July was declared National Ice Cream Month back in 1984 by then President Ronald Reagan. Who doesn’t love this delicate sweet treat anytime of the year? With the continued onslaught of southern heat we are still witnessing, it is no doubt a favorite to enjoy.
No matter where you buy your ice cream, you can rest assure it’s made with wholesome ingredients sourced from a hardworking farmer and his cows. So why not treat yourself to a cool cone of delicious dairy?
Recently, I discovered a hidden gem that has been in existence for over 50 years. It’s a short drive, just 88 miles (give or take your route getting there) northwest of Belmont NC....located on Lake Tacoma road in the beautiful Blue Ridge foothills. It’s tucked away at the intersection of highways 70 and 80. It was started by Charlie McMahan in 1970 for his wife Dot. He promised her that one day he would put her name in lights, and so he did. It’s not a fancy place, just a single wide trailer that sits next to what use to be his welding business next door.
A trip here has been a summer getaway to both locals, as well as others who choose to take in the beautiful scenery from miles away. It’s a seasonal stop, open from Mid March through October. They offer over 45 flavors of soft serve ice cream, and you can select from a sugar cone, waffle cone, banana split, sorbet, sundae, and lots more. I understand, too that they have a select few flavors in a low sugar form…which is perfect for me. It’s not often I indulge in anything sweet, so this is an added bonus.
Who wouldn’t want to take in the mountain views, all the while knowing what was waiting for them here? If sweets aren’t your thing, you can also select from a menu of sandwiches and sides.
I want to give a shout out to Derrick & Shawnasi Holland of Granite Falls, NC in introducing this iconic place to me. I stumbled upon their YouTube channel about a month ago. This internet platform offers another way to visit places one might otherwise never get to see in person. I’m so glad they took the time to introduce Dot's Dario's to their channel.
Sometimes the best places to go are these small mom and pop type shops tucked away in rural areas like the one you mention. Lots of hard work and dedication by the owners make the difference. I remember ice milk too, Altara. I never see it anymore. Frozen yogurt is good too and I can't tell it from ice cream myself. 
