While many people associate ice cream with summertime, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t crave this frozen treat year-round. That’s especially true here in North Carolina, where delicious ice cream shops seem to be located on every corner. This relatively short road trip to the best ice cream in North Carolina can be done in particular areas in a day (say, the triangle and then move on to the Charlotte region, next, the mountains) or, if you find yourself driving across the state for a beach or mountain trip, include a couple of these on your way.

From chocolate to vanilla, strawberry, coconut cream, and more, it’s about to get extra sweet on this road trip to the best ice cream in North Carolina.

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Click here for a full road trip map, directions, etc.

What are your thoughts on this road trip to the best ice cream in North Carolina? How many of these places have you tried? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

You may have noticed that none of these places are on the coast. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with our road trip to the best ice cream in North Carolina coastal edition.

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Best ice cream in North Carolina

Where can I find the best ice cream in North Carolina?

As you might have guessed from our road trip outlining the best ice cream in North Carolina, the Tar Heel state is chock-full of delicious ice creameries you'll want to try. But the above list only begins to scratch the surface of the amazing ice cream shops around here. If you're looking for the best ice cream in North Carolina, you'll also want to check out any of the following establishments: Howling Cow in Raleigh, Maple View Farm in Hillsborough, Cabarrus Creamery in Concord, Lumpy's in Wake Forest, Goodberry's Frozen Custard, with various locations around the state, Peaches N' Cream in Wadesboro, Yum Yum Better Ice Cream and Hot Dogs in Greensboro, FRESH. Local Ice Cream in Raleigh, and Cafe Gelato in Winston-Salem.

What are the best hidden gem restaurants in North Carolina?

North Carolina is positively brimming with delicious restaurants that could impress just about everyone. While many of these places are known the world over, there are several locations throughout the state that fly under-the-radar. Even among locals, the following places are considered to be among the best hidden gem restaurants in North Carolina: Fish Heads Bar & Grill in Nags Head, Magnolia 23 in Asheboro, the Derby Restaurant in Mount Airy, the Country Squire in Kenansville, Flo's Biscuit Kitchen in Wilson, Spoon River Artworks & Market in Belhaven, and Carolina Biscuit in Lenoir. Learn more about each of these unique restaurants.

Which tiny restaurants in North Carolina are worth trying?

When it comes to dining in North Carolina, it's a rule of thumb that the smaller the restaurant, the bolder the menu. That's why you'd be remiss to overlook North Carolina's smallest eateries. The following list includes the tiny restaurants in North Carolina that are absolutely worth trying: Soul Gastrolounge in Charlotte, Tre Nonne in Winston-Salem, Big Oak Drive-In in Salter Path, B's BBQ in Greenville, Johnson's Drive-In in Siler City, Dame's Chicken and Waffles in Durham, Pass the Salt in Currituck, Brooks' Sandwich House in Charlotte, El's Drive-In in Morehead City, and Mecca Restaurant in Raleigh. Learn more about these small yet delicious restaurants in North Carolina.

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