5 of the best outdoor ice cream shops in the Triangle for a hot summer day
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Goodberry’s has served Raleigh with outdoor ice cream custards since 1988.
- LocoPops in Durham has supplied paleta-inspired treats and grocery items since 2005.
- NC State’s Howling Cow Creamery turns farm milk into ice cream on campus.
The summer heat is upon us, but rising temperatures can’t stop the desire for something sweet. An ice-cold treat is a trusted way to cool down while still in the warmth of the sun.
Here are some of the best outdoor ice cream shops around the Triangle to beat the heat, but beware of melting!
Goodberry’s Frozen Custard
Since 1988, Goodberry’s has been serving the Raleigh area with outdoor ice cream custards. The menu features malts, shakes, floats, and sundaes in addition to the traditional cone and cup. Their multiple locations around the Triangle make any ice-cold treat easily accessible. Each location promises ice cream made fresh every hour with a variety of flavors and toppings.
Find North Carolina locations on their website.
LocoPops
Inspired by Mexican paletas, this Durham-based dessert cafe, has supplied unique flavor iterations since 2005. LocoPops also sells pies, ice cream pies, cake, ice cream cakes and pudding. The business also offers a range of grocery items from sausage to spices and trinkets like puzzles and earrings from other local businesses.
Address: 2618 Hillsborough Road in Durham
Howling Cow
North Carolina State University’s ice cream supports the education of the dairy industry in the state. Fresh cream and milk are brought from their Raleigh dairy farm and are turned into ice cream on campus in a dairy processing lab. Their Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery is located on NC State Dairy Research and Teaching Farm and offers an educational and immersive twist to summertime sweet treats. The farm is cashless and does not allow pets.
Address: 100 Dairy Ln. in Raleigh
Sunni Sky’s Homemade Ice Cream
This locally owned and operated homemade ice cream parlor with over 130 flavors sits on the edge of Wake County in Angier. Their location offers a rustic take on a timeless dessert. The store only accepts cash and checks as forms of payment, keeping prices affordable.
Address: 8617 NC-55 in Angier
Maple View Farm
With a long list of awards, this ice cream business has stood out as one of the best in the state. Located in Hillsborough, Maple View opened their doors in 2001 with only 12 flavors. Today, these options are supplemented with a range of seasonal flavors from sweet potato to eggnog and teaberry to sorbets.
Address: 6900 Rocky Ridge Road in Hillsborough
The News & Observer’s Drew Jackson contributed to this report.