Best Ice Cream Spots In Southeastern PA &
Coastal NC
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer, and what better way to celebrate than with an ice cream run? Whether you are spending the long weekend close to home in Southeastern PA or kicking off beach season in Coastal NC, a great local ice cream shop is the perfect stop.
From Bucks and Montgomery Counties to Surf City, Hampstead, and Topsail Island, we rounded up a few sweet spots worth adding to your warm-weather list.
Best Ice Cream Spots In Southeastern PA
For this roundup, we are focusing on Bucks County and Montgomery County, two areas we love for their charming towns, local businesses, walkable main streets, farms, parks, and strong community feel.
Nina’s Waffles & Ice Cream
If you love warm waffles with ice cream, Nina’s Waffles & Ice Cream is a must-visit. Nina’s has multiple Bucks County locations, including Doylestown, Peddler’s Village, Newtown, New Hope, Chalfont, and Dublin.
This is a great stop after a day of shopping, exploring a small town, or enjoying a family outing. It has that fun “treat yourself” feel that makes it perfect for Memorial Day weekend.
Moo Hope Ice Cream
Located in New Hope, Moo Hope Ice Cream is a local favorite serving ice cream and waffle cones made on-premises in the heart of town.
If you are spending the day walking around New Hope, browsing local shops, or enjoying the riverfront, this is an easy and fun stop to add to your visit.
Uncle Dave’s Homemade Ice Cream
Uncle Dave’s Homemade Ice Cream is located at Shady Brook Farm in Yardley and has been part of the Bucks County community since 2007.
This is a great option when you want more than just ice cream. Pair it with a farm visit, seasonal events, or a family-friendly afternoon in Yardley.
Merrymead Farm
A Montgomery County classic, Merrymead Farm in Lansdale is known for its farm experience and homemade ice cream.
Merrymead is one of those places where the ice cream run becomes part of the memory. It is a sweet local tradition and a great stop for families, date nights, or anyone who loves a true farm setting.
Zwahlen’s Ice Cream & Chocolate Co.
Located in Audubon, Zwahlen’s Ice Cream & Chocolate Co. is a family-run business near Valley Forge National Park.
This is a great stop if you are looking for something a little extra special, especially after a walk, park visit, or local adventure.
Sweet Briar Café
Sweet Briar Café in Ambler is a local ice cream café and restaurant with a welcoming community feel.
It is a great place to meet a friend, grab a casual bite, or enjoy a sweet treat while spending time in Ambler.
Best Ice Cream Spots In Coastal NC
For our Coastal NC roundup, we are focusing on the Surf City, Hampstead, and Topsail Island area — a place where beach days, local businesses, and ice cream stops go hand in hand.
Scoops Microcreamery
Scoops Microcreamery is a must-add to the list. Located in North Topsail Beach, Scoops promotes itself as the only ice cream churned on Topsail Island and focuses on small-batch ice cream with locally sourced North Carolina ingredients.
This is a fun local stop for anyone spending time around Topsail Island, Surf City, North Topsail Beach, or the Hampstead area.
Sea Blue Coffee & Ice Cream
Sea Blue Coffee & Ice Cream is a family-owned coffee and ice cream shop in Surf City on Topsail Island, located near beach accesses 18 and 19.
Coffee and ice cream near the beach? That is a Coastal NC win. This is a perfect stop after a beach walk, a day in the sun, or an evening around Surf City.
Island Delights
Island Delights is a Surf City favorite with that classic beach-town feel, offering ice cream and casual food.
It is the kind of place that feels nostalgic, easygoing, and perfect for a family beach day over Memorial Day weekend.
Celtic Creamery
Celtic Creamery is another ice cream option to keep on your Coastal NC list. Their website features their Carolina Beach location and brand information, and they are also known locally around the Surf City area.
It is a convenient sweet stop if you are already enjoying the coast and want to add ice cream to your beach day.
Why We Love Local Ice Cream Shops
Local ice cream shops are more than just places to grab dessert. They are part of the rhythm of a community.
They are where families stop after sports games, where friends meet on summer nights, where visitors make vacation memories, and where locals return year after year. These are the small businesses that help make a town feel like home.
Whether you are exploring Bucks County, enjoying a night out in Montgomery County, or spending time near Surf City, Hampstead, and Topsail Island, these local ice cream spots are a reminder that loving where you live often starts with the little things.
Thinking About Making A Move?
Whether you are dreaming of a home near your favorite small-town ice cream shop or a place closer to the beach, our team is here to help you make savvy real estate decisions in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
At the MGW Team, we believe real estate is about more than buying and selling houses. It is about helping people love where they live.
