National Ice Cream Day celebrated with plenty of sprinkles at Leland Ice Cream shop

LELAND, N.C. (WWAY) — Looking for a sweet way to beat the heat? National Ice Cream Day, celebrated on Sunday, is the perfect excuse to grab a scoop.

According to Beach.com, an online platform focused on coastal travel, North Carolina’s favorite ice cream flavors include Neapolitan, salted caramel and vanilla.

At Milly’s Ice Cream Shop in Leland, however, the most popular flavor often depends on who’s standing at the counter.

Located on Olde Regent Way, the locally owned shop serves a variety of frozen treats, including soft-serve ice cream, banana pudding and Dole Whip. While customers enjoy trying unique and seasonal flavors, owner Liz Iannacone says they almost always return to the classics.

“What’s so funny is that everyone thinks vanilla, chocolate and strawberry are very basic, but after the flavored ones, those are the highest-volume sellers, always,” Iannacone said. “We can go through 20 to 25 gallons a week of just chocolate.”

The shop is named after Iannacone’s daughter, Milly. She says her family’s love of ice cream inspired her to open the business and create a welcoming place where the community can enjoy a frozen treat together.