Our Five Favorite Ice-Cream Spots in the Outer Banks
If you’re looking for a sweet treat after a day at the beach, here are five of our favorite ice-cream shops in the Outer Banks area to check out – plus recommendations from The Lost Colony company members on their favorite scoops from each location!
1.Surfin’ Spoon
Founded by ex-professional surfer Jesse and ex-potter Whitney, Surfin’ Spoon in Nags Head offers build-your-own soft serve bowls with 10 flavors of soft-serve and 50 toppings to choose from. They also have 15 ice-cream sandwich combinations – plus sorbet and almond milk flavors for vegan/non-dairy ice-cream enjoyers!
TLC recommends: The Pretzswell sandwich – pretzel-graham cookies & sea salt caramel ice cream
📍 3408 S Virginia Dare Trl, Nags Head, NC 27959
www.surfinspoon.com
2. KEYZ Ice Cream
Opened in Nags Head by a brother-sister duo who grew up on the Outer Banks,
KEYZ does ice cream “New Zealand style,” blending fresh fruit with their ice cream and offering New Zealand “hokey pokey” (candied honeycomb) for a
unique topping option.
TLC recommends: Vanilla with Acaí & Nutella
📍100 Dune St, Nags Head, NC 27959
www.keyzicecream.com
3. Fatboyz Ice Cream & Sweet Treats
Fatboyz in Nags Head has a wide array of ice cream options, including sundaes, milkshakes, and flurries, plus classic fare like hot dogs, burgers, and subs. Located across from Jennette’s Pier, this nostalgic spot offers outdoor seating and is a family favorite for a sweet treat after a day at the beach.
TLC recommends: Chocolate Slammer Flurry
📍7208 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
4. Old Towne Creamery
Located right in Downtown Manteo, the Old Towne Creamery is a Lost Colony staple, offering ice cream, Italian ice, sherbet, milkshakes, sundaes, and classic banana splits. If you’re not in the mood for something sweet, they also offer hot dogs, burgers, and pizzas, so there’s sure to be something for everyone.
TLC recommends: Cookie Dough Ice Cream
📍500 N. Main Highway, Manteo, NC 27954
www.oldtownecreamery.com
5. Booty Treats
Famous for their Hawaiian-style shaved ice, Booty Treats also serves up classic milkshakes and their signature option, the “Booty Freeze,” a layered treat blending shaved ice with mini melts. They also offer several dairy-free options for those who’d prefer their ice-cream minus the ‘cream.’ With two convenient locations in Nags Head, it’s the perfect stop after a day at the beach.
TLC recommends: The ‘Booty Freeze’ with sour apple shaved ice + vanilla mini melts and caramel drizzle – tastes like a frozen caramel apple!
📍2600 S Virginia Dare Trl, Nags Head, NC 27959
www.bootytreats.com
