As the days get longer and the temperature rises, we all look for ways to keep cool in the blistering North Carolina summer heat. We travel to the beaches, mountains, swimming pools, or any location that has the air condition set on full blast at 65 degrees. My favorite way to keep cool is either swimming or eating good ole ice cream! As a girl who loves (I mean could eat it three times a day kinda love) ice cream, here are my five favorite places to travel to get that refreshing sweet treat!
1. Maple View Ice Cream
Located just a short drive from campus on 6900 Rocky Ridge Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278.
Their ice cream is made from the fresh milk from their farm.You can enjoy familiar flavors such as Vanilla, Chocolate, and Banana. Or be adventurous and enjoy Carolina Crunch, Honey Toasted Almond or Pomegranate Raspberry Sorbet. Each month they have specialty ice cream flavors along with special summertime sorbet flavors. They also make homemade waffle cones (which are AMAZING!) and you can sample other ice cream favorites like banana splits and sundaes. You can also buy their delicious milk's right inside of the ice cream shop! If you love a rich chocolate flavor, then you must try their chocolate milk! Sit out on the front porch and watch the cows graze as you enjoy the delicious waffle cone treat in your hand.
2. Homeland Creamery
Just a little ways outside of Greensboro located at 6506 Bowman Dairy Rd Julian, NC 27283 sits a fantastic ice cream shop.
They offer flavors such as Peach, Apple Pie, and Black Cherry along with seasonal favorites such as pumpkin pie and peppermint. They supply the local areas with their fresh milk's, butter, and beef. They also sell local farmers products such as jams, eggs, and cheese's to name a few. You can schedule birthday parties and farm tours! They sell products in Ashville, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and even Waxhaw! So schedule a tour, buy some cheese, and eat some great local ice cream!
3. Muffins Ice Cream
This little treasure I recently found at 109 N 4th St, Mebane, NC 27302 has some great ice cream.
They sell Maple View products. But it is located in downtown Mebane and gives you a Mayberry town vibe! From the cute little shops and restaurants, Muffins is the right place if you want a slower paced, down-home feel along with your ice cream!
4. Yum Yum Better Ice Cream
This hidden gem is located on UNCG’s campus (1219 Spring Garden St, Greensboro, NC 27403).
Not only do they serve ice cream but hot dogs and fries too! They offer flavors such as Pineapple, Butterscotch, and even Lemon! This is the best place if you want a cheap date but great food! They sell glass-bottled drinks such as Coca-Cola and North Carolina’s favorite soda, Cheerwine. There is no other place like Yum Yum and you had better bring your appetite because you will want one of everything!
5. S & T Soda Shoppe
Take a step back in time in this hidden treasure located at 85 Hillsboro St, Pittsboro, NC 27312.
From the burgers to the infamous Rat Cellar’s lasagna and gambler recipes to their killer desserts, this place is your next road trip! They offer malt shakes, cola shakes, milkshakes, Haw River Mud Pies, apple turnovers, banana splits and even dreamsicle shakes! If you order a dessert, make sure you are hungry because some of them can feed up to six people! If you are in the mood for the all-American classic meal, then sit at the bar and enjoy a burger, fries and a shake! You will not be disappointed!
The next time you are craving a cold treat, just hop in the car and drive to one of these classics! You will not be disappointed (and neither will your friends)! Spread the word and enjoy these local favorites!
