Moore County’s Must-Try Ice Cream Spots
It doesn’t matter if you’re in Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Aberdeen, Carthage or somewhere in the middle, Moore County is packed with delightful ice cream spots that serve everything from farm-fresh scoops to allergy-friendly treats. Whether you’re strolling down Broad Street or soaking in the Carthage countryside, there’s a frozen treat waiting to be discovered in every corner of the county.
Looking for the perfect vibe to go with your scoop? Check out the notes next to each address for a quick peek at the expected ambiance!
We’re starting with the heart of it all—our local, family-run favorites.
The Ice Cream Parlor
📍 176 NW Broad St., Southern Pines, NC // Old-fashioned vibes in the heart of Southern Pines
🕰️ Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday: 10 AM – 8 PM
Friday & Saturday: 10 AM – 9 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 7 PM
When we say “ice cream date” in Moore County, everyone immediately assumes you mean the Ice Cream Parlor. It’s a longtime family staple, serving up everything from one-of-a-kind Hershey’s flavors to house-made and locally partnered varieties. Come for the scoops, stay for the classics—hot dogs, wraps, and burgers made just the way you remember.
Allergen Friendly? Yes!!
Sweet Carolina
📍108 W Main St Aberdeen, NC // Old-fashioned vibes in the heart of Aberdeen!
🕰️ Summer Hours:
Monday–Wednesday: 12 PM – 9 PM
Thursday–Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
This family establishment in the heart of Aberdeen is full of over 20 different extremely unique homemade flavors! From Cinnamon Streusel Cheesecake to a Homemade Taro - these rotating flavors will be sure to raise an eyebrow and elicit a smile! Check out their instagram!
Allergen Friendly? Yes/No - aim for sorbet/sherbet options if available
Wishflower Lane
📍20 Courthouse Square, Carthage NC // Located in the heart of downtown Carthage!
🕰️ Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday: 8 AM – 7 PM
Friday: 8 AM – 8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 8 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
With a freshly renovated space and some exciting new additions, this sweet stop is serving up unique homemade flavors that locals can’t stop talking about.
Now featuring a cozy coffee bar, fresh baked goods, and fun new drink options, Wishflower is more than just an ice cream shop—it’s your new go-to for treats of all kinds.
🍓 Strawberry milkshakes
🧁 Chocolate cupcakes with pistachio filling
🍦 Strawberry ice cream + build-your-own sundaes
🥤 Root beer floats
🍪 Fresh cookies, muffins, oatmeal cream pies & more
Come say hi to Patty and the team, and treat yourself to something delicious!
Allergen Friendly? TBD…
Highlander Farms Ice Cream
📍5784 NC-22, Carthage NC // Countryside pop-up
🕰️ Hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 10 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
A long-standing, family-owned farm and produce stand that hosts a variety of family-friendly events—but most importantly, they serve up some incredible homemade ice cream! Flavors rotate regularly, and when peach season rolls around, get ready for their famous homemade peach ice cream. It’s worth the wait! Check out their Instagram.
Allergen Friendly? Not that we know of…
KarEfree Produce Ice Cream
📍4680 US-15, Carthage, NC // Countryside pop-up with a cozy, cottage-style building to browse and shop in
A laid-back produce stand with a beautiful overlook, Karefree offers a rotating lineup of seasonal homemade flavors that are sure to please every palate. It’s an easy stop off of US-15 for an after-school visit!
Allergen Friendly? Not yet
Kalawi Farms ‘Ben’s Ice Cream’
📍1515 NC-211, Eagle Spring, NC // Countryside pop-up
🕰️ Hours:
Open Daily: 10 AM - 7 PM
We know them well for their produce and festivals—but have you tried their homemade ice cream? Their seasonal flavors are unique and seriously delicious. They even offer shaved ice as an allergen-friendly treat! Not ready to make the drive? Grab a taste at The Corner Store in Pinehurst, where you’ll find a freezer full of these local favorites.
Allergen Friendly? Yes!
Scrollicious
📍211 Central Park Ave Pinehurst, NC // Retail-space on the edge of town
🕰️ Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday: 12 PM – 8:30 PM
Friday & Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 8:30 PM
Part Cafe, Part “rolled” ice cream joint this shop is home to all deliciousness. Maybe a smoothie or a boba tea? How about hand-rolled ice cream with 30 different toppings - whatever the case - you can get it here!
Allergen Friendly? Yes, several dairy free/vegan options
now, onto The Classics You’ll Find Everywhere (for Good Reason)
Coldstone Creamery
📍11088 US-15 #501, Aberdeen, NC // Retail-space near local department stores
🕰️ Hours:
Monday–Thursday & Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Friday & Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM
It’s the legendary original mix-in shop—where happy kids (and let’s be honest, parents too) watch skilled hands blend unique, delicious add-ins on the iconic Cold Stone. With plenty of seating and flavors for every taste, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Allergen-Friendly? Yes! They offer sorbet and sherbet options, plus a variety of gluten-free mix-ins. While vegan choices aren't noted, there are still a few dairy-free options to explore.
Handel’s
📍1784 Old Morganton Rd., Southern Pines, NC // Grab-and-go space near local eateries and grocery stores
🕰️ Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 12 PM – 9 PM
Friday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM
This long-standing brand is a newer addition to Moore County—but it’s already earned a loyal following! All of their ice creams are made in-house, with creative, rotating flavors that keep things exciting. From dog-friendly sundaes to Handel’s signature ice cream pops, there’s something for every summer treat lover.
Just a heads-up: it’s a walk-up window, so be ready to enjoy your scoop on the go—or turn it into a fun car picnic with music and A/C cranked up.
Allergen-Friendly? Yes! They offer gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options, made fresh daily and rotated regularly.
Goodberry’s Frozen Custard
📍231 Carolina Grn Pkwy Southern Pines, NC // Retail-space near Target
🕰️ Hours:
Monday–Thursday & Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Friday & Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
While it’s not technically ice cream, this frozen custard spot holds its own in the frozen treat game. Made fresh in-store daily, their rotating flavors are rich, unique, and seriously delicious. Each day features a seasonal “Flavor of the Day” (fresh strawberry, anyone?) with suggested toppings and mix-ins to match.
One of the best parts? Plenty of seating—indoors and out—making it an easy stop with kids in tow. Be sure to check their website for the current flavor lineup!
Allergen friendly? Not really.
Purple Penguin (FROYO!)
📍150 Brucewood Rd. Southern Pines, NC // Large retail-space near Hobby Lobby
🕰️ Hours:
Monday–Saturday: 12 PM – 8:30 PM
Sunday: 12:30 PM – 8:30 PM
A staple for the afterschool crowd and families, this frozen yogurt shop has been serving Moore County residents delicious make-your-own bowls for a minute. Flavors rotate daily, with spotlight flavors daily. Our favorite thing about this joint is that they have several allergen friendly options or health-conscious alternatives.
Allergen Friendly? Yes!
Tell us about your favorites in the comments below!
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