Locals Love this Family-Owned Ice Cream Parlor
Finding family-owned food places that locals love is a huge treat when traveling. During our recent visit to Historic Downtown Apex, North Carolina, friends took us to one of their top favorite ice cream places.
We loved everything about it. Wondering why? FRESH. Local Ice Cream has a couple of things that make them unique. Read on to find out they are….
Look for the easy-to-see-sign hanging over the sidewalk near the store's front door.
Location:
109 North Salem Street
Apex, NC 27502
Contact:
(919) 267-9716
Hours:
11:30 AM - 10 PM, M-Th, Sun
11:30 AM - 11 PM, Fri-Sa
Website:
FRESH. Local Ice Cream
Menu lists all their every day flavors and how you can have it served.
#1 - It's FRESH
While many companies say their ice cream is fresh, not all ice cream is created equal. For example, I worked at an ice cream shop in high school. The ice cream arrived in 3-gallon tubs—frozen. Definitely not fresh.
But how can FRESH. Local Ice Cream say theirs is fresh? Simple. It’s made in-store, not carted in from somewhere else. Doesn’t get any fresher than that.
Furthermore, they get the ice cream ingredients from local dairy farms. Incidentally, the dairy cows live free-range—no pesticides—and without artificial hormones. No doubt it affects the flavor.
In addition, flavor ingredients such as nuts, fruit, etc. are also sourced locally.
Don’t you love the bright green cups with white polka dots?
#2 - They Have the Yummiest Flavors
FRESH. Local Ice Cream offers 15 flavors every day of the year. Here are a few of their flavors: (Full list HERE.)
- Carolina Crunch - Caramel ice cream, Butterfinger & Heath Bar Pieces
- Midnight Brownie Crunch - Chocolate ice cream, brownies and chocolate cake crunchies
- Madagascar Vanilla - Farm fresh cream with gourmet bourbon bean vanilla
- Peanut Butter Cup - Peanut butter ice cream with peanut butter & peanut butter cups
Did I say BIG scoops? Yep.
Each month, FRESH. offers up to 4 specialty flavors, some tied to the month’s holiday. Some are just extra special, cool flavor combinations. Here are a few notables:
- Firecracker – Vanilla cake ice cream with red, white, blue M&M’s
- Shamrockin’- Vanilla ice cream with Andes mints and green sprinkles
- Candy Cane - white peppermint ice cream with crushed candy cane pieces
- Key Lime Pie - key lime pie ice cream made with lime and graham crackers
(*Check out their Instagram page for pics of their specialty flavors. I guarantee you will drool!)
Any flavor comes in a waffle cone, cake cone, or cup. Scoops are BIG, sold by size, and includes two flavors. Also, you can get sundaes (with fun toppings), floats, and milkshakes made with any flavor.
Pre-packed pints and ice cream cakes are ready to take home.
#3 – Cool Store Décor
Because I am also an interior designer, I always notice the décor. FRESH. Local Ice Cream has mixed both old and new very well. From the bright green painted wall with subway tile to the historic old brick, the décor is extra eye-candy.
Two of my décor favorites were 1) the “tipping” milk can at the register and 2) the sign hanging in the women’s bathroom. It reads "Kindly Seat Yourself." (Watch for the pic to post on our Instagram page!)
Easy to Find, Lots of Ways to Enjoy
The family-owned FRESH. Local Ice Cream has 3 locations in the Raleigh area. Their Apex location, where we stopped, is in the historic district.
Need a quick take-home item? You can get it ready-to-go in minutes.
Want a sundae bar for a party? They not only provide ice cream and toppings, they’ll make sure you have paper goods too.
Really on the go? FRESH. The Truck is available for catering. FYI, it’s bright green too!
Can’t tell you much more. The name says it all. It’s FRESH. Your taste buds will tell you the rest. Be sure to stop by.
Just another reason I left smiling. Love the humor!
Planning a party? FRESH. Local Ice Cream’s got you covered.
About the Owners
The best ice cream shops are owned by ice cream lovers like Brett and Ellen Hillman. In 2011, the Raleigh couple, along with their son Jason, opened FRESH. Local Ice Cream.
With 3 locations (Raleigh, Apex, and Cary, North Carolina), the family-owned and operated company’s mission is to provide “the freshest homemade ice cream around.”
Looking for more yummy foods to enjoy?
Head over to our "Places to Eat" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
