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Tuesday, 23 June 2026
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Written by Sheila D. Barker
When the summer sun is blazing and temperatures start to climb, few things offer relief quite like a cold, refreshing treat. Whether you're craving a hand-scooped ice cream cone, a thick milkshake, a fruit-packed smoothie, or an icy specialty drink, local businesses are serving up plenty of ways to cool down. From longtime neighborhood favorites to newer spots worth discovering, these destinations provide a delicious escape from the heat while supporting the local community.
ICE CREAM
• Mad Hatters Ice Cream Shop
1405 Hope Mills Rd.
252-574-6623; https://www.themadhattersicecream.com/flavors
Mad Hatters Ice Cream Shop is a beloved local gem, renowned for its delectable dessert offerings and inviting, family-friendly atmosphere. With a whimsical Alice in Wonderland theme, the shop provides a charming and cozy backdrop that leaves a lasting impression on families and children alike.
The menu boasts an extensive and imaginative selection of premium ice cream flavors, far surpassing the usual offerings. Best of all, their budget-friendly prices make it easy to indulge a large group or the entire family without straining your wallet.
• Sweet Tooth Shop
4011 Sycamore Dairy Rd, #102
910-868-1366
Sweet Tooth Shop boasts an outstanding selection of ice cream, perfectly complemented by its delectable baked goods. They offer a diverse range of premium ice cream flavors, including unique options such as chocolate-covered honeycomb and raspberry-filled dark chocolate. These delightful flavors are expertly crafted into custom milkshakes, like the irresistible blueberry cheesecake.
• Gillis Hill Farm
2701 Gillis Hill Rd
910-867-2350; https://www.gillishillfarm.com/
Gillis Hill Farm is a historic, family-owned destination that has become a cherished seasonal retreat, renowned for its exceptional fresh treats. Visitors rave about the charming, old-fashioned farm experience, which beautifully blends rich, delicious desserts with engaging family activities.
The farm is particularly famous for its outstanding homemade ice cream, served in generous portions featuring large scoops of rich, creamy goodness. While the daily flavor menu is intentionally limited to ensure maximum freshness, it includes popular rotating options such as banana, pumpkin, and mint chocolate chip. Customers are encouraged to mix and match flavors, and many highly recommend pairing them with the farm's fresh, crispy waffle cones.
LOTS OF WONDERFUL OPTIONS
• KISSOUL
419 Cross Creek Mall
910-229-6321; https://www.kissoul.com/
KISSOUL is a locally owned dessert and beverage shop nestled in the food court of Cross Creek Mall. Renowned for its creative and visually stunning treats, KISSOUL offers an interactive, photo-worthy experience that combines fresh ingredients with the latest dessert trends.
The shop is particularly famous for its specialty fruit teas, boba milk teas, and refreshing fruit beverages, all served in whimsical, collectible character bottles featuring designs like Hello Kitty, teddy bears, lucky cats, and donuts. Additionally, KISSOUL delights customers with dramatic "smoky" dry-ice drinks topped with real fruit.
The menu also showcases customizable, freshly baked Hong Kong-style egg waffles, which can be paired with ice cream and playful toppings such as cookies and marshmallows. Unique novelty items, including steak- or drumstick-shaped ice cream and snow mountain shaved ice, further enhance KISSOUL's delightful offerings.
• Dangs Ice Cream
9130 Fayetteville Rd., Raeford
910-510-8524
Dangs Ice Cream is a highly-rated local ice cream parlor celebrated for its extensive dessert menu and remarkably late operating hours. It serves as a fantastic neighborhood destination for satisfying sweet cravings, whether for a quick treat or a late-night indulgence.
In addition to their classic hand-dipped scoops—such as Butter Pecan, Cookies N' Cream, Black Walnut, and Raspberry Cheesecake—Dangs offers a selection of unique signature sundaes. Popular options include the Biscoff Sundae, Pistachio Sundae, and the specialty "Dubia Sundae," which is topped with green tea sauce, chocolate drizzle, strawberries, and crispy noodles.
For those seeking something extra special, Dangs features an impressive array of customized thick milkshakes and blended flurries. Gourmet flavors like Cookie Dough, Birthday Cake, Fruity Pop (with mango boba), and Brownie Points are sure to delight any dessert lover.
• Big T's
3609 N Main St. & 3414 Bullard St., Hope Mills
910-568-7722
https://www.bigtssnoballs.com/
Big T's is a beloved family-friendly destination that perfectly captures the essence of warm summer days. Nestled by the picturesque lakeside and now featuring a new location at The Hive, Big T's offers an array of seasonal favorites. The standout item on their menu is undoubtedly the New Orleans-style shaved ice snowballs, especially the "stuffed" varieties, which delightfully incorporate premium soft-serve vanilla ice cream right in the center of the flavored shaved ice. Alongside their extensive selection of snowball flavors, Big T's also serves classic soft-serve ice cream, indulgent milkshakes, and mouthwatering frappuccinos.
• Culvers
3320 S. Peake Dr., Hope Mills
910-317-3414
https://www.culvers.com/
Culver's is a bustling fast-casual restaurant renowned for its Midwestern hospitality and high-quality ingredients. Unlike traditional ice cream, Culver's is celebrated for its rich, velvety Fresh Frozen Custard, crafted from real Wisconsin dairy, cold-pressed vanilla, and Dutch-blend cocoa. This custard is churned fresh on-site multiple times a day and served at a slightly warmer temperature to enhance its smooth texture and flavor.
For those looking to customize their dessert, the Concrete Mixer is a popular choice. This treat blends vanilla or chocolate frozen custard with your selection of candies, fruits, hot fudge, peanut butter, or nuts, mixed thick enough to be enjoyed with a spoon. The menu also includes classic hand-scooped waffle cones, dish portions, and elaborate premium sundaes, featuring delights like the Caramel Cashew Sundae and the Banana Split.
• Snowy Town
1828 Owen Dr., Suite A
472-248-2659
https://www.instagram.com/snowy_town_official/
Snowy Town is a highly acclaimed local dessert destination, celebrated for its innovative sweets and welcoming atmosphere. It distinguishes itself in the dessert scene by offering specialty Asian-inspired frozen treats. The shop specializes in Korean-style shaved ice, known as Bingsu, which boasts a light, fluffy, snow-like texture created from shaved frozen milk instead of traditional water ice.
Each serving is generously layered and artfully topped with a variety of options, including fresh fruit, sweetened condensed milk, and complementary toppings. In addition to their signature snow bowls, Snowy Town features a diverse selection of trending desserts, specialty boba milk teas, and refreshing fruit beverages, all designed to highlight both stunning presentation and vibrant flavors.
When the summer sun is blazing and temperatures start to climb, few things offer relief quite like a cold, refreshing treat. Whether you're craving a hand-scooped ice cream cone, a thick milkshake, a fruit-packed smoothie, or an icy specialty drink, local businesses are serving up plenty of ways to cool down. From longtime neighborhood favorites to newer spots worth discovering, these destinations provide a delicious escape from the heat while supporting the local community.
ICE CREAM
• Mad Hatters Ice Cream Shop
1405 Hope Mills Rd.
252-574-6623; https://www.themadhattersicecream.com/flavors
Mad Hatters Ice Cream Shop is a beloved local gem, renowned for its delectable dessert offerings and inviting, family-friendly atmosphere. With a whimsical Alice in Wonderland theme, the shop provides a charming and cozy backdrop that leaves a lasting impression on families and children alike.
The menu boasts an extensive and imaginative selection of premium ice cream flavors, far surpassing the usual offerings. Best of all, their budget-friendly prices make it easy to indulge a large group or the entire family without straining your wallet.
• Sweet Tooth Shop
4011 Sycamore Dairy Rd, #102
910-868-1366
Sweet Tooth Shop boasts an outstanding selection of ice cream, perfectly complemented by its delectable baked goods. They offer a diverse range of premium ice cream flavors, including unique options such as chocolate-covered honeycomb and raspberry-filled dark chocolate. These delightful flavors are expertly crafted into custom milkshakes, like the irresistible blueberry cheesecake.
• Gillis Hill Farm
2701 Gillis Hill Rd
910-867-2350; https://www.gillishillfarm.com/
Gillis Hill Farm is a historic, family-owned destination that has become a cherished seasonal retreat, renowned for its exceptional fresh treats. Visitors rave about the charming, old-fashioned farm experience, which beautifully blends rich, delicious desserts with engaging family activities.
The farm is particularly famous for its outstanding homemade ice cream, served in generous portions featuring large scoops of rich, creamy goodness. While the daily flavor menu is intentionally limited to ensure maximum freshness, it includes popular rotating options such as banana, pumpkin, and mint chocolate chip. Customers are encouraged to mix and match flavors, and many highly recommend pairing them with the farm's fresh, crispy waffle cones.
LOTS OF WONDERFUL
OPTIONS
• KISSOUL
419 Cross Creek Mall
910-229-6321; https://www.kissoul.com/
KISSOUL is a locally owned dessert and beverage shop nestled in the food court of Cross Creek Mall. Renowned for its creative and visually stunning treats, KISSOUL offers an interactive, photo-worthy experience that combines fresh ingredients with the latest dessert trends.
The shop is particularly famous for its specialty fruit teas, boba milk teas, and refreshing fruit beverages, all served in whimsical, collectible character bottles featuring designs like Hello Kitty, teddy bears, lucky cats, and donuts. Additionally, KISSOUL delights customers with dramatic "smoky" dry-ice drinks topped with real fruit.
The menu also showcases customizable, freshly baked Hong Kong-style egg waffles, which can be paired with ice cream and playful toppings such as cookies and marshmallows. Unique novelty items, including steak- or drumstick-shaped ice cream and snow mountain shaved ice, further enhance KISSOUL's delightful offerings.
• Dangs Ice Cream
9130 Fayetteville Rd., Raeford
910-510-8524
Dangs Ice Cream is a highly-rated local ice cream parlor celebrated for its extensive dessert menu and remarkably late operating hours. It serves as a fantastic neighborhood destination for satisfying sweet cravings, whether for a quick treat or a late-night indulgence.
In addition to their classic hand-dipped scoops—such as Butter Pecan, Cookies N' Cream, Black Walnut, and Raspberry Cheesecake—Dangs offers a selection of unique signature sundaes. Popular options include the Biscoff Sundae, Pistachio Sundae, and the specialty "Dubia Sundae," which is topped with green tea sauce, chocolate drizzle, strawberries, and crispy noodles.
For those seeking something extra special, Dangs features an impressive array of customized thick milkshakes and blended flurries. Gourmet flavors like Cookie Dough, Birthday Cake, Fruity Pop (with mango boba), and Brownie Points are sure to delight any dessert lover.
• Big T's
3609 N Main St. & 3414 Bullard St., Hope Mills
910-568-7722
https://www.bigtssnoballs.com/
Big T's is a beloved family-friendly destination that perfectly captures the essence of warm summer days. Nestled by the picturesque lakeside and now featuring a new location at The Hive, Big T's offers an array of seasonal favorites. The standout item on their menu is undoubtedly the New Orleans-style shaved ice snowballs, especially the "stuffed" varieties, which delightfully incorporate premium soft-serve vanilla ice cream right in the center of the flavored shaved ice. Alongside their extensive selection of snowball flavors, Big T's also serves classic soft-serve ice cream, indulgent milkshakes, and mouthwatering frappuccinos.
• Culvers
3320 S. Peake Dr., Hope Mills
910-317-3414
https://www.culvers.com/
Culver's is a bustling fast-casual restaurant renowned for its Midwestern hospitality and high-quality ingredients. Unlike traditional ice cream, Culver's is celebrated for its rich, velvety Fresh Frozen Custard, crafted from real Wisconsin dairy, cold-pressed vanilla, and Dutch-blend cocoa. This custard is churned fresh on-site multiple times a day and served at a slightly warmer temperature to enhance its smooth texture and flavor.
For those looking to customize their dessert, the Concrete Mixer is a popular choice. This treat blends vanilla or chocolate frozen custard with your selection of candies, fruits, hot fudge, peanut butter, or nuts, mixed thick enough to be enjoyed with a spoon. The menu also includes classic hand-scooped waffle cones, dish portions, and elaborate premium sundaes, featuring delights like the Caramel Cashew Sundae and the Banana Split.
• Snowy Town
1828 Owen Dr., Suite A
472-248-2659
https://www.instagram.com/snowy_town_official/
Snowy Town is a highly acclaimed local dessert destination, celebrated for its innovative sweets and welcoming atmosphere. It distinguishes itself in the dessert scene by offering specialty Asian-inspired frozen treats. The shop specializes in Korean-style shaved ice, known as Bingsu, which boasts a light, fluffy, snow-like texture created from shaved frozen milk instead of traditional water ice.
Each serving is generously layered and artfully topped with a variety of options, including fresh fruit, sweetened condensed milk, and complementary toppings. In addition to their signature snow bowls, Snowy Town features a diverse selection of trending desserts, specialty boba milk teas, and refreshing fruit beverages, all designed to highlight both stunning presentation and vibrant flavors.
- Details
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Tuesday, 23 June 2026
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Written by Staff Report
VARA JUICE
5554 Yadkin Rd.
910-491-0110
https://varajuice.com/
Located on Yadkin Road, Vara Juice offers a diverse menu that includes smoothies, fresh juices, açai bowls, refreshers, coffee drinks, fruit cups, desserts, and much more. After only a few months of being open, Vara Juice has emerged as a hidden gem for those seeking healthier choices, a quick energy boost, or a refreshing treat on hot summer days. With an array of smoothies, fruit bowls, refreshers, and other delightful offerings, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re in the mood for something nutritious, a sweet indulgence, or simply eager to try something new.
BLEMMEY'S COFFEE CO.
Womack Hospital-All American Entrance near OB/Pharmacy
https://www.instagram.com/blemmeyscoffeeco_womack/
Blemmey’s Coffee Co. is a local, veteran- and military spouse-owned mobile coffee shop serving the Fayetteville and Fort Liberty area. Founded by Samantha Dobyns, an active-duty military spouse and mother of two, this business has transformed a lifelong dream into a beloved "little dream on wheels."
Blemmey’s exclusively sources fair trade, small-farm Haitian coffee beans, which offer a distinct Caribbean flavor profile characterized by rich chocolate notes, sweetness, and subtle citrus highlights. The company is dedicated to using exceptional coffee as a catalyst for conversation, community building, and connection. By moving through local neighborhoods and participating in special events, Blemmey’s Coffee Co. aims to bring people together, one cup at a time.
HALFTIME HANGOUT SPORTS BAR
2080 Club Pond Rd., Raeford
910-248-6141
https://tinyurl.com/5azj7r2ab3
Celebrating their grand opening and ribbon-cutting on June 25 at 2 p.m., Halftime Hangout is the exciting new venue that is your go-to destination for delicious food, refreshing drinks, engaging games, lively music, and a strong sense of community.
Halftime Hangout offers a fun, welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for catching a game or enjoying quality time with family and friends. With an abundance of TVs, you’ll never miss a moment of the action.
Indulge in their flavorful menu, which features standout items like wings, catfish sandwiches, sliders and cauliflower bites, complemented by a fantastic selection of drinks, beers, and desserts. The bar provides convenient dine-in and takeout options, all backed by attentive, highly rated service. Plus, enjoy the added benefit of free on-site parking.
dd's DISCOUNTS
1800 Skibo Rd.
910-475-1991
https://www.ddsdiscounts.com/
As part of the Ross Stores family, dd's Discounts (where "dd's" stands for Deep Discounts) is renowned for providing everyday savings on a wide range of products, including clothing, shoes, home decor, electronics, toys, and seasonal items. They are excited to announce the Grand Opening of our new location on June 27.
At dd's, shoppers can expect a traditional shopping experience that emphasizes brand-name items at prices significantly lower than those found in standard department or specialty stores. The curated sections will showcase apparel for men, women, and children, as well as a comprehensive selection of home accents, kitchenware, bedding, and footwear. Discover incredible deals and enjoy a unique shopping experience.
J. STEPHENSON BARBECUE COMPANY
5531 Corporation Dr., Hope Mills
472-215-8607
https://www.jsbbqco.com/
J. Stephenson Barbecue Company proudly celebrated its grand opening in May. Founded by veteran North Carolina pitmaster Jerry Stephenson—who is widely recognized as a co-founder of The Redneck BBQ Lab and the championship-winning Redneck Scientific Competition BBQ Team—this flagship establishment represents a personal "final chapter" in his barbecue journey. The focus here is on hands-on cooking and traditional techniques.
The menu features prime brisket, St. Louis ribs, slow-smoked pulled pork, smoked turkey, sausage links, and chopped chicken thighs, all sliced or chopped to order by the plate or half-pound. Guests can also enjoy classic Southern favorites, including collard greens slow-cooked with shredded pork, smoked mac and cheese, Brunswick stew, baked potato salad, and fresh hushpuppies.
The facility offers both dine-in and takeout options, along with a dedicated on-site banquet room, catering services, and a retail section that sells its signature competition-style rubs and sauces, such as Grand Champion and Texas Hot Mess.
BTJ WINGS
116 N Reilly Rd.
910-920-1030
A new comfort food destination has officially arrived in western Fayetteville. BTJ Wings has opened its doors along Reilly Road, taking over the space previously occupied by Nikko's. If you enjoy regional wing spots or late-night comfort food chains—think American Deli but with larger wings—this place is sure to satisfy your cravings.
BTJ Wings offers a diverse menu that features everything from crispy wings to hearty seafood and rice combinations. Designed for both classic take-out and quick dine-in experiences, the menu includes individual items as well as value combo plates that come with fries and a drink. You can choose from portions ranging from a quick 6-piece serving to a generous 100-piece party platter.
Flavor options include beloved favorites such as Honey BBQ, Garlic Parmesan, Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Mild, Medium and Hot. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or planning a gathering, BTJ Wings is ready to deliver comfort food that hits the spot.
Keep an eye out for.....
THE NEIGHBORHOOD PIT STOP
670 N Reilly Rd. (near the Reilly Rd. Gate at Fort Bragg)
This new food truck stop is looking to open in late July, which will host 2 food trucks a day. To keep up with progress and the food trucks featured each day, follow their Facebook page at https://tinyurl.com/5yx3sn8s.
HAYMOUNT TRUCK STOP SECOND LOCATION
Raeford
One of Fayetteville’s most beloved foodie destinations is set to expand. Haymount Truck Stop has announced plans to open a second location in Raeford, NC, in 2027. This expansion marks a significant milestone for Raeford and Hoke County, reflecting the area's growing appeal as more popular businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues choose to invest here. Many residents are already buzzing with excitement at the prospect of welcoming one of the region’s most talked-about food and drink spots to their community. Be sure to follow the Haymount Truck Stop Facebook page for updates on the new location at https://tinyurl.com/vpv9pudy.
MAX MOSLEY'S
3760 Sycamore Dairy Rd.
Entrepreneurs Janica and Marty Hughey are excited to introduce Max Mosley's, an innovative indoor dog park and bar concept set to open in Fayetteville. Located in the former K-9 training facility near Cumberland County, Max Mosley's will provide a weather-proof environment where dog owners can relax with a beer or wine while their pets enjoy off-leash play. This unique venue promises to be a vibrant social hub for both dogs and their owners. No announcement yet on an opening date.
THE VENDOR LOFT LLC
5472 Trade St., Hope Mills
Located in the historical heart of downtown Hope Mills, this space is being promoted as "a multi-vendor marketplace bringing community to the Hope Mills and surrounding area." Owners Tina Marie Revennaugh-Yosset and Erin Wakefield have not yet shared an open date. To keep tabs on their progress and announcement of their opening, follow their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/thevendorloftllc.
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