Celebrate National Ice Cream Month in July: Discover the Coolest Spots in Gaston County's Historic Downtowns
- Melissa McCauley
- Jun 30
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 14
For those who love to indulge during a vacation, here's your go-to guide to make the most of National Ice Cream Month this July in our historic downtowns. Explore these must-try ice cream spots paired with fantastic local experiences to complete your summer adventure in Gaston County.
SWEET PAIRING: It’s easy to get overwhelmed by choices, so we've made a list of where to find ice cream in our walkable downtowns and paired them with great adventures to make the most of your visit to Gaston County.
Belmont
SWEET PAIRINGS
The first five locations on this list can be found in Belmont and would be a nice addition after visiting Daniel Stowe Botanical Conservancy, paddling the Catawba at Kevin Loftin Riverside Park or Riverside Marina, playing on the playground at Stowe Park or simply shopping the boutiques on Main Street.
The Banana Bar
Belmont
Enjoy perfectly frozen bananas, dipped in rich chocolates and covered with your favorite toppings and drizzles and yes, ice cream, at The Banana Bar.
Bumble Bee Creamery
Belmont
Indulge in the exquisite taste of 16 delectable gelato flavors, savor the goodness of their protein shakes, and treat yourself to the irresistible aroma of fresh artisan bread from Dukes Bread at Bumble Bee Creamery in Belmont.
Two Chicks Sandwiches and Scoops
Belmont
Two Chicks Sandwiches and Scoops invites you to try their delicious food and chase it down with a scoop or shake.
Mount Holly
SWEET PAIRINGS
Try these sweet treats after a visit to Tuckaseege Park for a walk along the Catawba River or a visit to the Whitewater Center.
BrightStar Grill
Mount Holly
Off the beaten path and a favorite for local resident's, Brightstar Grill in Mount Holly also serves Tony's Ice Cream and big chunk cookies, baked fresh daily.
POP-Maize-N
Mount Holly
Clinched 7th in the Judges’ Choice and 4th in the People’s Choice at the Charlotte Dessert Wars 2023, POP-Maize-N Gourmet Popcorn turns a beloved snack into amazing handcrafted gourmet popcorn and also serves ice cream in downtown Mount Holly.
Cramerton
SWEET PAIRING
Get yourself an ice cream cone or iced latte after a visit to Goat Island Park, River Street Park or a paddle on the South Fork River.
Floyd and Blackie's Coffee and Ice Cream
Floyd and Blackie's is a full service coffee and espresso bar with ice cream in downtown Cramerton.
Dallas
SWEET PAIRINGS
Grab a sweet treat in Dallas after a visit to Gaston County Museum, Dallas Park, or Lineberger's Maple Springs Farm.
Front Porch and Provisions
Dallas
Front Porch and Provisions embodies the essence of Southern hospitality, inviting guests to gather over hand-dipped ice cream, locally sourced Southern sandwiches, live music, and warm community spirit in the heart of Dallas.
Pelicans SnoBalls
Dallas
A New Orleans style tradition, this sweet treat combines smooth fluffy snow with bold flavors. Pelican's SnoBalls offers over 100 flavors for you to choose from.
Gastonia
SWEET PAIRINGS
A bit of a drive that's well worth it, you'll need to hit Gastonia after hiking Crowders Mountain State Park, a visit to the Schiele Museum of Natural History.
Downstairs Ice Cream
Gastonia
Located on Main Ave. in downtown Gastonia, Downstairs Ice Cream is all about fresh, small-batch ice cream made right on site. Treat yourself to the unforgettable taste of homemade goodness in the heart of downtown!
Tony's Ice Cream
Gastonia
Tony's Ice Cream is a family owned and operated restaurant is located on Franklin Boulevard in downtown Gastonia. Milkshakes are their specialty and they are made with whole milk and ice cream in 28 flavors all made onsite.
McAdenville
SWEET PAIRINGS
Grab a sweet treat in McAdenville after visiting the Boathouse for an easy paddle or half day tour. Or take a hike or a mountain bike ride along the South Fork River. Another great time for a sweet treat is while your walk the streets of McAdenville during Christmas Town USA.
Spruced Goose
McAdenville
Spruced Goose is a popular coffee and lunch spot where you can also get a tasty shake and other sweet treats.
Cherryville
SWEET PAIRINGS
Cherryville has recently undergone renovations bringing it back to the beauty of its glory days. Explore Main Street and discover boutiques, the C Grier Beam Truck Museum and the J Ralph Beam Jr Heritage Park.
The Fuzzy Cow
Cherryville
A delightful yogurt shop and a local favorite. At The Fuzzy Cow the star of the show is the self-serve frozen yogurt station, boasting a wide array of delectable flavors and a tantalizing assortment of toppings, ranging from fresh fruits to indulgent candies and crunchy granola.
Bessemer City
SWEET PAIRINGS
The Wicked Waffle
Bessemer City
The Wicked Waffle Co. in Bessemer City is a cheerful dessert café serving fresh, fluffy Belgian-style waffles with creative toppings, along with coffee, milkshakes, and other sweet treats. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and fun presentation, it’s become a popular spot for locals and visitors looking to satisfy their sweet tooth.
Kings Mountain
SWEET PAIRINGS
Big Red's Cafe
Kings Mountain
Conveniently located off I-85 at US-74, Big Red’s Cafe is the perfect stop before or after exploring Kings Mountain. Whether you’re on a road trip or just taking a break from your adventures, you’ll feel right at home with comfy chairs and classic rocking chairs on the front porch. Inside, enjoy hand-dipped ice cream as well as freshly made sandwiches, specialty coffee,and delicious doughnuts—each served with a big dose of Southern hospitality.
The Sweet Station
Kings Mountain
The Sweet Station is more than just an ice cream shop; it's a gathering place for friends and families alike. The inviting seating area encourages guests to linger and savor their treats while enjoying each other's company. It's the perfect spot to celebrate special occasions, indulge in a post-dinner treat, or simply escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Ice Cream in Gaston County
As July unfolds, there's no better way to celebrate National Ice Cream Month than by exploring the historic downtowns of Gaston County. From Belmont to McAdenville, each town offers unique and delightful ice cream experiences that perfectly complement your summer adventures. Whether you're paddling down the Catawba River, hiking Crowders Mountain, or simply strolling through charming streets, these sweet spots provide the perfect treat to cool down and savor the season. So, grab a scoop (or two) and make this summer one to remember in Gaston County!
