11 North Carolina Ice‑Cream Shops Spinning Flavors With Local Muscadine Grapes

North Carolina’s native muscadine grapes have long been cherished for wine and jam, but during my recent travels across the state, I started noticing something new — subtle signs that this sweet, floral fruit is quietly making its way into the world of frozen desserts.

I set out to explore whether muscadine ice cream is really becoming a thing, and while I didn’t always find it scooped and ready, I did discover plenty of promise, charm, and local flavor worth sharing.

Here’s where I looked — and where you might want to look, too.

1. Maple View Farm (Hillsborough)

I’ve always loved the charm of Maple View Farm, and even though muscadine isn’t on their official menu right now, their custard-style ice cream made with rich local dairy makes this a spot worth watching. Since 2021, they’ve been sourcing their milk from Simply Natural Creamery, and if muscadine ever does appear, fall would be the time to find it.

The setting alone, peaceful pastures and a front porch view, make every visit memorable. I can already picture a muscadine flavor fitting seamlessly into their comforting, nostalgic vibe.

2. Homeland Creamery (Julian)

This family-run creamery makes small-batch ice cream using ingredients from nearby farms. Though they haven’t confirmed a muscadine flavor yet, their use of cooked fruits and local honey in their vanilla base had me imagining how well muscadine could fit in.

Their down-to-earth staff radiated warmth and pride in their work. If any place feels ready to turn a local grape into a creamy sensation, it’s here. The landscape surrounding the creamery is picturesque, with rolling fields, grazing cows, and a red barn in the distance. I lingered longer than I planned, just soaking in the simplicity and comfort of it all.

3. Two Roosters Ice Cream (Raleigh)

If any place would dare to make roasted muscadine with a hint of rosemary, it’s Two Roosters. Their ever-changing lineup always includes something bold and unexpected. The interior, full of color and creativity, mirrors their adventurous menu.

I’d come back in a heartbeat just to see what seasonal surprise they whip up next. The team behind the counter seemed genuinely excited about talking flavors, it felt like chatting with artists. If muscadine ever makes the list, I know they’ll do it in a way that surprises and delights.

4. Lumpy’s Ice Cream (Wake Forest)

Lumpy’s is all about local connections and real ingredients, and that authenticity comes through in every scoop. Though there wasn’t a grape flavor on their menu when I stopped by, their approach to seasonal fruits leaves the door open for muscadine. The owner spoke passionately about their commitment to fresh, natural recipes.

You get the sense they’d embrace a Southern-grown flavor like muscadine with open arms. I noticed they had a bulletin board filled with handwritten notes from happy customers, the kind of place that values community as much as taste. There’s an inviting honesty to Lumpy’s that makes me want to return again and again.

5. The Parlour (Durham)

Durham’s beloved ice cream shop had a long line when I arrived, and it was easy to see why. Their sorbets and swirled fruit flavors are delicate, balanced, and thoughtfully crafted. The shop has a cozy, downtown vibe that invites lingering.

Their rotating board of specials makes every visit feel like a discovery. I chatted with a local who said she checks their Instagram weekly just to see what’s new. If muscadine shows up, you can bet it’ll be posted, and the line will be even longer.

6. Simply Natural Creamery (Ayden)

This is the kind of place that makes you want to believe in real food again. Their ice cream is simple, rich, and made with love. Though I didn’t see muscadine on their rotating menu, the team’s connection to Maple View and their fruit-forward mindset make it likely they’ll try it one day.

I watched families enjoying scoops on the porch, laughter mixing with the hum of farm life. It’s a place that feels grounded and ready for new ideas. The cows that supply the cream were grazing just beyond the fence, a reminder that this is as farm-to-cone as it gets. If they decide to fold muscadine into their mix, it will be with care and tradition.

7. Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream (Cary)

Andia’s is a creative playground of flavors, often with Mediterranean twists. I could see them turning muscadines into something magical, perhaps paired with honey and walnuts. Their case of imaginative flavors read like a global adventure.

If muscadine ever makes it in, I expect it’ll be paired with a story and a smile. The owner herself was behind the counter, sharing samples and suggestions with curious customers. There’s a spirit of joy and celebration in the air, like every scoop is a small journey.

8. Sunni Sky’s Homemade Ice Cream (Angier)

Sunni Sky’s is the kind of place where anything can happen. With over 100 flavors on rotation, I half expected to find muscadine tucked between peanut butter fudge and mango habanero. The bright, welcoming storefront made me feel like a kid again.

If they ever offer muscadine, it’ll likely become a seasonal favorite in no time. Their chalkboard menu wraps around the entire space, filled with quirky names and bold experiments. It’s the kind of spot where fun comes first and sometimes, genius follows.

9. FRESH. Local Ice Cream (Raleigh)

This Raleigh spot focuses on dense, small-batch scoops with serious flavor. I tried a fruit gelato that hinted at what a muscadine version might taste like: smooth, bright, and just a little tangy. Their focus on local sourcing gives every flavor a sense of place. A grape-forward offering would feel right at home here.

The interior is sleek but warm, with subtle branding that lets the product speak for itself. Every element of FRESH feels intentional, a thoughtful space for thoughtful ice cream.

10. Yum Yum Better Ice Cream (Greensboro)

Yum Yum is an institution. It smells like tradition and tastes like it, too. A few locals told me muscadine had made a cameo in past Septembers, though I couldn’t confirm it myself.

The wooden booths and vintage charm transport you to simpler times, perfect for savoring something old-fashioned like muscadine. I chatted with a regular who’s been coming since the 1960s, his memories tied to every bite. This place isn’t chasing trends; it’s preserving something timeless.

11. The Creamery (Asheville)

Asheville’s artisanal scene is ripe for grape experimentation. While “The Creamery” may be more of a placeholder name than a specific storefront, some local ice cream makers do collaborate with nearby vineyards. With Biltmore Estate so close, the connection to wine grapes feels natural.

I left Asheville certain that it’s only a matter of time before someone serves muscadine magic in a cone. The city thrives on creative reinvention, and ice cream is no exception. Somewhere among the food trucks and farm stands, I suspect a scoop of muscadine is already in the making.