When the weather gets warm in the Smokies, nothing hits the spot quite like a scoop (or three) of ice cream! Gatlinburg is home to a number of excellent creameries and ice cream shops that are perfect for the dog days of summer. To help you make the most of your next vacation, Chalet Village has put together a guide to three of the best places to get ice cream in Gatlinburg.
1. Kilwin’s
Located right on the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, Kilwin’s is a can’t-miss stop for anyone with a serious sweet tooth. When you walk by this candy and ice cream shop on The Strip, you’ll be drawn inside by the mouthwatering smell of freshly baked waffle cones. Many have tried to resist this alluring scent, but few have succeeded!
Kilwin’s offers over 40 varieties of their Original Recipe ice cream, so you’re guaranteed to find a flavor you love. Some of our favorite flavors at Kilwin’s include Cinnamon Crumb Cake, Chocolate Caramel Cashew, Fudgie Brownie, and Key Lime Pie. If you’re having trouble making up your mind, you can always ask for a free sample or two.
In addition to their wonderful ice cream, Kilwin’s is also famous for its Mackinac Island-style fudge, which is incredibly rich and creamy. Guests can also enjoy caramel apples, chocolates, and many other candies.
(See Also: 5 Things We Love About Visiting Gatlinburg in the Summer)
2. Mad Dog’s Creamery & Donuts
Mad Dog’s Creamery & Donuts is another one of the most popular places to get ice cream in Gatlinburg. Whether you’re looking for a hand-dipped cone, a bowl of soft serve, an ice cream sundae, a banana split, or a milkshake, you won’t be disappointed at Mad Dog’s. This excellent creamery serves 24 homemade flavors, including Smoky Mountain Fudge, Blueberry Pie, Peanut Butter Cup, and Black Walnut.
For an extra delicious dessert, consider adding a few scoops of ice cream to one of Mad Dog’s house-made funnel cakes or donuts. If you’re visiting with a canine friend, you can even purchase a special ice cream treat made especially for dogs!
3. Glades Soda Fountain
Visiting the Glades Soda Fountain is like traveling back in time! This beloved shop in the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community is designed to look like an old-fashioned soda fountain, complete with a friendly soda jerk and crank-operated cash register. Guests can enjoy a variety of classic ice cream treats, including sundaes, floats, milkshakes, malts, and phosphates.
Everything at this ice cream parlor is made using the same tried and true recipes employed by soda jerks over 70 years ago. If you’re looking to have a whole meal with your ice cream, you can order up one of the Glades Soda Fountain’s chili dogs, nachos, or soft pretzels.
When you stay at Chalet Village, you will be near all of these great places to get ice cream in Gatlinburg. Our cabin community is just a 10 – 15 minute drive from all of the restaurants, shops, and attractions in downtown Gatlinburg. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 8 bedroom cabins, we are sure to have the perfect accommodations for your next escape. To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of cabin rentals in Gatlinburg!