This Virginia Historic Town Ice Cream Parlor Stays Open All Year And Locals Call It Their Community Hub
Some ice cream shops feel like summer only spots, but Staunton’s favorite parlor proves that a good scoop belongs in every season.
The Split Banana Co. has become a gathering place for locals who stop in for small town warmth along with their cones.
Visitors notice the steady stream of regulars chatting, sampling new flavors, and treating the place like their own living room. It is more than dessert in a cup. It is the sweet heart of a historic community.
Open Year-Round Because Ice Cream Has No Season
Most ice cream shops shut down when temperatures drop, but The Split Banana Co. laughs in the face of winter.
They stay open all year because locals know that a scoop of creamy gelato hits differently on a cold January evening.
Located at 7 W Beverley Street in a pedestrian-friendly zone, this place welcomes customers Tuesday through Sunday, closing only on Mondays.
Rain or shine, snow or heat, you’ll find the doors open from noon until 10 PM, ready to serve happiness by the scoop.
Rotating Flavors Keep Things Wildly Interesting
Boredom doesn’t stand a chance here. The Split Banana Co. rotates their gelato and sorbet flavors constantly, so every visit feels like a flavor treasure hunt.
One week you might find espresso biscotti, the next brings salted caramel or lemon basil sorbet. Staff happily let you sample as many flavors as needed before committing.
With options ranging from classic pistachio to adventurous seasonal creations, plus non-dairy alternatives that actually taste incredible, there’s always something new to try and love.
That 1950s Vibe Hits Different
Walking into The Split Banana Co. feels like stepping through a time portal straight into a classic American ice cream parlor.
The retro decor channels serious 1950s energy with its vintage charm and snug atmosphere that makes you want to linger.
Customers rave about the cozy digs that perfectly match the old-school downtown Staunton surroundings.
Everything from the display case to the seating arrangement screams nostalgic comfort, creating an experience that’s as much about the ambiance as the dessert itself.
Waffle Wednesdays Are Basically a Local Holiday
Every Wednesday, something magical happens at The Split Banana Co. Customers get free waffle cones with their orders, and locals mark their calendars accordingly.
These aren’t your standard cones either; they’re super fresh, perfectly crispy, and elevate every scoop to legendary status.
Regular waffle cones are already amazing here any day of the week, but scoring one for free on Wednesdays?
That’s the kind of deal that turns casual visitors into devoted regulars who plan their week around frozen treats.
The Staff Actually Makes You Feel Welcome
Politeness isn’t just a policy here; it’s practically baked into the recipe. Review after review mentions how genuinely friendly the staff is, treating every customer like a neighbor rather than a transaction.
They’re patient with indecisive flavor-samplers and enthusiastic about helping you find your perfect scoop. This warmth transforms a simple ice cream run into something more meaningful.
When people call The Split Banana Co. a community hub, they’re talking about these interactions that make you feel like you belong there.
Outdoor Seating Makes It the Perfect Hangout Spot
Grabbing your gelato is only half the experience. The outdoor seating along the blocked-off pedestrian street turns dessert into a full-blown hangout session.
Families, couples, and solo treat-seekers all claim spots to people-watch and savor their scoops.
On nice days, this area buzzes with conversation and laughter, cementing The Split Banana Co.’s reputation as a gathering place.
It’s where locals catch up on neighborhood gossip, tourists rest their feet, and everyone agrees that downtown Staunton just hits different with gelato.
Fair Prices That Won’t Split Your Wallet
Quality gelato doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and The Split Banana Co. proves it. With prices marked at a single dollar sign level, you can treat yourself without experiencing buyer’s remorse.
Customers consistently praise the reasonable pricing alongside the premium taste.
This affordability factor matters when you’re visiting multiple times a week, which many locals absolutely do.
When your favorite dessert spot offers top-notch gelato, amazing service, and prices that don’t make you wince, it becomes impossible to stay away for long.