In a town known for its incredible dining scene, it's no wonder you'll find an array of ice cream shops, creameries and chocolate shops offering up delicious sweet treats sure to cleanse the palate. Imagine how refreshing it would be after a day of Asheville adventure to savor a scoop (or two, or three, or more) of house-made ice cream.
In Asheville, you have many options when in search of that perfect scoop. Craving ice cream sandwiches? You'll find it here. Is it frozen custard you're after? Asheville has you covered. Love gelato? You're in for a treat.
Here are 11 great places to eat ice cream in Asheville!
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
The Hop is an institution in Asheville — it’s one of the oldest ice cream shops in town. The Hop opened in 1978 in a converted former gas station on Merrimon Avenue. Its modern era began in 2008 when University of North Carolina Asheville alumni couple Greg and Ashley Garrison bought the shop. This local favorite has now grown to include four locations (West Asheville, North Asheville, downtown at S&W Market, and Black Mountain). The menu includes classic flavors and toppings, dairy-free and no-sugar-added options, and an array of creative seasonal blends like lavender vanilla, blueberry kale, pawpaw, cardamom, and tamarind date ginger. They also sell bubble tea.
The Mad Dipper
Two Asheville social workers started the Mad Dipper as a way to spread happiness in the community. Owners Kevin and Lucia Barnes have kept philanthropy in mind with programs such as Flavor of the Month, which donates a portion of sales each month to different local non-profits. They are also known for their “Random Acts of Ice Cream” when they randomly dole out free ice cream to people in the community. You can find the Mad Dipper in north Asheville and in east Asheville.
French Broad Chocolate
French Broad Chocolates has become a fan favorite for sweet treats in Asheville. While they're known for their handcrafted bean-to-bar chocolate, you’ll find the house-made ice cream at French Broad Chocolate is just as loved and popular. For a special treat, try drizzling the liquid chocolate truffle over your ice cream. You can get it at their downtown Chocolate Lounge, the adjacent Chocolate Boutique for a quick pick-up, and their Chocolate Factory Cafe on Riverside Drive, where you can also take a tour to savor all the chocolatey goodness.
Sunshine Sammies
Started with a hand-built solar-power pushcart in 2013, Sunshine Sammies quickly made a name for itself in Asheville. Though the cart stills pops up at area festivals and events, today, the ice cream sandwich maker has a beautiful storefront on South Lexington Avenue downtown. Sunshine Sammies is known for its all-natural house-made ice cream (with an endless variety of flavors) paired with fresh baked cookies. The ice cream sandwiches are sold in local groceries and via an adorable vintage truck that rolls around Asheville. The shop, built in the 1920s, is an Instagrammers dream.
Kilwins
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It’s hard to miss Kilwins when walking in down Battery Park Avenue in Asheville or State Street in Black Mountain. A hive of activity is on display through large glass storefront windows. The aroma of treats and ice cream and the sight of praline pecans being pulled from the copper kettle will surely lure you through the door. And since Kilwins is a franchise, the stores are locally-owned and all their sweet treats are made in-house.
The Creamery at Biltmore
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It’s not hard to work up an appetite for something cool and sweet as you stroll through the house and grounds at Biltmore, America’s Largest Home, especially when visiting on a warm day. Thankfully, Biltmore has you covered. The Creamery is located in Antler Hill Village, right where the Estate’s dairy barns used to stand. Choose from ice cream, sundaes, pastries, cupcakes, and other desserts along with coffee and espresso.
Whit’s Frozen Custard
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The frozen custard at Whit’s is still made with the same pure ingredients as custard was centuries ago: cream, eggs and sugar. Frozen custard is considered thick, smooth and creamy. Whit's makes it daily in store. Each week, choose from three flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate and a special rotating weekly flavor, like black raspberry crisp or Almond Joy. With a north and south location, it's a convenient stop between many Asheville adventures.
YoLo Frozen Yogurt
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If it’s frozen yogurt you are after, check out YoLo on Merrimon Ave in north Asheville. The premium frozen yogurt and ice cream are made in-house with grass-fed dairy and locally sourced ingredients. Ten flavors change weekly and you can choose from 30 toppings. Vegan and low-sugar options are also available at this locally owned business that also has plenty of board games for family fun while you indulge.
Asheville Chocolate
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After a day of exploring downtown Asheville, savor the house-made gelatos and sorbettos at Asheville Chocolate in downtown. The shop serves classic Italian flavors such as Stracciatella gelato and Lemon sorbetto alongside its own creations such as smore’s and blueberry lavender. And, as the name suggests, there are plenty of chocolate treats to enjoy while you’re there, including truffles and hot chocolate.
Sugar & Snow Gelato
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Located along the French Broad River, Sugar & Snow Gelato takes pride in its locally-sourced, organic gelato, making familiar flavors like mango and salted caramel swirl, as well as creative expressions like London Fog, featuring bergamot oil, lavender, and black tea from Asheville Tea Company. It also serves up vegan options and fruit-forward sorbet, plus coffee drinks, smoothies, sandwiches, and baked goods.
Baked Pie Company
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Treat your craving for ice cream while indulging in a slice of homemade baked or cream pie. At Baked Pie Company in Arden, when you order a pie flight (three slices of your choice) you'll also get a scoop of ice cream. It's a sweet win-win!
Regional/National Flavors
While in Asheville, you can also enjoy your favorite regional or national creamery chain. Ben and Jerry’s has a location in downtown Asheville. In South Asheville, you’ll find a Cold Stone Creamery in Biltmore Park Town Square and a Culver’s, which specializes in frozen custard. Western North Carolina ice cream emporium Jack the Dipper has an Asheville location on Tunnel Road.
