Scooping Up the Summer

I scream, you scream, we all scream for…ICE CREAM! Sorry, we know that was pretty predictable. No matter how old we get, there’s always something fabulously fun about ice cream, which is why it’s also a perfect thing to share as a family, whether you’ve got elementary-aged kidlets or your junior set has reached high school. And because this decadent, let’s be real, delight is so creamy and cool, it bears an inescapable association with summer and happy memories of family vacations. Unless you make the mistake of ordering a towering triple scoop on a sugar cone at noon on the hottest day of the season and decide to savor it by eating very slooooowwwly… Good luck with that, and we’ll see you on Instagram!

Historically speaking, the continuous growth of the ice cream industry’s capital gains could easily have allowed it to cool its heels and rely on the ever-popular trifecta of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry to keep it churning. But the simplicity of these flavors has inspired out-of-the-box thinking, turning them into a canvas for creativity as their base notes are amped up with everything from caramel ribbons to crushed cookies, nuts, and even bits of cake.

So, which flavor reigns supreme? That's a true debate, if there ever was one… On the plateau, there are a few contenders for the best scoop at ice cream shops and restaurants where flavors run the gamut.

Kilwins

Though franchised with a loyal national following, Kilwins is not a traditional mom-and-pop shop, and a commitment to quality preserves the small-batch charm that defines its products. Offering a variety of chocolate confections, fudge and ice cream made using their own proprietary recipes, Kilwins is a popular stop for ice cream lovers who want unique flavors. Bonus? You smell what’s waiting inside even before you walk through the door. The scent of freshly made waffle cones hangs in the air, tempting even the most determined to break their diet. Located in Wright’s Square, with plenty of outdoor seating, it is the perfect break from a day of retail therapy. Located at 341 Main Street, Highlands, North Carolina 28741.

For more information, visit kilwins.com.

On the Verandah

On the Verandah may not be the first place that pops into your mind when you think of ice cream, but Proprietor Chef Andrew Figel knows his way around this cool, creamy confection and how to serve it up with flair. Multiple flavors are presented in a classic banana split glass dish with three generous scoops of ice cream. Chef-crafted in-house daily, with locally sourced, in-season fruits and ingredients that result in frequently changing flavors. For guests who want to skip dinner and go straight to dessert, a seat in the bar with a cup of coffee to pair with your treat has our highest recommendation. No reservation required. Located at 1536 Franklin Rd, Highlands.

For more information, visit ontheverandah.com.

Mountain Smoothie

So, okay—not technically ice cream. But if you’ve ever had a really good smoothie, you know that they can be downright decadent, which wins this place a spot on our list of chill places to get your sweet fix. Mountain Smoothies offers a healthy alternative, utilizing fresh fruits, health supplements, and other high-quality ingredients in each smoothie. And for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth, the Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate Frosty, Java Jolt, and other protein flavors taste like cheat day. Of course, with there being a good-for-you option, these smoothies could very well become your next regular thing. Located at 333 US-64, Cashiers. For more information, visit facebook.com/mountainsmoothie.com.

Crossroads Custard & Cold Brew

Speaking of smoothies…Crossroads offers a small menu of smoothie and smoothie bowl flavors made with whole fruits and vegetables, perfect for getting your day off on a healthy foot. But their claim to fame, the headlining act, is their frozen custard. From custard in a cup, cone, waffle cone or waffle bowl, to shakes, “Squatches” made with one of their mix-ins, sundaes and floats, Crossroads has a delicious way to indulge yourself and cool off on a hot summer day. With more than 20 flavors, you won’t run out of different things to try, and you may have trouble picking a favorite. Located at 45 Slabtown Rd., in the Slabtown Shopping Center, Cashiers.

For more information, visit crossroadscustard.com.