Best ice cream

Goodberry's Frozen Custard (various locations) - Their frozen concrete is a favorite among our staff. With so many mix-ins and custard flavors, you can try something new every time you go and never get bored. (Some of our favorite custards: Jamocha and Butter Pecan.) Goodberry's is truly a Triangle treat with locations in Cary, Durham, Raleigh and Wake Forest. The only Goodberry's outside of N.C. is in Erindale, Australia. 

Lumpy's (Wake Forest) - This North Carolina State Fair favorite only recently opened up a shop. Before, you just had to find out which festival or event they would be at each weekend. Lumpy's has the typical staples – vanilla, strawberry, chocolate – but what sets it apart is the inventive flavors constantly coming out of the "Lumpy's Lab." Some of their inventive homemade ice cream creations – bacon and bourbon and sweet potato. 

Andy's/Hwy 55 (various locations) - Andy's is changing its name to Hwy 55 so it can expand regionally, but they should just call it Frozen Custard Heaven. Their custard, made fresh at each location daily, is soft serve-style. This stuff is good all by itself, but you can add candy-bar mix-ins, chocolate syrup and other items to make it even better. And they even make shakes and floats - fitting perfect with the restaurant's 1950s diner theme. Who is up for a root beer float this afternoon? 

Cook Out (various locations) - We love Cook Out milkshakes so much, we even did a separate Five Faves about our favorite flavors. There are more than 45 flavors to choose from. One of our favorites: Peanut Butter Fudge.

Char Grill (various locations) - This Raleigh institution is known for its hamburger steak sandwiches and its awesome milkshakes. 

Honorable mention: Winston's Grille (Raleigh), where you can get fresh homemade ice cream on top of their amazing desserts. I really love their strawberry shortcake covered in fresh strawberry ice cream.