Now that it’s sunny and over 75º (ignoring the intermittent thunderstorms), we wanted to revisit one of the oldest + most iconic ice creameries in Asheville.

The Hop Ice Cream Cafe, located in West Asheville + Merrimon (with a production creamery on Haywood), was founded in 1978 when a New Yorker passed through, fell in love with Asheville (as we all do), and decided to take an old gas station (where Yolo is today) and make handmade, craft ice cream.

The shop was sold in the mid 80s, and went through a few different owners, until UNC Asheville alum, Greg + Ashley Garrison (we love a good Bulldog wedding story) took ownership in 2008.

While Greg and Ashley were both working at the shop during college, the current owner decided to sell the shop. Greg’s grandfather had recently passed away and Greg’s father suggested that Greg buy The Hop (we love some family inspiration). After waiting on one of the rare + last small business loans given at the start of the recession, The Hop was taken to a whole new level.

Beginning with 5 part-time employees, The Hop today has grown to over 30 employees and three locations. The Hop West (721 Haywood Rd.) opened in 2010 and The Hop Ice Creamery (167 Haywood Rd. #20) opened after that. The OG location (640 Merrimon Ave. #103) went under a face lift this winter to include more tables + an updated feel.

Some facts: Their homemade dairy ice cream is made with 16% butterfat, they serve completely made-from-scratch vegan ice cream + sorbet, they offer fair-trade/organic coffee + espresso, unique desserts, ice cream cakes + more.

Here are some other ice cream shops to cool down this summer:

🍦Ultimate Ice Cream Company | 195 Charlotte St. | 12:30–10 p.m. daily

🍦Ultimate Ice Cream Company East | 1070 Tunnel Rd. | 12:30–9 p.m. Sun.-Thurs. + 12:30–10 p.m. Fri.-Sat.

Ultimate Ice Cream opened in 2005 by former social workers Kevin and Lucia as a way to give back to their community (a pretty sweet way indeed). They run a program where they create a new flavor each month, in collaboration with a non-profit. Their May flavor is “Critter Tracks,” Supporting Appalachian Wildlife Refuge.

🍦Marble Slab Creamery | 14 Biltmore Ave. | 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. + 11:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. + 12–9:30 Sun.

🍦Cold Stone Creamery | 129 Bleachery Blvd. | 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. + 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. + 12–9 p.m. Sun.

🍦Rolled and Roasted | 3 South Tunnel Rd. | 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Mon.-Sat. + 12–6 p.m. Sun.

🍦French Broad Chocolate Lounge | 10 S Pack Sq. | 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Sun.-Thurs. + 11 a.m.–midnight Fri.–Sat

🍦Kiliwin’s Chocolates Fudge and Ice Cream | 26 Battery Park Ave. | 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Sun.-Thurs. + 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Fri.-Sat

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?? Whether it’s from The Hop, Ultimate, or another AVL spot, let us know by commenting below.

I was a frequent visitor of The Hop during my time at UNC Asheville. I absolutely love all the dairy-free + vegan options (whoop whoop! All those with dairy allergies – we can still enjoy ice cream).

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?? Whether it’s from The Hop, Ultimate, or another AVL spot, let us know by replying to this email.

Here’s to the weekend, Asheville. And after writing all this you will definitely find me with a scoop of Espresso #7 today.

–Audra