Going out for ice cream in Gatlinburg is a vacation tradition! On a warm spring or summer day, nothing is better than cooling down with a refreshing ice cream cone or milkshake. The Gatlinburg area is home to a number of ice cream shops that are guaranteed to please your whole family. To help you make the most of your next getaway, Black Bear Inn & Suites has put together a guide to the top five Gatlinburg ice cream shops.
1. Mad Dog’s Creamery and Donuts
Mad Dog’s Creamery and Donuts is a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth! Visitors will find an impressive selection of treats to enjoy, including hand dipped ice cream, soft serve, banana splits, sundaes, milkshakes, donuts, funnel cakes, and even more decadent desserts. Mad Dog’s has a great open air seating area that overlooks a running creek so you can enjoy your ice cream in the sunshine. If you’re a chocoholic, we recommend trying their Smoky Mountain Fudge, which comes loaded with brownie chunks. You’ll love this place to get ice cream in Gatlinburg!
2. The Village Cafe & Creamery
The Village Cafe & Creamery is another one of the best Gatlinburg ice cream shops. This beloved creamery is located in The Village, a quaint shopping area off of the downtown Parkway. Featuring bricks walkways, a charming fountain, and plenty of benches, The Village is a wonderful place to sit for a spell with an ice cream cone. In addition to their excellent hand dipped ice cream, The Village Cafe & Creamery also offers over 20 blends of gourmet coffee, hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, and deli style sandwiches.
3. Kilwin’s
Kilwin’s is the perfect place to stop for a tasty snack in downtown Gatlinburg. This wonderful shop is famous for its chocolates but also their ice cream. It’s made from their original recipe from 1985, and you’ll love how creamy and delicious it is! Of course, you’ll find all the classic flavors and a few unique ones you’ll want to try. Then you can top your cup or cone with nuts, chocolate chips, caramel, and more.
4. Smoky Mountain Shakes-N-Dawgs
Smoky Mountain Shakes-N-Dawgs offers some of the best homemade milkshakes in Tennessee. All of the shakes at this popular restaurant are made with Amish buttercream ice cream, which creates a milkshake that is delightfully rich. Guests can choose from a number of flavors, including Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Peanut Butter, Pineapple, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Strawberry. Of course, Smoky Mountain Shakes-N-Dawgs also serves incredible hot dogs that are definitely worth trying during your visit. There’s no better place to get ice cream in Gatlinburg!
5. Glades Soda Fountain
A visit to the Glades Soda Fountain is like stepping back in time. This old fashioned shop in Gatlinburg’s Arts and Crafts Community serves classic ice cream dishes, like malts, milkshakes, floats, sundaes, and phosphates. Visitors can expect to be served by a friendly soda jerk who will make you whatever dessert you desire. You won’t find anything like the Glades Soda Fountain anywhere else in the area!
When you stay with us, you will be near all of these excellent Gatlinburg ice cream shops. Our hotel is situated right in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg and just 200 yards from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In addition to our fantastic location, Black Bear Inn offers a complimentary hot breakfast each morning, an enclosed heated pool, balconies with beautiful views, and everything else you need for an unforgettable getaway. To start planning your vacation, browse our selection of Gatlinburg hotel rooms!