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July is National Ice Cream Month, and there may be no better excuse to enjoy a cold treat on a hot East Tennessee day. The tradition dates back to 1984, when July was officially proclaimed National Ice Cream Month and National Ice Cream Day was designated as a summertime celebration.
Fortunately, around Knoxville and across East Tennessee, there are plenty of local places to grab a cone, milkshake, sundae, scoop, paleta or frozen custard. Whether you are strolling downtown, exploring a nearby neighborhood or taking a summer drive, here are a few sweet stops to keep in mind.
Cruze Farm
No East Tennessee ice cream list would be complete without Cruze Farm. Known for fresh-churned ice cream from its local dairy farm, Cruze Farm has become a Knoxville favorite with a nostalgic, cheerful feel and a menu full of cones, cups, milkshakes and floats.
The Downtown Knoxville location on Gay Street is a fun stop before or after dinner, a show or a walk through Market Square. Cruze Farm also has an East Knoxville location on Asbury Road with inside dining (pizza!) and drive-thru service, plus additional East Tennessee locations in Sevierville and Morristown.
The Sugar Queen Creamery
For a South Knoxville treat, The Sugar Queen Creamery is a great stop for homemade ice cream with a creative twist. Their mission centers on creating memorable ice cream and soft pretzels using quality ingredients and thoughtful technique.
The Sugar Queen Creamery has a South Knox location on E. Young High Pike, as well as a Belltown location in Powell, making it a convenient option whether you are south of the river or closer to North Knox.
The Phoenix Pharmacy & Fountain
If you love a little nostalgia with your dessert, The Phoenix Pharmacy & Fountain in Downtown Knoxville offers a classic soda fountain experience. Located on Gay Street, The Phoenix serves old-school dipped ice cream, malts and sodas, along with pharmacy services.
It is the kind of place that feels like a step back in time, and it makes a fun stop for families, date nights or anyone who appreciates a vintage downtown experience.
Kilwins Knoxville
Also located on Gay Street, Kilwins Knoxville is a sweet stop for ice cream, chocolates, fudge and other treats. The Knoxville shop is part of the well-known Kilwins tradition of handcrafted chocolates and classic confections, making it a great place to pop in while enjoying downtown.
UT Creamery
The UT Creamery is another Knoxville option with a story behind it. Located on Neyland Drive, the storefront ice cream shop is part of the UT Culinary Institute and Creamery and gives visitors the opportunity to support a student experiential learning program while enjoying a scoop.
This is a fun choice for Vol fans, folks visiting campus or anyone who enjoys seeing local education and food come together.
Inskip Grill
Ice cream does not always have to come in a cone. Sometimes, the answer is a milkshake. Inskip Grill, a longtime Knoxville neighborhood favorite, is known for burgers, craft beer and over-the-top milkshakes.
For anyone in North Knoxville or Fountain City, this is a fun spot to cool off with a shake and make it a full meal.
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
For a familiar neighborhood favorite, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream has several area locations, including Cedar Bluff, Emory Road, Rocky Hill and Maryville. The Knoxville-area Bruster’s shops feature handmade ice cream with a variety of flavors and mix-ins.
It is a convenient choice for families, post-ballgame treats or a simple summer evening outing.
Capitol Theatre Coffee & Ice Cream Parlor in Maryville
For a sweet stop in Blount County, Capitol Theatre Coffee & Ice Cream Parlor brings a little nostalgia to downtown Maryville. Tucked next to the historic Capitol Theatre lobby, this local spot offers an old-fashioned ice cream parlor experience with plenty of charm. It is a fun choice for families, date nights or anyone looking to enjoy a cold treat while spending time in downtown Maryville.
Kyle’s Creamery in Lenoir City
If you happen to find yourself in Loudon County, Kyle’s Creamery in Lenoir City offers a nostalgic ice cream parlor feel with classic flavors, fresh waffle cones, sundaes, hand-spun milkshakes, malts and floats.
Located on East Broadway Street, it is a fun stop before or after exploring downtown Lenoir City or spending time near the lake.
La Vaca Gourmet in Dayton
With our most recently opened TN Valley office in Dayton, Tennessee, we knew we’d be remiss if we didn’t include La Vaca Gourmet on our ice cream round-up list! This local Dayton spot offers gourmet ice cream, paletas and handcrafted frozen treats.
It is a great reminder that cold treats come in many forms, from traditional scoops to colorful paletas perfect for a hot summer afternoon.
Custard Cabin in Crossville
For those in Cumberland County, where our Wallace Upper Cumberland Office can be found, Custard Cabin in Crossville is a local stop for frozen custard and summer treats. Located on Peavine Road, it is a convenient option for cooling off while enjoying time on the Cumberland Plateau.
A Sweet Way to Explore East Tennessee
One of the best parts of living in East Tennessee is discovering the local places that give each community its own personality. From downtown soda fountains and family-owned scoop shops to neighborhood milkshakes and frozen custard, there are plenty of ways to make the most of summer close to home.
Whether you are new to the area, exploring a different part of town or simply looking for your next favorite local stop, these sweet destinations are a delicious place to start.
*Hours and seasonal flavors can change, so please check with each individual location before visiting!
And if you are thinking about making a move, remember that choosing a home is about more than square footage. It is also about finding the community, lifestyle and local spots that feel like home.
