The 10 Best Ice Cream Parlors in North Carolina!

Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth at one of North Carolina’s best ice cream parlors. As a warm weather destination, it’s no surprise the Old North State is serving up the best in ice-cold desserts. You’ll find some delectable parlors and creameries serving up the freshest cones and cups around here. These are the 10 best ice cream parlors in the state. 

Calabash Creamery, Calabash, NC

Opened in 2003, Calabash Creamery is home to over 25 traditional and gourmet ice cream flavors to fulfill your ice cream fix. From s’mores, toasted coconut, banana pudding and key lime pie flavors, just to name a few, there is a flavor for everyone to enjoy. Previously awarded for “Best Ice Cream in the County,” a visit to Calabash Creamery will earn some thanks from your taste buds. 

Mooresville Ice Cream, Mooresville, NC

Open for 90 years, Mooresville Ice Cream has been a fixture to the small town of Mooresville. Homemade, these generous ice cream servings come in 29 classic flavors and 20 premium flavors, as well as low-fat and reduced fat options. Stop by for friendly service and ice cream made with love. 

Jack the Dipper Ice Cream, Sylva, NC

“Home of the warm waffle cone,” Jack the Dipper Ice Cream offers amazing service and ice cream that is guaranteed to be a favorite with the whole family. Every warm waffle cone is freshly made and there is a great selection of flavors for your sweet tooth to choose from. Are you vegan? No problem, vegan ice cream is served at Jack the Dipper Ice Cream! Once you have had a scoop, you will definitely be back for more. 

Tony’s Ice Cream, Gastonia, NC

Family-owned Tony’s Ice Cream of Gastonia, North Carolina, has been open since 1915. Made to order, choose from an ice cream cup, or cone, and fill it with your choice between 28 flavors. Tony’s Ice Cream also serves sundaes, banana splits and milkshakes for those not in the mood for a scoop. Open every day until 10 p.m., Tony’s Ice Cream is open a little bit later just in case your craving for ice cream is keeping you up. 

Sunni Sky’s Homemade Ice Cream, Angier, NC

Shakes, floats, banana splits and ice cream galore! Sunni Sky’s Homemade Ice Cream is open to serve sweet-lovers with 120-plus flavors, all of which are made right on site. Whether you have a taste for classical chocolate or a unique ice cream flavor such as bacon or lemongrass during your visit, there is truly something here for everyone. Interact with the personable staff as you treat yourself to the popular ice cream offered. Sunni Sky’s Homemade Ice Cream has been featured on “Good Morning America,” and the Food Network. 

Kilwins, Wilmington, NC

Located on Market Street in historical downtown Wilmington, Kilwins is so good, the lines may just be running out the door when you stop by for a visit. The delectable ice cream served in bowls or cones of course, and the high-quality options are well worth every penny. Kilwins also specializes in delicious chocolates and fudge. This ice cream hot spot should be on anyone’s list to visit. Drop in, pick out a treat and stroll the streets as you enjoy the best ice cream in town. 

Maple View Farm, Hillsborough, NC

From the homemade waffle cones to a dozen every day ice cream options (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream and Carolina crunch), you will have no problem finding ice cream to enjoy. Recently, Maple View Farm was nominated for “Best Desserts” in the county and “Best Dining of Chapel Hill.” Stop in to see the current flavors of the month and to grab a cone! 

Golden Cow Creamery, Charlotte, NC

The first “craft ice cream company” of Charlotte, Golden Cow Creamery provides delicious “handcrafted small batch ice cream” with the classical flavors you have always loved to unique flavors that should be on your must-try list. Made from scratch for the joy of your taste buds, Golden Cow Creamery not only gives the best-taste to you, it also gives back to the community through the Queens Share program. 

Yum Yum Better Ice Cream, Greensboro, NC

Opened in 1906, Yum Yum Better Ice Cream has been serving hot dogs and phenomenal ice cream ever since. Family owned and operated, this ice cream spot is a staple to the Greensboro area. If you are looking for a new combination to try, stop in and grab yourself a hot dog and ice cream. This inexpensive, homemade ice cream will hit the stop. 

The Parlour, Durham, NC

The Parlour of downtown Durham is a clean establishment with “a variety of permanent and rotating flavors.” Equipped with vegan options, and gluten free cones, choose between your choice of cup or cone, your flavor and enjoy the fresh, delicious ice cream. The Parlour also serves you floats, milkshakes, sundaes, and other desserts. 

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