9 North Carolina Ice Cream Trucks That Serve Joy On Wheels

Summer in North Carolina brings hot days, blue skies, and the musical chimes of ice cream trucks rolling through neighborhoods. These mobile sweet shops offer more than just frozen treats; they deliver childhood memories and moments of pure happiness.

From classic favorites to artisanal creations, these nine ice cream trucks bring smiles across the Tar Heel State.

1. Two Roosters Ice Cream Truck – Raleigh

Born from a passion project, this bright red truck delivers farm-fresh flavors with locally sourced ingredients. The seasonal menu changes monthly, featuring creative combinations like honey bourbon and blueberry crisp. Founder Jared Plummer started with just a tiny ice cream cart before expanding to this beloved mobile scoop shop that now complements their brick-and-mortar locations.

2. Sticks & Cones Ice Cream Truck – Charlotte

Jingle bells announce this retrofitted vintage truck long before its rainbow-striped awning comes into view. The family-run operation specializes in hand-dipped cones and chocolate-covered frozen bananas that transport you straight back to childhood. Founders Maria and Tony Garcia named their most popular flavors after their grandchildren, with ‘Little Emma’s Birthday Cake’ consistently selling out at summer festivals.

3. Mr. Freeze Truck – Fayetteville

A military town favorite, Mr. Freeze has been cooling down Fort Bragg families for over three decades. Their signature blue raspberry slushies and rocket pops hold legendary status among generations of local kids. Owner Vernon Davis, a retired Army sergeant, offers military discounts and regularly visits on-base housing areas, continuing his service through frozen treats rather than fatigues.

4. FRESH. Local Ice Cream Truck – Raleigh

Straight from their dairy farm to your neighborhood, this farm-to-cone truck delivers ultra-creamy treats made with milk from their own Jersey cows. The simple mint chocolate chip showcases the extraordinary difference that truly fresh ingredients make. Follow their cow-spotted truck to sample flavors that change with the seasons, reflecting whatever fruits are ripening on nearby farms.

5. Alsies Ice Cream Truck – Chapel Hill

Started by UNC students, this eco-friendly truck runs on biodiesel made from recycled cooking oil from campus dining halls. Their Carolina Blue cone – vanilla bean ice cream swirled with blueberry compote – becomes a game day tradition during basketball season. Look for them near the Old Well, where they’ve been satisfying post-exam cravings and celebrating graduation days since 2010.

6. Mister Softee Durham – Durham

The iconic blue and white Mister Softee truck has been a Durham staple for generations. Children sprint from playgrounds at the first notes of that nostalgic jingle. Their creamy soft serve comes in vanilla, chocolate, or the beloved twist option, topped with rainbow sprinkles, chocolate dip, or cherry sauce.

Locals rave about their sundaes and signature chocolate-dipped cones. Founded in 1956 in Philadelphia, Mister Softee has maintained its classic recipes while adding modern favorites like cookie sandwiches and milkshakes.

7. Sweet Caroline’s Mobile Ice Cream Truck – Franklin

Named after the state’s beloved anthem, this mountain town favorite brings artisanal frozen treats to Franklin’s neighborhoods and events. The bright pink truck, adorned with cheerful sprinkle graphics, is hard to miss as it winds through western North Carolina.

Owner Caroline Miller started her mobile business after perfecting homemade recipes in her kitchen for years. Her signature offering? The Carolina Blue Swirl – vanilla ice cream with blueberry compote and graham cracker pieces.

8. Mr. Softee Wake – Holly Springs

The iconic white truck with the smiling cone character on top has been a summertime staple in Holly Springs neighborhoods since 2015. Families rush outside when they hear the distinctive Mr. Softee jingle playing through suburban streets.

Their signature soft-serve comes in vanilla, chocolate, or swirl varieties, topped with everything from rainbow sprinkles to hot fudge. Kids especially love the sundaes and milkshakes available in countless flavor combinations.

9. Butter’s Cool Spot – Johnston County’s Sweet Relief

Family-owned Butter’s Cool Spot brings old-fashioned ice cream magic to Johnston County neighborhoods. Their bright yellow truck features a cartoon ice cream cone mascot that kids spot from blocks away.

Owner Tammy Butterfield started the business after retiring from teaching, naming it after her childhood nickname. She sources her premium ice cream from a local dairy, offering unique flavors like Carolina Peach and Cotton Candy Swirl alongside classics.