Food

Wednesday Only! Where to Get Free Italian Ice and Iced Coffee

Skip the hot chocolate and soup du jour today. Spring has officially sprung, and even if it's not exactly flip-flop weather, you can get in the spirit with a refreshing (and free!) icy treat.

In honor of today's vernal equinox, the Woodridge location of Philly-based Italian ice chain Rita's Water Ice is offering free regular-sized Italian ices and cream ices all day. (Sadly, you still have to pay for gelati, Misto Shakes and Blendinis). Rita's will rotate ten to 12 flavors (including a few that are sugar-free), ranging from raspberry lemonade to vanilla, passion fruit, mango, green apple and the classic cherry. Last May, co-owner Angela Brock's  store—the only official Rita's in DC, though another is slated to open in Adams Morgan mid-May—whipped up 800 giveaway ices. Brock is prepared for an even greater rush today. But, she promises: "We won't run out, no way." 

Another celebration of ice is happening at Dunkin' Donuts. For today's entire 24 hours, every store in the DC area will offer a free 16-ouncer of their double-brewed iced coffee. As the coffee and baked goods mega-chain serves 2.7 million customers around the world per day, the double-D can spare a few free cups of ink. They even created an invitation for friends to send reminder e-mails.

Rita's Water Ice, 2318 Rhode Island Ave., NE; 202-636-RITA.

Dunkin' Donuts has 103 locations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Click here to find one.