12 top-rated ice cream shops in the Wilmington area. How many have you tried?

When is comes to ice cream, it's an embarrassment of riches in Southeastern North Carolina. Maybe it's because beach towns and sweet shops go hand-in-hand. Maybe it's because we all know we need something cool when the temperature and humidity start to climb.

Either way, Brunswick, Pender and New Hanover counties are blessed with dozens of ice cream shops, which can be classified in a number of ways from classic parlors to markets that will fill a cone for you. 

As we get ready to celebrate Memorial Day, we wanted to know what some of the top-rated local spots were, based on fan base, reviews and reader accolades. Here are some of them.

Did we miss your favorite spot for a cool treat? Let us know; email aballard@gannett.com.

Wilmington chefs:Wilmington chefs featured in YouTube video with a million views. Have you seen it?

Family-owned :Bagels aren't just for breakfast at this growing family-owned business in Brunswick County

Beaches-N-Cream

At 3316 Holden Beach Road SW in Supply, this shop makes ice cream on site with milk from local, free-range cows. A menu of more than 400 rotating flavors are made in small batches. Plus, they regularly feature special milkshakes or "drilled ice creams" with additions like cereal, fruit and even potato chips. The butter pecan is the best-selling flavor.

Boombalatti’s 

Known for creative seasonal flavors, and for carrying a selection of vegan flavors that use a coconut base, there are now three locations of this ice cream shop. Find them at 1127 Military Cutoff Road in Wilmington, in the downtown area at 1005 N. 4th St., and at 15919 Hwy 17 N. in Hampstead. 

Calabash Creamery

This shop at 9910 Beach Drive S.W. in Calabash is a consistent favorite with Brunswick County residents, tourists, and editors at magazines like Southern Living and Our State. Maybe it's because they use 16 percent butterfat cream! 

Celtic Creamery 

Although this shop started at 201 North Lake Park Blvd in Carolina Beach, there are now locations in Hendersonville, Smithfield, and one soon-to-open in Surf City. The flavors are churned and frozen on site, using recipes from Ballybunnion, Ireland.

Daily Scoop on Main 

You can find more than dozens of ice cream flavors at 4924 Main St. in Shallotte, as well as soft serve, frozen yogurt and gelato. But there's also a toppings bar with more than 60 items. It's also open all year.

Fantasy Isle Ice Cream 

This spot at 3354 Holden Beach Rd SW in Holden Beach has a lot of summer fun, all in one place with both an ice cream shop and a mini-golf course. According to the owners, the course has been upgraded for the season and the 25-plus flavors of ice cream are ready to scoop.

Hungry for more?:It's National Ice Cream Month! Celebrate at these 15 Wilmington area shops

On Facebook:Follow Port City Foodies for more tasty news

Gelarto 

Did you know you can find Italian gelato on the Riverwalk in downtown Wilmington at 8 S Water St? This dessert uses milk instead of cream and is slow-churned for a dense and intense flavor. You can also visit the sister restaurant Artisano near Wrightsville Beach. 

Latella Gelato 

Also among the shops on the gelato end of the spectrum is this spot on the boardwalk in Carolina Beach. This shop that offers a rotating selection of flavors made on site. In fact, the flavors change so often, it’s a good idea to check  the flavor board before you go on their Facebook page.  

Lil & John's Sweetreat

Look for a rotating selection of 16-plus flavors of ultra-premium, homemade ice cream. It's made with dairy from grass-fed North Carolina cows and natural flavors. Fans mention the banana pudding, chocolate fudge brownie, and key lime flavors as particular favorites. Find them seasonally at 6324 E. Oak Island Dr. in Oak Island. 

OKI Scoop Shop and Donuts 

This shop that opened in 2017 at  4922 E. Oak Island Drive in Oak Island. Look for 24 unique flavors of house-made ice creams, as well as a selection doughnuts.  Meaning they can satisfy a wide variety of sweet teeth. If you like the idea, check out their cute T-shirts that feature a doughnut and cone, hand-in-hand.  

Saltwater Shanty

This spot at 1027 Sabbath Home Road in Supply is part gift shop, part backyard garden and part ice cream shop. But that ice cream is made with Southern style family recipes using North Carolina dairy.

Surf City Scoop 

This shop in Holly Ridge, at 714 South Anderson Blvd., is now open for the season -- and its second year in business.  Look for special flavors of the day, like Zack's Peanut Butter and Apple Pie. 

Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.