Imagine sliding onto a counter stool and ordering an ice cream in a place that has been serving sweet treats for more than a century.
That’s exactly what you can do at one incredible Virginia soda fountain, where the scoops, shakes, and sundaes come with a serious side of nostalgia.
It’s the real deal, and its long-running story makes every milkshake and scoop a little more interesting.
So, where can you find Virginia’s oldest continuously operating soda fountain?
Keep reading, because this sweet stop deserves a spot on your Virginia road trip list.
Where Is It?
Goolrick’s Pharmacy is located at 901 Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg.
It’s about an hour from Washington, D.C., 55 minutes from Richmond, and 1.5 hours from Charlottesville, making it an easy stop when you’re craving something sweet.
About
Goolrick’s is the kind of place where you can grab a seat and enjoy a classic soda fountain experience right in downtown Fredericksburg.
Step inside and you’ll find a long wooden counter lined with red spinning stools that instantly give the place an old-school feel.
Patterned tile floors, pressed-tin-style ceilings, and vintage fountain equipment add to the nostalgic setting, while tables along the side offer extra seating.
Of course, the ice cream is the big reason to visit.
Choose from chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or a rotating special flavor, then order it by the scoop or turn it into a sundae, shake, malt, or ice cream float.
If you want something different, there are old-fashioned drinks like cherry Coke, vanilla Coke, and egg cream, plus fresh-squeezed lemonade and limeade.
You can also choose flavored syrups like cherry, vanilla, raspberry, orange, and chocolate.
When you’re ready for something savory, there’s a simple lunch menu filled with classic counter-service favorites.
Options include chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad, grilled cheese, BLTs, and longtime favorites like bologna and house-made liverwurst sandwiches.
Sides keep things just as traditional, with choices like deviled eggs, potato salad, macaroni salad, chips, and pickle spears.
You can even finish with a slice of chocolate cake, coffee cake, or apple pie if ice cream somehow wasn’t enough.
Whether you stop in for a scoop or lunch, grab a counter stool if one is open and give yourself time to enjoy a soda fountain that still feels refreshingly old-fashioned.
History
That classic soda fountain experience has more than 150 years of history behind it.
Goolrick’s story began in 1869, when W. B. Goolrick and Dr. C. A. Jones purchased a drugstore on Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg.
It didn’t take long for sweet treats and drinks to become part of the experience.
By 1898, a local newspaper was already advertising Goolrick’s for its “Coldest Soda,” showing just how far back its soda fountain tradition reaches.
Over the generations, it grew into a local gathering spot where people met friends, stopped by after school, went on dates, and made memories at the counter.
That tradition continued as downtown Fredericksburg changed around it, helping Goolrick’s become one of the city’s most recognizable longtime businesses.
A new chapter began in 2022, when Jarrell Properties purchased the historic building and began restoring the space while carefully preserving its character.
The work brought new attention to many of the details that made it special, preparing the old-fashioned soda fountain for another generation of visitors.
In 2026, Goolrick’s Soda Fountain officially reopened to the public, bringing back milkshakes, ice cream, fountain drinks, and counter-service favorites.
Today, it’s recognized as one of America’s oldest continuously operating soda fountains, with a history stretching back to the 19th century.
So when you grab a stool and order a scoop or milkshake, you’re not just stopping for dessert.
You’re taking part in a Fredericksburg tradition that generations of locals have enjoyed before you.
Know Before You Go
Hours and Parking
Goolrick’s is open daily, with hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Keep in mind that it’s dine-in only, so plan to grab a seat and enjoy your order inside rather than taking it to go.
As for parking, only street parking is available, and finding a spot can be challenging during busy times, so plan to arrive early.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are especially good times to visit Fredericksburg because you can pair your ice cream stop with a comfortable walk around downtown.
Summer is perfect if a cold shake or sundae is the main event, although temperatures regularly climb into the 80s and 90s.
For fewer crowds, consider visiting on a weekday or outside the busiest lunch hours.
Things to Do Nearby
Give yourself extra time after you finish eating because several major Fredericksburg attractions are close by.
The Fredericksburg Area Museum is just under a five-minute walk away, where you can explore exhibits about Fredericksburg’s Revolutionary history and local culture.
You can also drive about 5 minutes to George Washington’s Ferry Farm, where a guided house tour and historic grounds offer a look at his early life.
If you want to spend some time outdoors, head to Fredericksburg City Dock Park for a walk along the Rappahannock River and scenic waterfront views.
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