Is it just us or has living in Charlotte felt like living on the surface of the sun this summer? Whew — it’s been a HOT one! So we have been on a mission to find some of the best ways to beat the heat… one sweet treat at a time. After some very thorough research and taste testing (all of you, of course!), here are the GW Real Estate team’s picks for the best and most unique ice creams around town for those days that a simple chocolate or vanilla won’t do.

 

Affogato  –  Milkbread

Hex Coffee espresso plus soft-serve ice cream. 100% in. Since coffee is involved, can we order it for breakfast? (Asking for a friend.) 

Address: 1431 Central Ave. in Plaza Midwood

 

Dole Whip  –  Cheat’s Cheesesteak Parlor

Tropical pineapple and creamy vanilla soft-serve swirled in a cone (or cup). The taste of Disney World’s most beloved desserts without the insane wait times.

Address: 913 Pecan Ave. in Chantilly 

 

Mucha Lucha Shake  –  Day & Night Exotic Cereal Bar

A Cinnamon Toast Crunch milkshake topped with whipped cream, topped with churro cereal, and buttery cinnamon roll sprinkles.

Address: 127 Brevard Ct. in Uptown

 

Guava Maria  –  Calle Sol Latin Café & Cevicheria

Strawberry & cream cheese ice cream topped with guava and Maria cookies.

Address: 1205 Thomas Ave. in Plaza Midwood

 

Peach Ice Cream Sandwich  –  300 East

Peach ice cream with ginger cookies, pickled peach, and a cinnamon anglaise. The dessert menu varies daily thanks to the incredible in-house pastry team, but there’s always a fun ice cream dish on the menu.

Address: 300 East Blvd. in Dilworth

 

The Cara Shake  –  Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

Vanilla bean ice cream hand-spun with chocolate and peanut butter. Topped with chocolate mousse, shaved chocolate, and peanut butter candy pieces.

Address: 4310 Sharon Rd. in SouthPark

 

S’mores Paleta  –  Morelia Gourmet Paletas

Paletas are a far cry from an originary popcicle. Though fruits are a common base ingredient for a typical Mexican paleta, we love the more milk-based ice cream options. Pick your ice cream bar, and have the Morelia team give it the s’mores treatment — by setting marshmallow fluff ablaze and dusting it with graham crackers.

Address: 1425 Winnifred St. #104 in SouthEnd

 

Bay Leaf & Strawberry Gelato  –  Cold Hearted Gelato 

We know that gelato isn’t exactly ice cream, but, hey, we make the rules here! The flavors rotate regularly so our favorite summer 2023 flavor may not be available for long. Don’t fret though — you will love whatever you order. Trust us.

Address: 1308 The Plaza in Plaza Midwood

 

 

Who’s ready to join us for an ice cream break?