Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Firehouse Snowballs

Take the scenic route along the winding roads of Greenspring Valley to experience this fan-favorite stand at the Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Firehouse—which acts as an annual fundraiser for the organization. Mix and match your favorite flavors and indulge while watching the cars roam down the bucolic Greenspring Avenue. 12020 Greenspring Ave., 410-887-7781

Chill Snowballs & Ice Cream

Brothers Todd and John Hays have been serving up snowballs since the ’80s, and they’re keeping the tradition going with this new stand on Main Street in Reisterstown. Equipped with ample seating, strung lights, and even a play area for kids, Chill certainly lives up to its name. There are plenty of treats to choose from, including sundaes, milkshakes, frozen coffees, and soft-serve “Candy Crushes” blended with chocolate-bar toppings. But the snowballs are the stars of the show. Enjoy old favorites like cotton candy and Tutti Fruity, or switch it up with signature combos like “Jungle Chill” (coconut, mango, and pineapple) or “Tollhouse Cookie,” mixed with vanilla buttercream, chocolate, and a signature cream flavor. 249 Main St. 443-461-5040

Elizabeth & Zyggie’s

Parkville locals continue to rave about this stand-alone shack, which peddles inventive flavors like banana split, orange cream, mint julep, and the famous Reese’s topped with chocolate sauce and crushed peanut butter cups. Of course, the classics are also offered on the lengthy menu, which includes kid-friendly favorites like raspberry and lemon-lime. 2501 Putty Hill Ave., Parkville

Emmorton Snowballs

This Bel Air institution began as a tiny structure off of Emmorton Road in the summer of 1981, and has remained a staple ever since. The classic dry-erase menu lists smoothies, milkshakes, and soft-serve ice cream, but the snowballs are the true highlight. Make your way up to the take-away window to quell summer sweet tooth cravings with flavors ranging from green apple and strawberry to signature mixes like the Tequila Sunrise (cherry, orange, and lemon) and Bahama Island (coconut, honeydew, and egg custard). 101 E. Wheel Road., Bel Air, 410-569-2941

Icy Delights

Many locals have become acquainted with this local snowball chain, which has been around since the ’90s and boasts six shops scattered everywhere from Highlandtown to Middle River. The stand has become known for its signature style, which tops its Styrofoam cups with a plastic dome cover and provides a long spoon for stirring. The brand has also made a habit of placing marshmallow in the middle of the ice—so don’t get discouraged if you have to dig around for it. Multiple locations including 3930 Fleet St.

Kevin’s Snowballs

Owner Kevin Rodgers has been running this community staple stationed next to St. Veronica’s Church along Cherry Hill Road for years. A favorite among locals leaving church on blazing hot Sunday afternoons, “Mr Kevin’s” offers all of the classic flavors in affordable servings that start at 50 cents. 806 Cherry Hill Road

One Sweet Moment

For more than 25 years, this Hamilton hangout has become a go-to spot to cool off during the summer months. Step up to the shaded wooden porch to order off of the lengthy menu, which showcases more than 150 choices categorized by regular flavors, specialty mixes, sour selections, and cream concoctions (think mudslide, creamy colada, root beer float, and strawberry shortcake.) 2914 Hamilton Ave.

Opie’s Soft Serve and Snowballs

Grabbing an after-dinner treat at this sweets shop has become a community tradition in Catonsville. Post up at one of the picnic tables in the front, or snag an Adirondack chair on the back lawn to watch the sun set while chopping away at an icy snowball. Flavors range from strawberry to cotton candy, and —if you’re having a hard time choosing between a snowball or ice cream—go for the signature “Snowcream,” which layers soft-serve in the middle and on top of the ice. 1603 Edmonson Ave., Catonsville.

Original Hawaiian Island Snowballs

This summer hangout off of Liberty Road in between Randallstown and Eldersburg has been enticing locals for decades with its tasty treats and daily specials, including free marshmallow on Mondays and discounted shakes on Thursdays. Though it offers funnel cakes, soft pretzels, gelatis, and ice cream sundaes, the shop is best known for an array of more than 100 snowball flavors ranging from pear and tangerine to Fireball and strawberry-banana. 10636 Liberty Road, Holbrook, 410-521-2960

Quality Snowballs

The Food Market chef/owner Chad Gauss has expanded his Hampden footprint yet again with this new venture, which showcases his playful food philosophy in snowball form. The 10-foot shipping container—stationed just across the street from The Food Market on the Avenue—takes typical flavors to a new level with toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, candy pieces, condensed milk, and torched marshmallow fluff. You can always grab a classic egg custard or lemon-lime. But if you’re feeling adventurous, try concoctions like banana with Oreos, dirt cup with gummy worms, rainbow cream with Nerds, black bottom with crumbled brownie pieces, and “Celebration Cake” topped with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles. 1014 W. 36th St.

Snoasis

Decorated with palm trees, straw umbrellas, a sand area, and twinkling lights, this Cockeysville mainstay has a relaxing feel that certainly fits with its name. The island vibe also translates into the menu, which highlights specialty flavors such as strawberry daiquiri, piña colada, and coconut cabana. 30 E. Padonia Road, Lutherville-Timonium

Stouten’s Marina and Snowball Stop

This neighborhood gem located at Stouten’s Marina on the water in Dundalk has something for everyone, whether you’re jonesin’ for a fruity flavor or in the mood for a peanut butter and jelly snowball (grape topped with peanut butter sauce). The stand is even equipped with a drive-thru window for the scorchers when it’s too hot to step away from the blasting A.C. 817 Wise Ave., 410-477-2288

Summer Shack Snowballs

It’s difficult to drive down Falls Road without making a pit stop to this family-owned stand, which offers outdoor seating and plenty of sidewalk chalk to occupy little ones. Head to the royal blue awning to order a colorful snowball (think Georgia peach, pink bubble gum, and Tutti Frutti) while soaking up the summer sun. 2339 W. Joppa Road., Lutherville-Timonium, 410-296-4104

The Snowball Stand

No trip to Woodstock is complete without a stop to this community gem off of Route 99 in Howard County, which has been a favorite since its inaugural summer in 1974. Gather in the stand’s gazebo to slurp standouts like blue raspberry, mango, and cola. Be sure to also check out the rotating “flavors of the day” sprawled on a chalkboard sign in front. 1970 Woodstock Road, Woodstock, 410-207-4885

Walther Gardens

With roots dating back to 1933, this stand on a picturesque half-acre parcel of land in Hamilton-Lauraville is arguably the oldest around. But its owners, brother and sister Matthew and Paula Wittek, have kept up with the times with classic flavors, as well as innovative creations like a peppermint patty snowball (spearmint topped with chocolate syrup). Stick around to tour the property, and don’t forget to stop into the garden shop for all of your seasonal plant and flower needs. 3501 Southern Ave., 410-426-0546