Local Ice Cream Shops, No Chains Here
Updated 7/2026: When you’re on vacation, you likely want to ‘shop with the locals’ and these ice cream parlors are where you can do just that! Family owned and operated, these Pigeon Forge ice cream shops offer home made recipes, unique flavors and even unheard of ice cream toppings for some of the most unique frozen treats you’ll ever try. One, two or three scoops for you?
Curl de la Crème Ice Cream Parlor
Pigeon Forge (865)-286-9230
Family owned ice cream parlor, bringing Rolled Ice Cream from New York to the South. Select the mix-ins – such as fresh fruit or baked products – and watch as fresh cream is poured onto a frozen pan. The mix-ins and cream are then mixed, pressed, and rolled before your eyes, and finished with up to 3 toppings.
Google Review: “Absolutely amazing treat for the family! We took our kids here after a long, hot day at the park, and were not disappointed! Sure, it’s pricey compared to a simple cone somewhere else, but we weren’t looking for a simple cone and my kids loved getting to be involved in the making of their ice cream by picking out the mix-ins and toppings. Will definitely be back!”
Mad Dog’s Creamery
Pigeon Forge (865) 774-5558 | Gatlinburg (865) 430-5757
Locations in both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, serving 24 flavors of Tennessee’s own Mayfield Dairy Ice Cream. Hand scooped and soft serve ice cream, shaved ice, milkshakes, sundaes and donuts. Did someone say Cotton Candy Burrito? Doggie treats too!
Google Review: “I am 73 years old and this dessert was without a doubt the best dessert I’ve ever eaten. The funnel cake was light and fluffy, the peach ice cream was creamy and the peaches and sauce were just the right sweetness. It was huge, should have been enough for four, I ate half in one sitting, it took a lot but I shared another quarter with my husband and then ate the last fourth later in the day. 100% best dessert ever!!”
Maddi Mae’s Cafe & Creamery
The Village Shops, Gatlinburg (865-436-0888)
Get your homemade ice cream in downtown Gatlinburg at Maddi Mae’s! Choose a cup or cone of hand-dipped creamy goodness and a variety of flavors you may never find anywhere else. This cafe isn’t just ice cream though — you’ll find cold drinks, delightful coffees and deli sandwiches too.
Google Review: “The best chocolate ice cream I’ve ever had! It was incredible. It was rich and sweet but not overly sweet. It was the perfect amount. The honey added a wonderful flavor and depth. I did have to wait 15 minutes for my ice cream, but it was worth the wait. Only one person was working when I stopped by, but the service was great. He was super polite and friendly. Maddi Mae’s was far better ice cream than any big ice cream franchise.”
Scoops Ice Cream Parlor
(865) 366-1373
Homemade Ice Cream with may UNIQUE flavors to choose from in cups, cones, shakes and specialty sundaes. Try Lemon and Cantaloupe for a wonderful burst of fresh flavor! Custom ice cream cakes are a specialty. Located next to the Food City and Marshall’s on Teaster Lane in Pigeon Forge.
Google Review: “My husband and I came here last night! Soooo good! There were roughly 20 people in front of us. Erin and Brooklyn seemed to be the only ones there. They did an amazing job taking care of the crowd!! With each one individual care! The ice cream portions were BIG! We got this goodness right here! I also tried the peach! Yep it was the best!”
Check back soon as we’ll be adding local ice cream shops in Gatlinburg and Sevierville to our blog too! In the meantime, click for 6 local coffee shops in Gatlinburg and locally owned restaurants.
