This Charlotte area ice cream shop has Hallmark movie vibes, fresh waffle cones
This spring and summer I’m on the hunt for Charlotte’s best ice cream in a weekly series I’m calling “Tristan Scoops Charlotte,” and this week we took our taste buds a little farther south to Waxhaw Creamery.
Have you ever dreamed of eating a hot fudge sundae in the middle of a Hallmark Christmas movie? If that is your vibe, Waxhaw Creamery might be your spot.
Beloved by locals and visitors alike, this Main Street shop has become a treasured dessert destination in one of the most charming downtowns around.
A Main Street vibe
Winding up Waxhaw’s downtown, the Waxhaw Creamery’s exterior fits right into the friendly, small-town atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find a cozy but cheerful space with colorful displays of ice cream, the aroma of waffle cones greeting you when you walk in the door and plenty of smiles from staff who seem to genuinely enjoy what they’re doing.
Not in the mood to sit inside? Grab your cone and stroll down Main Street. You can even walk over to the pedestrian bridge and enjoy your ice cream while trains roll beneath you. It is hard to beat that view on a warm Carolina evening.
We sat down with owner Rich Geist, who taught himself how to make ice cream more than 13 years ago. He embraces small-town life and stays deeply involved in the community, whether that means sponsoring local sports teams or hiring neighborhood teens for their first jobs.
Flavors that get the hype
Waxhaw Creamery keeps a core lineup of classic flavors while rotating in seasonal creations including the popular Girl Scout Thin Mint flavor. Geist consistently earns praise for his ice cream’s creamy texture, and the awards lining the walls back that up.
His personal favorite is the fresh-from-the-machine strawberry, but since that one was not available during our visit, we sampled a few other standouts.
The Peanut Butter Cup was rich and decadent, with generous pieces of peanut butter cup mixed throughout every bite.
The Cookies and Cream was smooth and classic, packed with big chunks of Oreos that delivered the perfect crunch-to-cream ratio.
Waxhaw Creamery offers more than just traditional scoops. The team makes its own house-made whipped cream, which takes sundaes to the next level, and the shop also serves Italian ice. We tried both the cherry and mango, and they were bright, refreshing and perfect for anyone looking for a lighter option.
Dairy-free ice cream is also available for those with dietary preferences.
Whether you are stopping in with kids after dinner or meeting friends for a relaxed evening treat, Waxhaw Creamery feels as much like a community hangout as it does a dessert shop.
If you are exploring Waxhaw or making the short drive from Charlotte, this charming creamery is worth the detour. Grab a cone, wander Main Street and enjoy a scoop of small-town sweetness just south of the Queen City.
Waxhaw Creamery
Location: 109 E North Main St, Waxhaw, NC 28173
Cuisine: Ice cream
Instagram: @waxhawcreamery
Tristan Graziano, a Weddington High School student, enjoys golfing in his free time and hanging with his friends. Tristan can be reached on Instagram @tristan_graz03 and @tristanscoops. Jamie Graziano, aka The GrazFather, is a dad who dreams of starting his food review and travel website TheGrazFather.com. Jamie can be reached at jamie@thegrazfather.com or on Instagram @thegrazfather.
