Taste Buds: Jack the Dipper Ice Cream

“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream” was a popular hit back in 1925 but still rings true today with Jack the Dipper Ice Cream.

A rustic hometown ice cream parlor located right inside Sylva, Jack the Dipper opened in 1976 and has been going strong since. Originally located on Highway 107, the parlor moved to its current location in East Sylva Shopping Center in the early 2000s. The new location was better for business, although a farther drive for Western Carolina University students.

The country feel of the parlor is evident when you walk in. Tables and chairs line the floor; the ice cream lines the right wall, and artwork lines the building. One could take a window seat inside or sit out side as they enjoy their ice cream. There is even a checker board to challenge your pals to a friendly game while downing your frozen treat.

Jack the Dipper offers 52 flavors of ice cream. Everyone is sure to find a flavor to appease his or her appetite. The flavors range from vanilla and chocolate to such flavors like roadrunner raspberry and peanut butter caramel cookie dough, the latter this reporter got to try. One can also add many types of toppings to their ice cream such as bits of Oreo, Butterfinger and peanuts. Prices range from $1.50 for a kids size to $5.75 for a waffle bowl.

The ice cream is provided by Hershey’s, Blue Bell and Mayfield. The big selling point for Jack the Dipper is their famous waffle cones. They come in vanilla or cinnamon and are made to order. Nothing quite beats a warm waffle cone with your ice cream.

Jack the Dipper also offers a milkshake version of any flavor, shaved ice, banana splits and brownie splits. One could also purchase a personal ice cream cake for a celebration.

“We do a lot for the community,” said co-owner Dana Smith.

Jack the Dipper provides a lot of help with non-profit organizational fundraising.

Taken from their website, “Effective Sept 1, 2013, Jack the Dipper Ice Cream will host fundraisers for verifiable non-profits such as humane societies, child services and foster programs. We cannot assist with fundraisers for the benefit of any club for their expenses such as conferences, conventions parties, etc. Generally, we will only consider charities, which are located in Jackson, Swain or Macon counties. Thanks for allowing us to serve your non-profit. We reserve the right to adjust our fundraising policies at any time without notice.”

Most recently, Jack the Dipper teamed up with Alpha Chi Omega to help support REACH of Jackson County and previously teamed up with Western Carolina’s Equestrian Club to raise money for ARF Humane Society.

Be sure to check out some of the deals that Jack the Dipper provides. Sunday, you can get 10 percent off when you bring in your church bulletin, and on Wednesdays, it’s senior citizens day. The owners are still working out more daily deals.

Located at 170 East Sylva Shopping Center, stop by and try out some wonderful ice cream at a hometown ice cream parlor. You can also check them out at the upcoming Taste of Sylva on October 5.

For more information, call 828-586-9441 or check out their website at jackthedipper.com.