The Coolest Shop on Hatteras Island

By Michelle Wagner | Tuesday, July 2, 2024

If you are looking for an authentic Hatteras Island experience while enjoying a deliciously sweet treat, be sure to head to Cups and Cones, Avon’s favorite mom-and-pop ice cream shop that has been locally owned and operated since 2008. There simply is no better spot to take the family to enjoy their favorite ice creams and desserts than this hot pink shop with an island vibe.

Sister establishment to The Froggy Dog Restaurant & Pub and Muffins and Scones in Avon, Cups and Cones has been a longtime local favorite and is known for its great service, scrumptious sweet treats and beachy atmosphere. Decorated in bright tones of pinks, blues and greens and with Disney artwork on the walls, it is guaranteed to make the entire family smile. Cups and Cones is loved by the little ones and customers of all ages.

“We are as local as it gets,” says owner Julia Taft, adding that Cups and Cones strives to maintain the Hatteras feel in everything it does, from its fun and festive family-friendly atmosphere to its wide variety of yummy ice cream offerings and sundaes piled high with homemade brownies and cookies. Cups and Cones also serves an extensive coffee bar menu that includes sought-after affogatos, an Italian-based dessert of espresso-doused ice cream.

Beginning this season, Cups and Cones is excited to announce that homemade frozen custard made right in the shop will now be part of its already extensive menu. So get ready to dip into some delicious homemade custard this summer with new, exciting daily flavors like peaches and cream, watermelon and more.

“We are really excited about it, and we are going to make it fun with a custard of the day,” Taft says.

If it's hand-dipped ice cream you’re craving, choose from 40 yummy Hershey’s flavors that include everything from Brookie Dough Blast and Brown Butter Bourbon to Road Runner Raspberry and Cappuccino Crunch. Don’t forget to ask for Cups and Cones’ famous homemade waffle cones to add the perfect crunch to your ice cream treat.

“Be it a homemade waffle cone, banana split or brownie or cookie sundae, we take great care in ensuring the freshest ingredients and most tasty treats that we can offer,” says Taft’s son and co-owner, Blake Taft.

You can also opt for one of Cups and Cones’ famous shakes, malts, root beer floats or Italian water ice. And you can top off your treat off by choosing a variety of delicious toppings. If you need a dessert for a special occasion, Cups and Cones’ popular custom homemade ice cream cakes are a huge hit with locals and visitors.

Disney Movies on the Lawn!

Cups and Cones offers more than just delicious treats. For the first time since the pandemic, the owners are bringing back their popular tradition of playing a Disney movie outside each night beginning at dusk. So bring your appetite for sweet treats and maybe a folding chair, or simply back the car up for an old-fashioned drive-in experience. Then settle in for some great family entertainment under cotton candy skies as the sun dips down behind the Pamlico Sound.
 


(252) 995-0202
40146 NC Hwy 12, Avon
facebook.com/cupsandcones
 


About the Author Michelle Wagner
Michelle has been writing about the Outer Banks for 25 years. She lives on Colington Island with her husband, two children and a number of dogs and cats.