Unless you’ve been living in the Arctic, you know this summer has been swelteringly hot. All over the country, we’re seeing temperatures in the triple digits, resulting in a polarizing combination of fires and frozen AC units. If you’ve ever thought about frying an egg on the sidewalk, now is probably the time to either bust or confirm that myth.

Or, if you’re like me and don’t enjoy eating food off the ground, consider treating yourself to an ice cream cone. After all, nothing turns a blisteringly hot day around like a few scoops of frozen goodness.

If you’re in the Lake Norman area this summer, you’re in luck. We have some of the best local ice cream shops to keep you cool (and happy) until autumn comes to our collective rescue.

One of my favorite spots is Riverbend Creamery, located on a fifth-generation family-owned dairy farm. The Lutz family is in the ice cream business for the long haul, and it shows. Their farm is a haven, a serene landscape where diary magic reigns supreme.

When you roll up to Riverbend Creamery, you get a big ol’ visual hug. That gorgeous front porch? It’s like it’s waving you over. And upon stepping inside, you’re instantly greeted by Southern charm and hospitality. The Lutzs make ice cream so fresh that you’ll never be able to eat freezer-burned vanilla again. If you don’t believe me, just watch their cows graze for a while!

If you have kids, you’ll love this: Riverbend also has a playground, perfect for burning off all that sugar before heading home. Just don’t leave without a bottle of the Lutz family’s super-fresh milk. (Trust me, your future self will thank you for it.)

Of course, not everyone wants to get up close and personal with their ice cream before digging in. For less Home on the Range and more It’s a Wonderful Life, you have to check out Carolina Cones. This beloved, locally-owned shop has been a community staple for years, and it’s easy to see why. With its dual counters, classic red soda shop stools, vibrant retro booths, and shaded outdoor seating, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

I’m a soft serve girl at heart, so my go-to from Carolina’s is a simple chocolate or vanilla cone. If you’re in the mood for something fancier, I recommend their cookie dough, mint chocolate chip, or (and?) butter pecan. At roughly $4 for a hearty double scoop in a crispy sugar cone, you’ll find that the value is hard to beat. Plus, while you’re there, you may as well try their legendary mini doughnuts.

But the vintage charm doesn’t stop at the food. Kids will be captivated by the array of nostalgic toy vending machines, perfect for investing those saved-up quarters in whimsical treats like faux tattoos and mood rings. For the seasoned visitor, the overhead train track is a delightful touch. All in all, Carolina Cones is a preferred destination to introduce out-of-towners to the genuine North Carolina spirit.

Okay, I tried to narrow down my list of favorites, but I can’t in good conscience publish this post without mentioning Ellie May’s Dang Good Ice Cream. Why is it so dang good, you ask? I’ll tell you exactly what they told me.

It’s the ingredients. For Ellie May’s American-style ice cream, only high butterfat content with minimal air will do. It’s churned with love, right here in North Carolina, and I swear, you can taste the difference. I know I told you to throw that freezer-burned vanilla away, but honestly, you may not be able to go back to factory-made ice cream—period.

For the record, I’m not a paid spokesperson for any of these ice cream shops. I’m just a realtor in the Lake Norman area who is passionate about supporting the community (and beating the heat).

But like, if anyone from Riverbend Creamery, Carolina Cones, or Ellie May’s Dang Good Ice Cream is reading this, I’d be happy to trade marketing for a few scoops of chocolate or vanilla. Have your people call my people.