July happens to be National Ice Cream Month. Who knew? The former US President Ronald Reagan declared it in 1984 in recognition of the treat’s “nutritious and wholesome qualities.” (Yes, it was a different time).
Today is National Ice Cream Day, but in our home, you’d think every day is National Ice Cream Day. Our daughter has a slight obsession with the sugary treat. Some days it’s a strawberry or vanilla milkshake with whipped cream, other days it’s on a cone or a scoop in a cup – but always with sprinkles.
Ironically, my husband and I both scooped ice cream for our first jobs. I worked the ice cream counter at a Thrifty Drug store in California where a single scoop was $1.10. My husband worked at Swensen’s Ice Cream in Woodbridge, Virginia.
In celebration of this favorite treat and a nod to first jobs: Here’s a round-up of our favorite Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurts in Charlotte.
Gourmet Ice Creams:
Golden Cow Creamery makes their ice cream from scratch. They have classic flavors like Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Mint Chocolate Chip, Salted Oreo, and Dunkaroos. They also have vegan and non-dairy flavors, and scratch-made flavors to keep you guessing.
South End 170 W Summit Avenue Charlotte NC 28203
SouthPark 720 Governor Morrison Street Charlotte NC 28211
Photo Credit: Golden Cow Creamery
Two Scoops Creamery serves up a secret family recipe of over 32 playful flavors. While all the favorites are there, you might want to try Cookies by the Sea, Thin Mint Crunch or Raspberry Cheesecake.
Plaza Midwood 913 Central Avenue Charlotte NC 28204
Lake Norman 807 Williamson Road Mooresville NC 28117
South End 1616 Camden Road #100 Charlotte NC 28203
Photo Credit: Two Scoops Creamery
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is an Ohio-based gourmet ice cream that quickly set up shop in Charlotte. If you haven’t been, you need to go. Don’t forget your Instagram worthy pictures on their colorful walls.
South End 1920 Camden Road Charlotte NC 28203
NoDa 416 E 36th St Suite 400 Charlotte NC 28205
Park Road Shopping Center 4203 Park Road Charlotte NC 28209
Photo Credit: Jeni’s SouthEnd
Elizabeth Creamery is steps from the Gold Line Trolley on Elizabeth Avenue. This locally-owned mom and pop shop is the perfect stop on an afternoon trolly ride with kids.
1535 Elizabeth Avenue Charlotte 28204
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Creamery
Classics:
Ben & Jerry’s premium Ice Cream with funny flavor names like Schweddy Balls and Bourbon Pecan Pie and Half Baked. Although it’s been around for over 40 years and is now available at every grocery store in America, it’s still fun to walk into a shop and try the flavors upon request. This way you can avoid being arrested for it.
Myers Park 507 Providence Road Charlotte NC 28207
Foxcroft 7800 Fairview Road Charlotte NC 28226
Photo Credit: Ben & Jerry’s Myers Park
Baskin-Robbins. Where else can you get an Ice Cream, Dunkin Donuts and Iced Coffee in a drive-thru? There are over 20 locations in the Greater Charlotte area. Too many to list here, so pull into one when you see it.
Cold Stone Creamery’s signature creations like Cake Batter Ice Cream and Golden Oreo Cookies leave a craving that makes you return often. Most of their locations are in the surrounding suburbs like Blakeney, Rivergate, Kingsley, Cornelius and Concord Mills.
Photo Credit: Cold Stone Creamery
Old School:
Mr. K’s Soft Ice Cream is a taste of nostalgia, and while you’re at it, try the onion rings too. Be sure to tell the proprietor, George, that our daughter Audrey sent you.
2107 South Boulevard Charlotte NC 28203
Photo Credit: Mr. K’s
Dairy Queen may be an international franchise, but the Charlotte locations have been around for over 50 years. Who can resist a summer blizzard in July?
West Charlotte 2732 Wilkinson Blvd Charlotte NC 28208
Plaza Midwood 1431 Central Avenue Charlotte NC 28205
Cotswold 108 Sharon Amity Rd Charlotte 28211
Photo Credit: Dairy Queen
Frozen Yogurt & Treats
Pop Bar is a unique concept where you can have gelato, sorbet, and yogurt on a stick. Be sure to try a pop which too.
3123 N Davidson St #102b Charlotte NC 28205
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt is a self-serve frozen yogurt chain with endless toppings. The East Blvd location is a mile from our home and is often our go-to for small celebrations. First and last day of school or special occasion treat. Lately, it seems like ordinary days have become occasions.
Dilworth 1247 East Blvd Suite 140, Charlotte NC 28203
Photo Credit: Menchie’s
TCBY is still around. The chain of frozen yogurt shops that grew in popularity in the 90s used to stand for “This Can’t Be Yogurt” until a similar competitor sued it and forced to change its acronym. Now, “The Country’s Best Yogurt” is still self-serving it up in Charlotte.
Myers Park 2823 Selwyn Ave J, Charlotte NC 28209
Quail Corners 8502 Park Rd Charlotte NC 28210
Ballantyne 7731 Colony Road Charlotte NC 28226
Photo Credit: TCBY
4 comments
Thanks for the list. We will have to try some.
“Ironically, my husband and I both scooped ice cream for our first jobs. ” That is not irony. That is a coincidence.
You’re right James. My bad. I should have said coincidentally. Thanks for the correction.
You forgot Artisen in Matthews. All natural, vegan and gluten free, and the best gelato you’ll ever have. Nicest owners and perfect for families with food allergies or sensitivities.
I recommend The Local Scoop at the Promenade as well. They have gluten-free, vegan, non-dairy, and lots of creamy, locally-sourced, yummy ice cream. The owners are local and love to give back to the community.