Spotted Roxie (butterscotch ice cream with chocolate chips) at Brown Dog Ice Cream. (Rekaya Gibson)

CAPE CHARLES — I’ve visited Cape Charles many times, but this was the first time I spent hours on Mason Avenue (which turns into Bay Avenue) — the main drag. The street was lined with hotels, restaurants and shops. Tourists had been flocking there all season to relax and catch a breeze off the Chesapeake Bay.

I came to eat. I left satisfied, and with a list to share with my taste buds (my foodie friends). It was worth the bridge-tunnel toll.

Here are some Cape Charles grab-and-go finds for the beach and home. Before going, check the days and hours. They vary depending on the time of year.

I noticed a glass door with a walk-up window. It could only be selling one thing: ice cream. Brown Dog Ice Cream — a staple in the community for 10 years — serves eight hand-scooped flavors using locally sourced ingredients. Order the Spotted Roxie and thank me later.

The creamy butterscotch ice cream reminded me of the hard candy that Granny gave me as a kid. The chocolate chips added texture and yumminess that complemented the cream. The cool sensation gave my warm body relief and joy. The shop also has pre-packed pints that can be delivered to the beach. It has frozen dog treats, too — no surprise. The store is named for a chocolate Labrador retriever, Foster.

Brown Dog Ice Cream, 203 Mason Ave. 757-695-3868. browndogicecream.com.

The Cape Charles classic, the NOLA New Orleans Spicy and the Unicorn Pop at Eastern Shore Popcorn. (Rekaya Gibson)

A few steps away, I spied rows of blue, pink and pale yellow popcorn. I strolled inside Eastern Shore Popcorn, which specializes in small batches of gourmet goodness. Bags of Unicorn Pop flavor lined the wire shelves. I picked one along with the NOLA (New Orleans spicy blend) to take home. I searched the opposite side of the rack for a salty and sweet combo. The owners, Alana Smith and Michael Rabdau, recommended the Cape Charles Classic, with its mixture of fresh caramel and cheddar cheese. I loved the balance of sugary cheesiness; it satisfied several teeth. My favorite.

Eastern Shore Popcorn Co., 227 Mason Ave. 757-672-0752. tinyurl.com/capecharlespopcorn.

Camp Craft Cocktails kits at Table and Tonic. (Rekaya Gibson)

I went next door to Table and Tonic, a gift shop with a seafoam and navy striped awning. A taste bud had told me about Cravings, a sandwich shop, in the rear of the store. Before I could make it to the back, I got sidetracked by the store’s cool items, such as barware, writing paper and vintage goods. From the Camp Craft Cocktails kits, I selected the hibiscus ginger lemon, which included one infusion-ready jar: hibiscus calyx, ginger root, and lemon and hibiscus tea-infused vegan sugar. It can be infused with water or alcohol such as gin, rum and vodka. Later, I made a mocktail — 8 ounces of lemonade with 2 ounces of the cocktail mix (strained). The refreshing tart drink smelled floral and tasted delicious.

Table and Tonic, 233 Mason Ave. 757-651-6772. tableandtoniccapecharles.com

Sandwiches and salads at Cravings. (Margaret Heilman)

Cravings started at the cooler section with drinks. Next to it were rows of packed sandwiches, salads and quiche. Customers can order the same items and more off the menu. I asked the co-owner, Margaret Heilman, whose mother owns Table and Tonic, for a recommendation. She said the Tazewell was popular and it traveled well. She was right. It survived the hour drive plus a few more on the kitchen counter. A pungent smoky aroma hit my nostrils when I opened the container. I saw the cutest croissant square and tapped my index finger on top. I hadn’t paid attention earlier. Now it was dinnertime, I was focused. The turkey and bacon made a great combination. The smoked Gouda took it over the top with flavor and the chipotle aioli gave it a little heat. The sandwich has been on my mind ever since (I’m craving the Tazewell as I write this.). I saved the cro-nuts — doughnut-shaped croissant pastry — for breakfast the next morning. The flaky layers and sweet glaze were superb.

Cravings, 233 Mason Ave. 757-642-5009. capecravings.com.

Almond croissant, molasses cookie and caramel Smith Island Cake at Coastal Baking Co. (Rekaya Gibson)

Farther down on Mason Avenue was Coastal Baking Co., a family-owned bakery café that offers pastries, desserts and sandwiches with outdoor dining. The baked goods on the counter and in the display case called my name, in particular the Smith Island Cakes — the official dessert of Maryland that originated on Smith Island in the 1800s. I chose the caramel — with its nine layers showing — to consume at home.

Each bite contained equal parts of rich creaminess and thin pieces of yellow cake. A two-step ensued. The dessert paired well with an unsweetened hot black tea. The soft molasses cookie was my second favorite pick. The almond croissant was a close third.

The café also had a room with merchandise such as wine, hot sauces, oils, cheeses and more.

Coastal Baking Co., 555 Mason Ave. 757-331-2482. coastalbakingco.com.

The original smashburger from the Smashers food truck. (Rekaya Gibson)

I had started my Cape Charles food tour at Smashers, owned by 18-year-old Henry Smith. His father contacted the paper about the business being opened. I followed the reviews and social media in between all my other projects. Before I knew it, I was turning my calendar to August.

When I got there, Smashers was the only food truck sitting on Bay Avenue. I appreciated the simplicity of its menu: burger, fries and a drink. I ordered small fries and the original smashburger — two Angus burger patties, two slices of American cheese, smash sauce, pickles and caramelized onions. The burger had a good crust, juicy and seasoned well with salt. I tasted a little sweetness, too; I’m not sure if it was from the fluffy bun. I didn’t miss my typical burger toppings of lettuce, tomato, mustard and ketchup. It was an excellent smashburger, one of my top three favorites of all time. The hand-cut fries made this experience feel like home.

I’m mad at myself for not getting there sooner. Smashers is now closed for the season: Smith is heading to Roanoke College. He will return to town next summer.

(Worth saving the details): Smashers, Cape Charles beachfront along Bay Avenue. 757-678-2000. smasherscc.com.

Rekaya Gibson, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com, 757-295-8809; on Twitter @gibsonrekaya