I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream—and cheesecake, and pastries, and sundaes, and crepes!
Tucked into the mountains of Western North Carolina, there are so many places to indulge your sweet tooth in Haywood County! Waynesville, the county seat, offers a variety of world-class amenities, including great dining and desserts. But Lake Junaluska residents don’t have to go far to find some of the best sweet treats around!
Here are just a handful of sweet spots to find great desserts around Lake Junaluska, NC.
Ammons’ Drive Inn & Dairy Bar
Ammons’ Drive Inn & Dairy Bar is well known among locals for its classic diner menu and “olde time” curb service. Stop in for lunch or dinner seven days a week. But save room after your burger, chilli roll, steak dinner, or fish platter. They devote half a page of their menu to desserts and milkshakes. Classic pies, cakes, and cheesecakes are each offered whole or by the slice. You can choose your eight-ounce serving of cobbler with or without ice cream. And they also serve sundaes, banana splits, and hot fudge cake.
1451 Dellwood Road, Waynesville | (828) 926-0734 | facebook.com
Caffeine & Chaos
Locals and visitors alike rave about the great service, creative desserts, and amazing coffee at Caffeine & Chaos on the west side of Lake Junaluska. In addition to your regular coffee house menu, the shop serves muffins, scones, and other pastries, along with fresh-scooped ice cream, ice cream floats, brownie sundaes, and much more. If you want to take a piece of Caffeine & Chaos home with you, try the stuffed milkshake. These candy or cookie infused milkshakes come in a mason jar that you can keep.
1880 Dellwood Road, Waynesville | (828) 944-0184 | caffeine-chaos.com
The Cheesecake Mousse
Every day looks a little sweeter at The Cheesecake Mousse! The Kidwell family took a chance and started this business in the midst of the pandemic about five years ago. And since they only make cheesecake, they focus solely on using quality ingredients and offering exceptional customer service. Their French-style cheesecake is a lighter consistency than traditional New York style. Choose from among 40+ rotating flavors, including key lime, chocolate lover’s, cookies and cream, orange dreamsicle, peanut butter pie, strawberry crumble, and more.
40 Delicious Ridge, Waynesville | (828) 283-0156 | thecheesecakemousse.com
Crepe & Custard
Whether you’re kicking off your day with mountain views or winding down after a stroll around Lake Junaluska, Crepe and Custard is the perfect stop for something fresh, fun, and flavorful. From breakfast crepes to creamy soups, whether you have two legs or four, they serve something for every taste. Even gluten-free options are available. Their sweet crepes are filled with options like fruits, chocolate, Nutella, and house-made whipped topping. For a fresh taste, we recommend the Lavender & Lemon, topped with fresh squeezed lemon juice, lavender sugar, and a dollop of whipped cream.
55 Memory Lane, Lake Junaluska | (828) 283-8199 | crepeandcustard.com
Junaluska Gifts & Grounds
Junaluska Gifts & Grounds in the Harrell Center is your stop for unique shopping, including jewelry, local pottery, greeting cards, apparel, and books. While you’re there, visit the inside coffee bar for seasonal specialty lattes, locally roasted fair trade coffee/espresso, smoothies, hand-dipped ice cream, sundaes, and pastries. Enjoy your treats on the porch rocking chairs overlooking the lake or the café tables outside. Junaluska Gifts & Grounds also offers its own private label of coffees, preserves, salsas, and salad dressings, as well as collectible ornaments.
710 N Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska | (828) 454-6777 | lakejunaluska.com/activities/junaluska-gifts-grounds
Life the sweet life in Lake Junaluska, NC
The unincorporated Lake Junaluska community is centered around a beautiful 200-acre namesake lake and surrounded by 1,200 acres of rolling hills and valleys. The high peaks, fresh air, and stunning natural beauty of the area first attracted people seeking refuge from hot summers. These days, Junaluskans remain proud of the beauty, history, and unique nature of their community. And they take advantage of their proximity to local amenities and attractions, such as those in nearby Waynesville. About half of the community’s 3,250 residents live in Lake Junaluska year round.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find a great home in Lake Junaluska, NC!
