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About
Higher Grounds - Coffee & Ice Cream
Welcome to Higher Grounds - Coffee & Ice Cream, a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Kill Devil Hills, NC. Located at 2141 Colington Rd, this charming café is more than just a place to grab a cup of joe or a scoop of ice cream; it's a sanctuary for those seeking warmth, comfort, and connection amid nature's beauty. You can reach them at +1 252-489-7893.
The reviews speak for themselves. Patrons like Evey Cramer rave about the “wonderful setting and service,” highlighting not just the delicious coffee and generously sized scoops of ice cream, but also the inviting atmosphere marked by delightful decor and comfy hammocks. It's the kind of place where you can unwind for hours, soaking up the ambiance.
Drop by and you'll find that Jordan Skinner feels similarly enchanted by this spot. Its natural surroundings, enhanced by thoughtful landscaping and cozy furniture arrangements, create a truly organic and welcoming vibe. Whether you're here to chat with friends, delve into a good book, or simply watch wildlife, Higher Grounds provides an ideal backdrop.
The ice cream alone deserves a spotlight. As Kasia McDaniel enthusiastically notes, the unique flavors like peach and key lime pie are standouts, perfect for a sweet escape on a sunny day. The cozy hideaway beneath the deck is a fantastic nook, especially for families with children eager to enjoy a treat and some playtime.
What’s more, Tiffany Klein appreciates that every drink has a personal touch—named after family members, thus infusing each sip with a sense of belonging. With options like dairy-free alternatives and health-conscious smoothies made from just four natural ingredients, there's something for everyone in the family. It's no wonder her family returned three times during their stay!
Whether you’re indulging in a rich coffee or a creamy ice cream delight, Higher Grounds offers not just food, but a delightful experience that blends taste with aesthetic charm. As Lizzy N. discovered on her business trip, the owner’s friendly demeanor and the café's inviting atmosphere make it easy to see why this local favorite draws visitors and residents alike.
In summary, Higher Grounds - Coffee & Ice Cream isn't just a stop on your journey through the Outer Banks; it’s a destination that captures the essence of community, comfort, and culinary delight. Trust me—you'll want to make this charming café a regular part of your visit!
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“ Great experience from beginning to end. Wonderful setting and service with an amazingly friendly smile. The coffee was delicious and the ice cream generously scooped. We wound up staying and sitting in the hammocks for a solid hour. Lovely design and decor! ”
“ One of my favorite OBX cafes. The people who run it are nice, and the drinks, ice cream, and (new!) pastries are absolutely delicious. But the best part is the spot itself - the location, surrounded by nature; and the obvious care and joy put into the landscaping, gardening, and furniture arranging. It feels amazingly organic and homey. There's plenty of space on and under the deck to chill, chat, read, vibe, watch wildlife, etc. I love coming here so much. ”
“ Stopped by for some ice cream and LOVED the hideaway underneath the deck! Great place for kids to sit and hang around. Loved the ice cream flavors especially peach and key lime pie. We have to come back and try breakfast now. Highly recommend! ”
“ On my way to the VRBO we rented this little shop caught my eye and I immediately told my teenagers (13 & 14) we would be stopping here for coffee at some point! We certainly did, 3 times! The aesthetic of the shop and the service were amazing! The drinks are named after family members and were absolutely delicious! My 14 year old cannot tolerate a lot of dairy and they offer dairy free options! My 13 year old is not a huge coffee drinker and had the hot chocolate, a smoothie that only contained 4 NATURAL ingredients, and then a milkshake! They have a guestbook for guests to share where they are from and what they thought of Higher Grounds. They have the cutest merch. The staff were personable and upbeat! We WILL be visiting again and again and again if we visit the area again! ”
“ We stumbled upon this lovely little shop while in OBX for business during the off season, and we were very impressed! The owner who helped us was friendly and informative, coffee exceeded expectations, and the ice cream was a nice touch as well. We'll be back! ”
“ Very neat little place with a beachy eclectic vibe. Their signature lattes are great and even better as frappes. They also have ice cream, baked goods, and merch for sale. Very friendly service. The outdoor seating is very fun, and there's lots of little things for kids including a slide. ”
“ So excited that they opened back up! The baked goods and drinks were so good! Super kid friendly with loads of fun things to play with. Lots of seating choices that face the water! The staff was amazing, 10/10 will be coming back a lot this summer :) ”
“ I was so glad to discover this charming and inviting place during my morning walk near the vacation rental I was staying in. I purchased butter pecan ice cream in a waffle cone, and while I was enjoying it, I explored the outside space. They have a variety of features. There are some kid-friendly items there too The fact that there is an elevator amazed me. For my walk back, I purchased a caramel-flavored iced latte. It was excellent. I hope I revisit this place with my kid. ”