18 Must-Visit Ice Cream Spots in (or Near) Charlotte

On the hunt for a cold, sweet treat? We've got you covered.

With National Ice Cream Month in July, it’s a great time to get the family involved in some taste-testing to decide which is your fave. Here are 18 ice cream shops in and around Charlotte to get a cool treat this summer when you get a hankering for something sweet.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

South End – 1920 Camden Road

NoDa – 416 E. 36th St., #400

Park Road Shopping Center – 4203 Park Road

Blakeney – 9828 Rea Road

If you want to experience true artisan ice cream, Jeni’s is the place to go. There are plenty of choices for chocolate and vanilla lovers, but you’ll also find unexpected flavors like Goat Cheese with Red Cherries, Sweet Cream Biscuits with Peach Jam, Coffee with Cream & Sugar, and so many more. Jeni’s also serves frozen yogurt, sorbet, and dairy-free options. You know you’ve found what you are looking for when you see the line. Don’t worry, it’s totally worth the wait.

Legends Ice Cream & Snacks CLT

5708 N Sharon Amity Rd

Along with artisan ice cream, you’ll find churros and other Mexican treats. Try the Dr. Cajeta – Dulce de Leche ice cream with an espresso coffee shot, topped with whipped cream, cinnamon-sugar churro bites, caramel syrup and chocolate sprinkles.

Two Scoops Creamery

Locations in Plaza Midwood, Lake Norman, South End, and Rock Hill 

Remember the ice cream spot you went to growing up that served creamy goodness you dream about on hot days? This. Is. The. Place. Two Scoops Creamery is run by three best friends who deliver some of the best ice cream in town. They offer 32 flavors ranging from classics like strawberry and vanilla to more creative flavors like bubble gum and Smurf marshmallow. Don’t forget to take pictures of your kids with their favorite flavor in front of the hand-painted murals.

Golden Cow Creamery

SouthPark – 720 Governor Morrison St.

South End – 170 West Summit Ave.

Uptown – 601 S. Tryon St.

Started by North Carolina natives Liz and Alex Hannah (pictured below), this quaint ice cream shop has locations in South End’s Gold District and SouthPark’s Morrison Shopping Center. You can feel good as you woof down your cone, as a portion of the proceeds from every sale goes to a local charity. Golden Cow Creamery always has the same six flavors on the ready, plus three to four small-batch creations that will blow your mind. You can also choose from at least one non-dairy, vegan option, so bring your lactose-intolerant friend along.

The Local Scoop 

South Charlotte – 5355 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Ste. 100

Downtown Matthews – 105 W. Charles Street

Parktowne Village – 1600 E. Woodlawn Road, Suite 110

It’s all in the name. This heavenly ice cream is locally made from locally sourced dairy. Everyday you’ll find a rotation of flavors, plus eight different non-dairy options.  Their to-go “Survival Kit” (two pints, four toppings, hot fudge, and cones) became a big hit in South Charlotte during the pandemic, offering families the chance to have an ice cream sundae party at home.

Tifa Chocolate & Gelato

Ballantyne – 14835 Ballantyne Village Way Suite 130

The boutique dessert shop in Ballantyne Village has hand made gelato, chocolates, baked goods and drinks. Stay and play for a while—the shop is also heavily stocked with games.

Seemingly Overzealous Ice Cream

Camp North End – 701 Keswick Ave, Unit 102

Plaza Midwood – 1308 The Plaza, Suite A

Dilworth – 224 East Blvd

Technically, this is a frozen dessert shop, as their treats are all 100% dairy and egg free. Even their waffle cones (which are also gluten free)! They flavors are just like their name – Don’t Call Me Inefficient is peanut butter chocolate, Easy to Please is their chocolate. You get the idea – giggle at the name, read the fine print to figure it out.

Tutti Gelato

South End – 1700 Camden Road

Enjoy classic, authentic gelato and coffee made with real fruit and whole milk.

Morelia

South End – 1425 Winnifred St #104

Huntersville – Birkdale Village

Morelia serves ice cream paletas – a frozen Mexican pop treat that is typically either fruit or cream based. You can have your paletas on a stick, with or without toppings, or blended into a milkshake. Choose from over 16 flavors, or combine them to make your own.

SWIRL Dessert Bar

South End – 2822 South Blvd Ste B

This full-service bakery serves colossal ice cream sandwiches made with two thick, fresh-from-the-oven cookies.

Honeysuckle Gelato

Optimist Hall – 1115 N. Brevard St.

Ballantyne Bowl – 15119 Bowl Street, Suite 102

Stop by this gelato shop for scoops, pints, gelato sandwiches, and milkshakes.

Elizabeth Creamery

1535 Elizabeth Ave., Ste. 100 

This neighborhood spot scoops classic flavors like Mint Chocolate Chip and Butter Pecan, but if you’re feeling adventurous, go for the Smurf, Ginger, or Green Tea.

Outside the Heart of Charlotte:

The Crazy Mason

Concord – 5965 Thunder Road NW

Fort Mill – 816 Brayden Pkwy #107

Known for its over-the-top milkshakes, this dessert bar uses local produce and toppings from local bakeries to create their “Crazy Bomb” ice cream sandwiches and “Crazy Mason” milkshakes served in Mason jars.

Ninety’s Ice Cream and Sandwiches

University – 9009-4 J. M. Keynes Drive

Rock Hill – 502 Cherry Rd Suite 105

The macaroon ice cream sandwiches are as artful as they are delicious. The menu also includes some wacky milkshake combinations, including some topped with Lucky Charms, Fruity Pebbles, Cracker Jacks, and an assortment of sugary snacks.

Waxhaw Creamery 

Waxhaw – 109 E North Main St

Located in downtown Waxhaw, you can usually spot the cute shop by the line stretched outside the door. The craft creamery sells daily homemade ice cream and Italian ices in a variety of rotating flavors.

Carolina Cones

Cornelius – 20801 N Main Street

Carolina Cones opened in Cornelius in 1983 and has been serving scoops to happy customers ever since. Little ones will love the train track (complete with train) zooming overhead, and kids of all ages can check out the vending machines with trinkets in the back of the store. There’s also a playground and a garden center next door if you want to shop for flowers while you enjoy your cone.

Tony’s Ice Cream Company

Gastonia – 604 E Franklin Blvd

Tony’s is a Gaston County landmark. It makes its product in-house (talk about homemade) one half-gallon at a time and sells it to other local shops and stores throughout the state. Located in downtown Gastonia, Tony’s has affordable lunch options along with its 28 flavors of ice cream, milkshakes, banana splits, and sundaes.

Carolina Creamery

Mint Hill – 11300 Lawyers Rd

This spot gets popular when warm evenings roll around. People wait patiently in line for a scoop of the homemade creamy ice cream and freshly made waffle cones. Whatever flavor your choose, you’re headed for sweet-tooth satisfaction.