Greater Fayetteville's Ice Cream Trail

Five Sweet Stops
(Plus a Bonus Scoop!)

Summer and ice cream go hand in hand, and Fayetteville and Cumberland County are home to some delicious places to cool off. From homemade ice cream on a family farm to a downtown dessert destination and a neighborhood favorite tucked inside a gas station, these local spots prove that great treats can be found around every corner.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or looking for a sweet stop during your travels, these ice cream destinations are worth adding to your itinerary. Better yet, spread them out over a couple of days and discover more of Cumberland County along the way.

Gillis Hill Farm

Known for its homemade ice cream and welcoming atmosphere, Gillis Hill Farm has been cared for by the same family since the 1700s. After choosing your favorite flavor, relax in a rocking chair on the covered porch and take in the peaceful country setting. Then, enjoy a self-guided tour of the farm to see the animals and experience a piece of Cumberland County's agricultural heritage that's still thriving today.

The Mad Hatters Ice Cream Shop

The Mad Hatters Ice Cream Shop is all about fun and happiness. Yes, we sell ice cream…

Big T's Snoballs & Ice Cream

Open seasonally from March to October! Big T's is a family oriented concession stand…

The Sweet Palette

We offer freshly baked goods, crafted from scratch daily. Items like cupcakes, cake…

The Mad Hatter Ice Cream Shop

At The Mad Hatter Ice Cream Shop, the fun begins before you even take your first bite. Inspired by the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland, many of the shop's rotating ice cream flavors feature whimsical names with nods to Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and other beloved characters. Along with creative flavors, you'll find classic scoops, decadent sundaes, creamy milkshakes, and specialty treats like the popular Mangonada. It's a playful stop that's sure to delight ice cream lovers of all ages.

Big T's at Hope Mills Lake

No summer visit to Hope Mills is complete without a stop at Big T's at Hope Mills Lake. Famous for its authentic New Orleans-style snoballs, this lakeside favorite also serves ice cream, sundaes, floats, and other frozen treats that are perfect for cooling off on a warm Carolina day. Pick up your favorite flavor and enjoy it with a view of Hope Mills Lake while the kids burn off some energy at the nearby playground. It's a fun, family-friendly stop that's been helping visitors and locals make sweet summer memories for years.

The Sweet Palette

Located in the heart of downtown Fayetteville, The Sweet Palette is known for its handcrafted desserts and welcoming atmosphere. Along with beautifully decorated cakes, cupcakes, and other baked treats, you'll also find delicious ice cream that's perfect for enjoying while exploring downtown's shops, restaurants, public art, and historic charm.

Feena's

Looking for something a little different? Feena's offers handcrafted frozen treats that go beyond the traditional scoop. Their signature frulatos—made with fresh fruit, all-natural cane sugar, and no preservatives—are a refreshing way to cool off on a warm day. Along with hand-dipped ice cream, milkshakes, and smoothies, Feena's has quickly become a favorite stop for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Bonus Scoop: Stedman Soda Shop

Take a short drive to Stedman and enjoy a taste of nostalgia at Stedman Soda Shop. This hometown favorite offers classic fountain treats and old-fashioned charm that make it well worth the trip. It's a sweet way to explore another corner of Cumberland County while enjoying a timeless ice cream experience.

Feena's

Make It a Sweet Getaway

One stop is just the beginning. From homemade ice cream on a historic family farm to New Orleans-style snoballs overlooking Hope Mills Lake and handcrafted desserts in downtown Fayetteville, each stop on Greater Fayetteville's Ice Cream Trail offers something a little different.

While you're here, discover award-winning restaurants, fascinating museums, scenic parks, unique shops, and attractions that make Cumberland County a destination worth exploring. With so much to see and do, why squeeze it all into one day?

Book your overnight stay, enjoy the trail at your own pace, and discover why Greater Fayetteville is the perfect place for a sweet getaway. Find the perfect hotel and start planning your visit today.