Ice cream and its frozen relatives (frozen yogurt, smoothies, shave ice) are synonymous with summer along with trips to the beach, grilling out, and taking in a gorgeous sunset. On the island of Wrightsville Beach there are plenty of places where you can indulge in your favorite flavor – or perhaps discover a new one.
If the urge grips you as you cross the drawbridge over the Intracoastal Waterway, you’re in luck! Surfberry is just on the right, before Mellow Mushroom and after the post office. The smoothie and frozen yogurt bar offers a wide range of enticing combinations. Hawaiian shave ice is a unique choice and Surfberry regulars reportedly favor blue raspberry and the tropical delight, li-hing-mui. Check out their Facebook page for more details: facebook.com/surfberry
Wilmington folks are certainly familiar with Kohl’s Frozen Custard since it has a few locations throughout the area. Many locals have their preferred “flavor of the day” which dictates when they pop in. Still others anxiously await flavors that are only available at certain times of year, such as fresh peach, blueberry cobbler, or pumpkin. Sundaes and enormous shakes are also big draws. You’ll find Kohl’s tucked away at 92 S. Lumina, just adjacent to Wings and across from the Trolley Stop. Visit this link for more details and to find out the “Flavor of the Day”: facebook.com/Kohls-Frozen-Custard-and-Jumbo-Burgers
Probably the most iconic of all the shops providing beach goers with cold, creamy delights is The Original Ice Cream Stand. Located just around the bend where Waynick Blvd. intersects N. Lumina, the stand has served as a “comfort station” along the WB Loop for over 20 years. It is definitely hard to choose between the hand-dipped cones, fresh fruit smoothies, fat free frozen yogurt and frozen candy bars. When you do, make sure to have cash, because that’s the only way to pay at this old fashioned favorite. Old fashioned indeed!-The Original Ice Cream Stand has no FB page yet, but the address is 3 N. Lumina and the summer hours are 12-10:30 pm Mon.-Fri. and 12-11 pm Sat. and Sun.
Just up the street, at 32 N. Lumina, another place to indulge in a cool and delicious delight is Rita’s Italian Ice. With its cheery red and white striped awning Rita’s is easy to spot. Making a choice once inside, however, may prove a bit more tricky. Whether you decide on a fresh and fruity Italian Ice, luscious milkshake, Misto, or Rita’s own “cream ice”, which is an addictive combination of Italian Ice and frozen custard, chances are, you’ll be back! Find out more here: ritasfranchises.com/stores/wrightsville-beach
Last but certainly not least, is Nye’s Cream Scoop Shop, inside Roberts Grocery at 32 N. Lumina. Locally handmade, with a focus on small batch quality, Nye’s is gaining a reputation for its rich, thick ice cream sandwiches, sundaes, and hand dipped cones and cups. With flavors like Meyers Lemon Cardamom, one could even say this would be the place for those in search of an artisanal cone. Seasonal specialties are also in the mix, such as watermelon sherbet and yummy blueberry pie! Have a look at what you’re missing here: nyescream.com
Try them all and enjoy:)