Hey there. I'm Andy, owner of Jack The Dipper. I want to tell you about our ice cream shop serving Sylva and Jackson County.
We opened Jack The Dipper because we love ice cream. Simple as that. Not because of some grand business plan or a dream to build an empire. We just really love good ice cream, and we thought folks in Sylva deserved a place to get it.
If you've never been to our shop, let me paint you a picture. Walk through our door and the first thing you'll notice is the smell. That sweet, buttery aroma of fresh waffle cones cooking right in front of you. We make them all day long. They're warm when you get them. And honestly, that changes everything.
Why We Make Our Waffle Cones Fresh
A lot of ice cream shops buy their cones pre-made. They sit in boxes for who knows how long. They're fine. But fine isn't what we're going for.
When you make a waffle cone fresh, it comes out warm and soft. It's got that slight crunch on the outside but stays a little chewy inside. The warmth plays off the cold ice cream in a way that just works. One of our regulars told us she sat outside with her family one evening eating our cones while watching the sunset. She said it was one of those simple moments you don't forget. That's what we're trying to create here.
We use Hershey's ice cream at Jack The Dipper. It's the real deal. Creamy, smooth, and comes in flavors that actually taste like what they say on the label. Our key lime pie flavor? It tastes like key lime pie. Our chocolate is rich and dark. The vanilla is classic and goes with anything.
What Makes Our Ice Cream Shop Different
We hand dip every single scoop. No soft serve machines doing the work for us. When you order two scoops of mint chocolate chip, someone on our team grabs that metal scoop, digs into the tub, and builds your cone by hand. It takes a bit longer. But it means you get a real, solid scoop of ice cream instead of whipped air.
Hand dipped ice cream in Sylva isn't hard to find. But we think we do it a little different. Our portions are generous. One of our customers brought her kids in recently. She was surprised that the kid's size was bigger than what most places serve adults. We believe if you're paying for ice cream, you should get ice cream.
We also have waffle bowls for folks who want to skip the cone but still want that fresh-baked taste. The bowl stays crispy even with ice cream sitting in it. That's not by accident. We figured out exactly how thick to make them so they hold up.
Ice Cream Sylva Families Love
We hand dip every single scoop. No soft serve machines doing the work for us. When you order two scoops of mint chocolate chip, someone on our team grabs that metal scoop, digs into the tub, and builds your cone by hand. It takes a bit longer. But it means you get a real, solid scoop of ice cream instead of whipped air.
Hand dipped ice cream in Sylva isn't hard to find. But we think we do it a little different. Our portions are generous. One of our customers brought her kids in recently. She was surprised that the kid's size was bigger than what most places serve adults. We believe if you're paying for ice cream, you should get ice cream.
We also have waffle bowls for folks who want to skip the cone but still want that fresh-baked taste. The bowl stays crispy even with ice cream sitting in it. That's not by accident. We figured out exactly how thick to make them so they hold up.​​
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More Than Just Ice Cream
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Yes, we're an ice cream shop. But we're also a coffee shop and dessert shop rolled into one.
Need a pick-me-up before your ice cream? We've got fresh brewed coffee and espresso drinks. Some folks come in just for the coffee. Some get both. There's no wrong answer.
Our menu has all the classics you'd expect from a Sylva dessert shop. Sundaes loaded with toppings. Banana splits the way they should be made. Thick milkshakes that need a spoon as much as a straw. Ice cream floats that remind you of being a kid.
We also do birthday parties. If you're looking for a spot in Jackson County to celebrate, give us a call. We've hosted plenty of parties and the kids always have a blast. Learn more about our party options.
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Serving Sylva and Jackson County
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Jack The Dipper is proud to serve ice cream lovers throughout Sylva and Jackson County. Whether you're coming from downtown Sylva, Dillsboro, Cullowhee, or the Western Carolina University campus, we're easy to find. Folks from all over the area stop by for a scoop.
Sylva sits in a beautiful spot in the Smoky Mountains. Tourists pass through all the time. Locals know every back road. Whether you're visiting for the day or you've lived here your whole life, we'd love to see you.
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What Our Customers Say About Us
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I could talk all day about our ice cream. But the people who eat it can probably tell you better.
Customers love our hot waffle cones. They say we make them right in front of them and that makes it special. One customer just said one word about our warm waffle cones: "awesome." Families come in and try all kinds of flavors with different dips. They can't decide on a favorite because everything is good.
Our warm cones hold the ice cream perfectly. No melting disaster. No soggy bottom. Just a solid cone that does its job while tasting amazing.
We're pet friendly too. Customers mention the outdoor seating and pup cups. Yes, we have treats for your furry friends. Bring them along.
The Simple Joy of Good Ice Cream
Here's the thing about ice cream. It's not complicated. It's cold, it's sweet, and it makes people happy.
But somewhere along the way, some places forgot that. They started cutting corners. Using cheaper ingredients. Serving smaller portions. Treating it like just another transaction.
We don't do that at Jack The Dipper. When you walk into our Sylva ice cream shop, you're going to get real ice cream, hand dipped, in a fresh waffle cone or bowl, made by people who actually care. That's it. That's the whole thing.
We're not trying to change the world. We're just trying to make really good ice cream and serve it to our neighbors in Sylva NC.
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A Bit About Sylva and Why We Love It
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Sylva is a special place. Small town feel with big mountain beauty all around. People here still wave at each other. Shop owners know their customers by name. Friday nights feel different than city life.
We fit right into that. We're not some chain store that popped up overnight. We're your neighbors running a shop we believe in. When you come to Jack The Dipper, you're supporting a local Sylva business. Every cone you buy helps keep our doors open and our staff employed.
Jackson County has plenty of spots to grab a bite. But for ice cream, we think we've got something worth trying. The word spreads mostly by folks telling their friends. Customers tell us we're the best ice cream they've had. Those kind words mean more than any advertisement ever could.
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​What to Order at Jack The Dipper​
First time visitor? Here's what I'd suggest.
Start with a waffle cone. Get it fresh. Pick two scoops of different flavors so you can try more. The Hershey chocolate and vanilla combo is classic for a reason. But if you're feeling adventurous, ask what's popular that day.
If cones aren't your thing, our waffle bowls are the way to go. Same fresh taste, just in bowl form. Load it up with toppings if you want. Or keep it simple. Both work.
For something different, try a milkshake. We blend them thick. Real thick. You'll need to let it sit for a minute before you can drink it through the straw. Some folks just eat it with a spoon and that's perfectly fine.
Kids love our sundaes. You can build your own with whatever toppings sound good. Sprinkles, hot fudge, whipped cream, cherries. Let them go wild with it.
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Hours and Getting Here​
We're located in Sylva NC and easy to find once you're in the area. Parking is available nearby.
Check our Google page for current hours since they can change with the seasons. We try to stay open year round because people crave ice cream even when it's cold outside.
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Questions About Jack The Dipper
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What kind of ice cream does Jack The Dipper serve?
We serve Hershey's hand dipped ice cream. Every scoop is dipped by hand from the tub, not from a soft serve machine. We have dozens of flavors including classics like chocolate and vanilla plus favorites like key lime pie, mint chocolate chip, and seasonal options.
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Do you make your waffle cones fresh?
Yes. We make our waffle cones and waffle bowls fresh throughout the day. When you order one, it's still warm. The smell when you walk in is the batter cooking right in front of you.
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Is Jack The Dipper good for kids and families?
Absolutely. We're a family friendly ice cream shop in Sylva. Our kid portions are generous, the staff is patient, and we have outdoor seating. We also host birthday parties if you're looking for a fun spot to celebrate in Jackson County.
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Do you have options for food allergies?
We offer nut-free ice cream options. If you or your kids have allergies, just ask our team and we'll point you to safe choices
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Can I bring my dog?
Yes. We're pet friendly and have pup cups for your furry friends. Our outdoor seating area is perfect for hanging out with your dog while you enjoy your ice cream.
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Do you have a drive through?
We sure do. College students and faculty from Western Carolina University come in all the time. We're a quick trip from campus when you need a study break or want to celebrate finishing finals.
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Come See Us
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If you're looking for ice cream in Sylva, come by Jack The Dipper. We're open throughout the year. Not just summer. Because ice cream tastes good in every season.
Try a waffle cone while it's still warm. Get a couple scoops of your favorite flavor. Sit outside if the weather's nice. Bring your dog. Bring your kids. Bring your appetite.
We'll be here, scooping away, making those waffle cones fresh, and hopefully putting a smile on your face.
That's what it's all about.
See you soon, Sylva.
Andy