11 Places to Eat Ice Cream in Asheville, NC

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 housemade 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). And, the shop features numerous made-from-scratch vegan ice cream options. You’ll also find fair trade coffee and delicious desserts.

Ultimate Ice Cream

Two Asheville social workers started Ultimate Ice Cream as a way to spread happiness in the community. Owners Kevin and Lucia Barnes have kept philanthropy in mind with programs such as the Flavor of the Month program in which a portion of sales benefits a different area non-profit organization each month. They are also known for their “Random Acts of Ice Cream” when they show up seemingly out of nowhere to serve free ice cream to people in the community. You can find Ultimate Ice Cream in north Asheville and in east Asheville.

French Broad Chocolate Lounge

French Broad Chocolates has become a fan favorite for sweet treats in Asheville. While they're known for their delicious chocolate, you’ll find the 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.

Sunshine Sammies

Started with a handbuilt solar power pushcart in 2013, Sunshine Sammies quickly made a name for itself in Asheville. Today, the ice cream sandwich maker has a beautiful storefront downtown. Sunshine Sammies is known for its house made ice cream (with an endless variety of flavors) paired with fresh baked cookies. The shop, built in the 1920s, is an Instagrammers dream.

Kilwins

It’s hard to miss Kilwins when walking in downtown Asheville or downtown Black Mountain. The aroma of treats and ice cream, mixed with the ability to see through the glass window as delicious praline pecans come out of the copper kettle, will likely be plenty to draw you in the door. While part of a chain of shops, Kilwins is locally-owned and makes its treats right in store.

The Creamery at Biltmore

It’s not hard to work up an appetite for something cool and sweet as you stroll 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 desserts.

Whit’s Frozen Custard

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 (which Whit's posts on its web site and social media pages). With a north and south location, it's a convenient stop between many Asheville adventures.

10th Muse Comfort Foods 

10th Muse Comfort Foods offers caffeine, donuts and ice cream at their shop on Patton Avenue west of downtown Asheville. You'll love their amazing creations including bubble waffle ice cream sundaes, milkshakes, funnel cakes, fried oreos and coffee latte shakes. 

YoLo Frozen Yogurt

If it’s frozen yogurt you are after, check out YoLo on Merrimon Ave in north Asheville. The premium self-serve frozen yogurt, tart and sorbets are all made in house with locally sourced ingredients. Ten flavors change weekly and you can choose from more than 40 fresh toppings. Vegan and sugar free options are also available.

Asheville Chocolate

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 Gelato and Blueberry Lavender Sorbetto. 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

One of the newer additions to frozen dessert scene in Asheville, Sugar & Snow Gelato takes pride it its locally-sourced, organic gelato. Located along the French Broad River, enjoy fresh coffee drinks, smoothies, sandwiches, bites and of course, handmade gelato. The cafe also serves up vegan options, as well as fruit-forward sorbet.  

Baked Pie Company

Treat your craving for ice cream and enjoy delicious pie at the same time. At the Baked Pie Company, when you order a pie flight (three slices of pie!) you'll also get a scoop of ice cream. This is a win-win!

Regional/National Flavors

While in Asheville, you can also enjoy your favorite regional or national chain. Ben and Jerry’s has a location in downtown Asheville, as does Marble Slab Creamery. In south Asheville/Arden, you’ll find a Coldstone location and a Culver’s, which specializes in frozen custard. Western North Carolina staple Jack the Dipper has locations in Asheville and Fletcher.