craveABLEs

In the scenic heart of Virginia, the city of Lynchburg stands out for its rich history, charming streets, and a vibrant community spirit. Amidst the local businesses that define the city's character, there is one ice cream shop that is not only serving up delicious frozen treats but also serving a much greater purpose. craveABLEs, located on Lakeside Drive, has quickly become a beloved destination for residents and visitors alike. This is more than just a place to get a scoop; it's a place that embodies the best of community and offers a truly unique and heartwarming experience.

craveABLEs is a nonprofit ice cream shop with a powerful mission: to provide supported employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The name itself, with the capitalized "ABLE," is a reminder of the capabilities and strengths of its employees. When you visit craveABLEs, you are not just enjoying a tasty dessert; you are supporting a business that is actively changing lives, building confidence, and challenging societal perceptions. This mission-driven approach sets it apart from other ice cream shops in the region, making every purchase a contribution to a more inclusive community.

The shop itself is known for its friendly, colorful, and incredibly inviting atmosphere. Customers often rave about the positive energy and welcoming smiles from the staff, which are a direct result of the supportive and encouraging work environment. The decor and outdoor spaces are designed to be family-friendly, providing a perfect spot for children to run around and play while their parents enjoy a moment of peace and a sweet treat. Whether it’s your first visit or you are a repeat customer, the experience is consistently praised as being a highlight of the day. The founder, a former special education teacher, created craveABLEs to meet a need she saw in the community, and her passion is evident in every aspect of the business.

The menu at craveABLEs is as impressive as its mission. They offer a wide variety of ice cream flavors, sourced from local Homestead Creamery, ensuring a high-quality and fresh product. In addition to classic favorites, they also serve up unique creations that are sure to satisfy any craving. From delicious sundaes to specialty floats and even dessert nachos, there is always something exciting to try. The commitment to catering to different needs is also evident in their offerings, which include options for people with dietary restrictions like dairy-free and no-sugar-added flavors. The combination of a delicious menu and a meaningful mission makes craveABLEs a standout business that truly enriches the Lynchburg community.

craveABLEs is conveniently located at 2608 Lakeside Dr, Lynchburg, VA 24501. This address places it in a well-trafficked and easily accessible area of the city. The location is situated on a major road, making it simple to find for anyone coming from different parts of Lynchburg or the surrounding areas. The accessibility is a key factor in its popularity, as it's a great place to stop for a treat without having to navigate complicated city streets.

The building itself is easily recognizable, painted in a striking baby blue that customers describe as "ocean-like," which contributes to its inviting and cheerful vibe. When it comes to parking, the shop has a parking area located behind the building. This provides a dedicated space for customers, which is a great convenience. There are also accessible parking spots located along the fence in the front of the building, demonstrating the shop’s commitment to being welcoming to all members of the community.

The outdoor area is another highlight of the location. With an inviting space for kids to play, it adds to the family-friendly nature of the business. This makes it an ideal spot for parents to take their children for an outing, as the kids can burn off some energy in a safe environment. The overall layout of the shop, both inside and out, is designed to be comfortable and easy to navigate for everyone. While the parking lot can be a bit challenging during rainy weather, the overall accessibility and pleasant environment make it a top choice for a sweet outing in Lynchburg.

craveABLEs offers a variety of products and services designed to create a comprehensive and delightful experience for all customers. Beyond just scoops of ice cream, their menu and offerings are tailored to meet a wide range of tastes and needs. Here is a breakdown of the services you can enjoy at the Lynchburg location:

• Ice Cream and Dessert Menu: The core of craveABLEs is its extensive ice cream menu. They feature multiple flavors of ice cream, including classic favorites and rotating seasonal flavors. The ice cream is sourced from the local Homestead Creamery, ensuring a fresh and high-quality product. The menu also includes unique desserts like dessert nachos, specialty floats, sundaes, and ice cream sandwiches, offering something for everyone.

• Dietary-Friendly Options: Recognizing that many people have specific dietary needs, craveABLEs makes a point to offer options for a wider audience. They serve dairy-free, peanut-free, and sugar-free selections, ensuring that almost anyone can find a delicious treat to enjoy.

• Mobile Ice Cream Truck: For those planning a special event, craveABLEs has a mobile ice cream truck and trailer available for booking. This service brings their delicious ice cream directly to festivals, parties, corporate events, and more, all while spreading their mission of inclusive employment.

• Party and Event Spaces: craveABLEs offers private party rooms that can be rented for birthdays or other small gatherings. They have different party packages available, ranging from a simple space rental to a fully decorated party with games and a sundae bar, making it an easy and fun choice for local parents.

• Merchandise and Online Shop: The mission of craveABLEs extends beyond the storefront. They sell merchandise, including bracelets and keychains, which are often customized and fulfilled by their employees. This not only provides additional job skills training but also allows customers to support the mission even when they are not in the shop.

The variety of services shows that craveABLEs is dedicated to being a full-service community hub, not just a simple ice cream shop.

What truly sets craveABLEs apart and makes it a cherished part of the Lynchburg community are its unique features and highlights. These are the elements that customers consistently praise in their reviews and that give the shop its special character.

• Mission of Inclusive Employment: The most significant highlight of craveABLEs is its core mission. As a nonprofit, it provides meaningful supported employment for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This commitment to creating an inclusive workforce is a powerful draw for customers who want to support a business with a positive social impact.

• Positive and Welcoming Environment: Customers frequently mention the "best environment" and the "incredibly inviting" feel of the shop. The staff, known for being nice and welcoming with smiles on their faces, contributes to a warm and friendly atmosphere that makes every visit a pleasure.

• Kid-Friendly Outdoor Space: The outdoor area is a major feature, especially for families. It provides a safe and fun space for kids to play, making it a perfect outing for families with young children. This feature transforms the shop into a destination rather than just a quick stop.

• High-Quality, Locally Sourced Ingredients: craveABLEs sources its ice cream from Homestead Creamery, a well-regarded local dairy producer. This commitment to quality and supporting other local businesses resonates with the community and ensures a delicious product.

• Diverse Menu with Unique Options: While the classic scoops are fantastic, the menu's creative offerings like dessert nachos and specialty floats are a big draw. These unique items provide a fresh and exciting reason for customers to visit and try something new.

These highlights collectively make craveABLEs a unique and valuable establishment in Lynchburg.

To get in touch with craveABLEs or to plan your next visit, here is their contact information:

Address: 2608 Lakeside Dr, Lynchburg, VA 24501, USA

Phone: (434) 338-8742

You can use this phone number to inquire about their daily flavors, ask about their party packages, or book their mobile ice cream truck for an event.

For the people of Lynchburg, craveABLEs is much more than just a place to get a cold treat on a hot day. It is a genuine community asset that perfectly aligns with the values of many Virginians. It offers a unique combination of high-quality products, a welcoming atmosphere, and a powerful social mission that makes it stand out from the competition.

Locals will find craveABLEs to be the ideal spot for a family outing, a casual get-together with friends, or a way to celebrate a special occasion. The kid-friendly outdoor area and the wide variety of menu options ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Furthermore, the dedication to providing supported employment for individuals with intellectual disabilities gives locals a meaningful way to support their community with every purchase. This mission creates a virtuous cycle where the community supports the business, and the business, in turn, supports and empowers a deserving part of the workforce.

The fact that they source their ice cream from Homestead Creamery also appeals to locals who appreciate and want to support other Virginia-based businesses. This commitment to local partnership reinforces its role as a true community player. In short, craveABLEs is the perfect example of a business that is both successful and socially responsible, offering not only delicious ice cream but also a sense of pride and shared purpose for the people of Lynchburg. It’s a place where you can leave with a "full belly and an even fuller heart," as one reviewer noted, making it an essential and beloved part of the local landscape.

craveABLEs

2608 Lakeside Dr, Lynchburg, VA 24501, USA