Summer in Durham means one thing above all else: it’s time to eat something cold. Luckily, downtown has no shortage of options – from swirled soft serve to spirulina-blue smoothies. Here’s your guide to staying cool this season, one frozen treat at a time.
Sweets by Shayda — Soft Serve, Reinvented
What sets Sweets by Shayda apart isn’t just the creamy base – it’s the rotating weekly flavor. Every week brings something new and recent standouts have included Ube, Peanut Butter, Orange Blossom, and Lavender.
Why go: The novelty. A soft serve flavor list this adventurous turns a simple ice cream run into a small weekly event.
Dose Yoga – Smoothies
Not every frozen treat needs to be ice cream. Dose’s smoothies blend organic ingredients and healthy supplements.
Why go: Photogenic pick-me-ups.
Rose’s — Seasonal Shaved Ice & Ice Cream Sandwiches
For a classic hot-day cool down, Rose’s seasonal shaved ice is a downtown favorite. The flavors shift with the season, so it’s worth stopping by more than once over the summer to see what’s currently on offer. Note, it’s pricey but made to share!
Why go: Light, icy, and easy to enjoy.
The Parlour — The Monthly Chalkboard
The Parlour keeps things interesting with a monthly chalkboard special, giving regulars a reason to swing by throughout the summer for something new. They tap into seasonal ingredients and fresh ideas. Don’t miss the rotating soft serve options as well.
Why go: A rotating monthly menu means there’s always a reason to come back.
Simons Says Dip This— Featured Dips
Simon Says’ featured dips and toppings are a unique way to dress up your cone or cup of choice. Out go-to is a small cup with white chocolate dip and freeze-dried strawberries.
Why go: Endless options for fun combos that inspire kids and adults alike.
The Milkshake Factory – Over-the-Top Creations
Enjoy over-the-top milkshake creations. Beyond shakes, the menu rounds out with sundaes and floats, making it an easy stop whether you’re craving something to sip or something to spoon.
Why go: Indulgent, on-the-go fun!
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream– A Beloved Tradition
Nationwide favorite, they feature flavors like the signature brown butter almond brittle, wildberry lavender and brambleberry crisp. Touting the “milkiest chocolate in all the world.”
Why go: Biscuit crumbles and peaches in ice cream!
LocoShops – Popsicles, Ice Cream, & So Much More
Ice cream, soft serve, milkshakes, and the beloved popsicles.
Why go: So many options AND cases full of take-and-back meals, fun gifts, and special treats.
Two Roosters – Innovative Flavor Combos
Found in the Durham Bulls Stadium and in the Golden Belt District, this local favorite scoops some of the most creative flavor combos in Durham.
Why go: Giant hunks of doughnuts in ice cream.
Andia’s Ice Cream – Award-Sinning Classics
Now a small shop inside Nanny Goat, this spot regularly wins national awards for some of the best ice cream in the country!
Why go: Rich, indulgent elegant scoops.
Juice Keys– Healthy Options in the Heart of Downtown
Centrally located, yet still a bit under-the-radar, Juice Keys is your one-stop-shop for healthy frozen treats.
Why go: Quick blended juices that are healthy, but feel like a treat.
Nautical Bowls – Nutrition Served Frozen
Frozen bowls of health! There’s no better way to cool off than a refreshing açaí bowl.
Why go: An excuse to treat a bowl of frozen goodness as an entire meal.
Road Runner – Frozen Blends on Tap
Somewhat hidden behind Queeny’s and Kingfisher, there is a tiny camper serving up some of Durham’s best frozen beverages. Only open Thursday-Saturday evenings.
Why go: Boozy and virgin tropical, frozen beverages AND the vibes.
Cugino Forno – Gelato
A giant case of authentic gelato makes the perfect post-pizza treat.
Why go: The Italian accents and unique flavors with an excuse to grab a slice.
Vida Dulce – Fresas con Crema
An insane menu of frecas, popsicles, churos, banana spits, and so much more.
Honorable Mentions:
M Hansik – Bingu
One of downtown’s newest spots, there is a shaved ice on the dessert menu that should not be missed. It’s shaved frozen milk, mango, and rice cakes.
Queeny’s – Ice Cream Cake
Layers of brownie and mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Dosirak – Korean Treats
Durham’s new convenience store has a case full of frozen treats.
