This post is one I feel pretty qualified to write. Ice cream is my favorite food, so I’ve tasted quite a few of the options out there. I thought it would be fun to put a list together for my favorites ice cream shops Charlotte NC in case you’re looking for a sweet treat.

Best Ice Cream Shops Charlotte NC

1. Summit Creamery

Location: Davidson

This is a newer creamery that opened up last year after taking over what was Ellie Mae’s Creamery in Davidson. It is owned by Summit Coffee and they have brought the welcoming and fun vibe to this creamery. It’s constantly packed and super family-friendly with lots of yard games and seating. The ice cream is one of my top three favorites and they have dairy-free options, as well as their classics and “experiments” which are fun little concoctions available on a random basis. My go-tos are their cookies with cream and oatmeal cream pie.

2. Coldstone Creamery

Locations: Charlotte, Mooresville, Concord

Aside from Dairy Queen, which was popular where I grew up, this is my OG ice cream shop. I mean, can you beat their ice cream? This was a staple of my college experience. For anyone not familiar it’s ice cream mixed up on a cold slab. They also make milkshakes and cakes. My favorites are Mint, Mint Chocolate Chocolate Chip and Birthday Cake. Their frozen cupcakes are also a fan favorite.

3. Swirl

Location: Charlotte

In my opinion, this is the best small biz ice cream shops Charlotte NC. They have cupcakes and cookies, as well as all of the different options for ice cream: scoops, milkshakes, sundaes, etc. It’s basically like a build-your-own scenario where you can pick a base ice cream and add a bunch of mix-ins. But most importantly, the base ice cream is delicious. My fav is the swirl: The Duke + Monster.

4. Handels Homemade Ice Cream

Locations: Charlotte, Cornelius

This is also a newer to us ice cream shop. They opened a couple of years ago in Cornelius and also have an ice cream shops Charlotte nc. The ice cream is so, so good. It’s all homemade and the variety of flavors is extensive. My favorite is the Ooooh Dough! which is basically the Cookie Monster without the blue dye.

5. Ben & Jerry’s

Location: Davidson

I have been to the Ben & Jerry’s in Vermont, which was a super cool experience. However, they stopped making my favorite Oatmeal Cookie ice cream, so I’m still a bit salty. That being said, our local scoop shop in Davidson is amazing. Karen, the owner is such a staple in the community and they are so involved. They have ice cream cake decorating classes, which my kids absolutely love. My favorite flavor is Milk & Cookies, hands down. That in a milkshake, is chef’s kiss.

6. Brusters

Locations: Cornelius, Mooresville, Monroe, Matthews, Indian Trail and Tega Cay

I love to support small, but when a chain makes good ice cream, it is what it is. They have a fair amount of dairy-free options, which when we were going through that phase was appreciated. I also am OBSESSED with their chocolate raspberry truffle ice cream. The white chocolate raspberry truffle is also yum.

7. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Location: Charlotte

First, their branding is on point and I love that it’s women founded. It’s fun and colorful and their ice cream is delicious, with fun unique flavors. They also have a large assortment of dairy free options and I love that I can run to the store and grab a pint if I can’t make it to the city. My favorite is the Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks. A must visit for ice cream shops Charlotte nc.

8. The Yard Milkshake Bar

Location: Charlotte

We first visited The Yard when we were on vacation. We were very excited to see one come to Charlotte recently. The ice cream is so good, and the experience is even better. Their Milkshakes are truly a work of art. Fair warning, the servings are generous, so plan to share or bring some home!

9. Whit’s Frozen Custard

Location: Davidson, Huntersville, Mooresville

Whit’s has exploded in the Lake Norman area. Their Whitties are my favorite (aka chipwich). They’re super big, so easy for sharing and they make a variety of combos. They have lots of options: scoops, milkshakes, pints-to-go and whitties.

10. Golden Cow Creamery

Location: Charlotte

Lastly, Golden Cow Creamery. Their Salted Oreo ice cream is a favorite. It’s homemade, small-batch ice cream. My favorite thing about this creamery is high standards and the clean ingredients they use in their ice creams. They’re family owned and have standard flavors, as well as rotating flavors. As far as ice cream shops Charlotte NC, Golden Cow has multiple locations throughout the city.

Looking for a photographer to capture some fun family photos at your favorite creamery, or just in general? Reach out! We’d love to chat with you.