16 Tennessee Ice Cream Stops So Good Not Even Winter Slows Them Down
When temperatures drop and snow starts falling, most people think ice cream season is over.
But across Tennessee, loyal fans keep lining up at their favorite ice cream shops no matter how cold it gets outside.
From family-owned dairy farms to creative creameries with wild flavor combinations, these sweet spots prove that frozen treats taste amazing year-round.
1. Cruze Farm Dairy
Fresh Jersey cow milk makes all the difference when it comes to truly outstanding ice cream.
You’ll find this family-owned operation at multiple locations including 28 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, where they churn small batches daily.
Their commitment to quality starts on the farm and ends in your cone.
The rich, creamy texture comes from using milk from their own Jersey cows, which produces higher butterfat content than regular milk.
Flavors rotate seasonally, so you might discover bourbon ball one visit and lavender honey the next.
Lines form quickly on weekends, but the wait moves fast.
Locals recommend trying the salted caramel or the chocolate chunk varieties first.
Even on freezing January afternoons, customers bundle up and stop by for a scoop.
2. Mayfield Dairy Farms
History and ice cream blend beautifully at this classic Tennessee dairy operation.
The Visitor Center sits at 4 Mayfield Lane, Athens, TN 37303, where tours and tastings happen year-round.
Since 1923, this company has been producing dairy products that Southerners grew up eating.
Their ice cream parlor serves generous scoops in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time.
The signature flavors include Snow Cream and Homemade Vanilla, both made with recipes passed down through generations.
Kids love the factory tour where they see how milk transforms into ice cream.
Adults appreciate the reasonable prices and generous portions.
During winter months, the parlor stays cozy and warm inside while you enjoy your cold treat.
Sample cups let you try before committing to a full serving.
3. The Dairy Barn
Soft-serve perfection draws crowds to this local favorite all twelve months of the year.
Located at 1206 Congress Parkway South, Athens, TN 37303, this spot specializes in creative frozen combinations.
Their layered parfaits stack ice cream between crunchy toppings and sauces in clear cups that show off every delicious layer.
Cookie ice cream sandwiches use fresh-baked cookies that are still slightly warm, creating an amazing temperature contrast.
The menu goes beyond basic vanilla and chocolate, offering flavors that change with the seasons.
Families come here after Friday night football games, even when it’s freezing outside.
The drive-through window makes it easy to grab treats without leaving your heated car.
Portion sizes are huge, so consider sharing unless you’re really hungry.
4. Lazy Cow Creamery
Small-batch craftsmanship defines every scoop served at this Cookeville gem.
You’ll find them at 35 East Broad Street, Cookeville, TN 38501, churning fresh ice cream throughout the day.
Using local cream from Sunrise Dairy in Crossville means supporting Tennessee farmers while enjoying superior taste.
The owners make each batch by hand in small quantities, ensuring quality control and freshness.
Unique flavors like honey lavender and brown butter pecan appear alongside classic choices.
The shop itself feels cozy and welcoming, with friendly staff who let you sample before deciding.
Winter visitors appreciate the warm atmosphere and the irony of eating ice cream while watching snow fall outside the windows.
They also offer dairy-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
5. Hattie Jane’s Creamery
Southern flavors get the frozen treatment at this beloved regional chain.
One location operates at 114 North Maple Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, with other shops throughout Middle Tennessee.
Banana pudding ice cream tastes exactly like the classic dessert your grandmother made, complete with vanilla wafer pieces throughout.
Brown butter pecan takes traditional butter pecan to another level with nutty, caramelized notes.
The recipes draw inspiration from Southern cooking traditions, transforming beloved desserts into frozen form.
Each shop features bright, cheerful decor that lifts your mood even on gray winter days.
Staff members are knowledgeable about ingredients and happy to describe flavors in detail.
Waffle cones are made fresh throughout the day, filling the shop with an irresistible aroma. Take-home pints let you stock your freezer with your favorites.
6. Kilwins
Stepping through the door feels like traveling back to a simpler, sweeter time.
The shop sits at 421 Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064, in the heart of the historic downtown district.
Over 75 ice cream flavors rotate through the menu, alongside handmade chocolates and fresh fudge made in copper kettles.
The combination of treats under one roof makes it a dangerous stop for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Waffle cones are dipped in chocolate and rolled in toppings right in front of you.
During December, peppermint and eggnog flavors join the regular lineup.
The nostalgic atmosphere, complete with vintage decor and friendly service, makes every visit feel special.
Watching fudge being made on the marble slab is entertainment in itself. Gift boxes make perfect presents for out-of-town friends.
7. Rock Island Trolley Stop
Adventure seekers refuel with frozen treats before or after exploring nearby natural wonders.
Positioned at 82 Depot Street, Rock Island, TN 38581, right at the entrance to Rock Island State Park.
After hiking to waterfalls or swimming in the park, nothing hits the spot like a massive sundae or one of their famous freak shakes.
These over-the-top creations stack ice cream, toppings, whipped cream, and whole desserts into towering masterpieces.
Classic flavors satisfy traditionalists while unique options appeal to adventurous eaters.
The location makes it a natural stopping point for tourists and locals alike.
Outdoor seating lets you enjoy your treat while watching other visitors come and go.
Even in winter, hardy souls stop by after cold-weather hikes.
The portions are generous enough to share if you’re not super hungry.
8. Nash Family Creamery
More than 20 flavors made in small batches keep customers coming back to discover what’s new.
The creamery operates at 4246 Sweeney Hollow Road, Chapel Hill, TN 37034, in a rural setting outside Nashville.
Southern pecan delivers authentic nutty flavor without being too sweet, while fairground caramel corn captures the essence of summer festivals.
Making ice cream in small batches allows them to experiment with seasonal ingredients and creative combinations.
The farm setting adds to the charm, making a trip here feel like a mini country adventure.
Kids love seeing where their ice cream comes from and learning about the process. Winter weekends still draw crowds who appreciate the quality and unique flavors.
Take-home containers let you enjoy your favorites at home later.
Their commitment to quality ingredients shows in every spoonful.
9. Clumpies Ice Cream
Creative flavor combinations and playful names make choosing just one scoop nearly impossible.
Find them at 5094 Homberg Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919, along with several other Knoxville-area locations.
This local chain has built a devoted following by making everything from scratch and taking risks with unusual flavors.
Dirt Cake ice cream tastes like the childhood dessert, complete with crushed cookies and gummy worms.
Goat Cheese and Blackberry Lavender show their willingness to push boundaries.
Traditional options like vanilla bean and chocolate satisfy those who prefer classics.
The texture is consistently creamy and smooth, thanks to careful attention during the making process.
Staff members gladly offer samples to help you decide between tempting options.
Even during January cold snaps, the shop stays busy with regulars who refuse to let weather dictate their ice cream schedule.
10. Pied Piper Creamery
Bright colors and cheerful energy greet you the moment you walk through the door.
Located at 114 South Main Street, Goodlettsville, TN 37072, this spot brightens up the downtown area.
Homemade waffle cones fill the air with sweet, vanilla-scented perfection that’s hard to resist.
The ice cream itself is made on-site using quality ingredients and creative recipes.
Flavors range from safe choices like cookies and cream to adventurous options like key lime pie.
The shop’s name and decor create a whimsical atmosphere that appeals to kids and adults alike.
Birthday parties and special events happen regularly in the cheerful space.
Winter doesn’t slow down their business because loyal customers know good ice cream transcends seasons.
Dairy-free and sugar-free options ensure everyone can find something to enjoy.
The friendly staff treats everyone like regulars.
11. The Puffy Muffin
A beloved bakery that also scoops exceptional ice cream creates the ultimate dessert destination.
You’ll find this gem at 229 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027, serving sweets from morning until evening.
Starting as a bakery known for incredible muffins and pastries, they added ice cream that quickly became just as popular.
The combination means you can pair a warm cookie with cold ice cream for the perfect temperature contrast.
Flavors are carefully selected to complement their baked goods, though they stand beautifully on their own too.
The cozy cafe atmosphere invites you to sit and savor rather than rushing out. Locals stop by after dinner for dessert, even when frost covers their car windows.
The quality of both the baked goods and ice cream keeps standards high across the board.
Seasonal flavors coordinate with their seasonal baked items.
12. The Chocolate Crocodile
Handmade chocolates and premium ice cream share space in this sweetness-packed shop.
The address is 1208 West Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064, in a charming shopping area.
Walking in feels like entering a candy wonderland where every surface displays tempting treats.
Their ice cream selection features premium flavors that pair perfectly with their handmade chocolates.
You can create custom sundaes using their chocolates as toppings, building your own unique creation.
The shop specializes in old-fashioned candy alongside modern ice cream flavors, bridging generations of sweet lovers.
Gift baskets combine both products for the ultimate present for anyone with a sweet tooth.
During winter holidays, special seasonal items appear in both the chocolate and ice cream cases.
The staff’s knowledge about their products helps you make informed choices.
Everything is made with attention to detail and quality ingredients.
13. Mike’s Ice Cream
Sometimes simple, straightforward ice cream done exceptionally well beats fancy alternatives every time.
Located at 208 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201, right in the heart of the entertainment district.
This no-frills approach focuses on quality ingredients and proper technique rather than gimmicks.
Classic flavors taste like the platonic ideal of what they should be vanilla that actually tastes like vanilla beans, chocolate that’s rich and deep.
The location on Broadway means tourists and locals mix together, united by their love of good ice cream.
After a night of live music, a cone from Mike’s hits differently than anything else.
The shop stays open late to accommodate the Broadway crowd’s schedule.
Even during cold winter nights, people line up for a sweet ending to their evening.
Prices remain reasonable despite the prime location. Quick, efficient service keeps lines moving.
14. Bobbie’s Dairy Dip
Nostalgia drips from every corner of this classic soft-serve stand that’s been serving since 1951.
Find it at 5301 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209, looking much like it did decades ago.
The vintage charm and old-school service style transport you to a simpler era when ice cream stands were community gathering spots.
Soft-serve cones are perfectly swirled and priced like it’s still the last century.
Dipped cones get a chocolate or cherry coating that hardens into a satisfying shell.
Families bring their kids to experience the same treats they enjoyed as children.
The outdoor ordering window and picnic tables maintain the authentic drive-in atmosphere.
Winter doesn’t close them down because dedicated fans want their Bobbie’s fix regardless of temperature.
Shakes and sundaes round out the menu beyond basic cones.
The simplicity is part of the appeal no fancy flavors needed when classics are done this well.
15. Las Paletas
Mexican-style frozen treats offer a refreshing alternative to traditional ice cream scoops.
The shop sits at 2907 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37204, bringing authentic paletas to Tennessee.
These frozen fruit bars and cream pops come in flavors you won’t find anywhere else in the state.
Mango with chili powder provides sweet heat, while avocado paleta sounds weird but tastes incredible.
Fruit-based options use real fruit, creating intense, natural flavors without artificial additives.
Cream-based paletas are rich and indulgent, similar to ice cream but with a different texture.
The colorful display case makes choosing difficult because everything looks amazing.
During winter, the fruit flavors feel especially bright and refreshing, reminding you that warmer days will return.
Vegan options abound since many fruit paletas contain no dairy.
The cultural authenticity sets this spot apart from standard ice cream shops.
16. Ella’s Creamery
Small-town charm and big-city quality combine at this delightful creamery.
You’ll discover it at 103 South Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, facing the historic courthouse square.
The location in the heart of downtown Murfreesboro makes it a perfect stop after exploring local shops or eating dinner nearby.
Homemade ice cream features creative flavors that change regularly based on seasonal ingredients and inspiration.
The owners take pride in their recipes, tweaking and perfecting each one before adding it to the rotation.
Waffle bowls are made fresh and served warm, providing textural contrast to the cold ice cream.
The shop’s interior feels cozy and inviting, encouraging you to stay and enjoy rather than grab and go.
Local families consider it their special treat spot for celebrations and ordinary weekends alike.
Winter evenings find the shop full of people seeking comfort in frozen sweetness.
