from neighbors...its almost Valentine's Day! Carl's will be opening.
When I had the nerve to finally inquire about what "Carl's" was, my neighbors looked at me with a combination of disbelief and utter disgust. "Are you kidding? You don't know about Carl's?"
"Ummmm, no. Should I?"
They immediately began describing the delicious treat that was soon going to become my family's absolute favorite summer haunt. It's not your typical ice cream joint. Here you are taken back in time to a less hectic, more laid back era. Lines were always exceedingly long and for the novice, it would appear insane to wait that long for a simple ice cream cone!
But Carl's wasn't just a place to get ice cream. Combined with a delicious yet simple menu of cones, shakes, floats, and various sundaes, Carl's was a reflection of our past. Opened in 1947, Carl's begins the process by making a frozen custard as opposed to frozen ice cream. It is deliciously rich and creamy - nothing like the ice cream you might find at other neighborhood franchises. And the prices are incredibly reasonable. Carl's uses rare 1940's era Electro-Freeze Ice Cream machines that must be hand swirled to give it that signature tip. Service is quick, efficient, and friendly.
While lines can go around the entire stand, you will seldom have to wait more than 10 to 15 minutes. Many use this time to talk to others in line, watch kids play, or just bask in the summer air. Before you know it, it's time to order. And for those of you coming for the first time, be prepared to spit out your order so that the family behind you can order next. Yes, there's no fooling around once you get to the counter. Have your money ready and step aside. They prepare your order while the cashier takes the next order. Often times, hands are criss-crossed between picking up ice cream and dropping off money but it's done in such a way that you'll never seem to mind!
The next time you're passing through the "Burg", come give Carl's a visit. They close just before Thanksgiving and open Valentine's Day. Located at 2200 Princess Anne St, they are just off Rt 1 and easily accessible from interstate 95.
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