The Mebane Scoop: Beat the Heat

July 22, 2026

How to Stay Cool This Summer

This summer has been incredibly hot. In fact, I've reached the point where I'm excited to see a forecast with highs in the 80s—but somehow my weather app always seems to fool me, and it ends up feeling like 100 degrees with the humidity. 

One of my favorite ways to cool down is by sitting down with a nice cold ice cream cone. Luckily, Mebane has a few great places to satisfy your sweet tooth while helping you beat the heat. 

Muffins Ice Cream Shoppe

Muffins is a quaint little shop located in the heart of downtown Mebane, serving Maple View Farm Ice Cream since 2012. It’s been my family’s go-to spot whenever we’re craving ice cream. With a display case full of classics and seasonal flavor favorites, there’s something for everyone.   

So, stop by 109 N. Fourth Street between 1 and 9 p.m. to treat yourself to a cone, cup, or shake.  

Ice Rolls Cafe

If you're looking to put a fun twist on a classic treat, Ice Rolls Cafe serves rolled ice cream instead of traditional scoops. Freshly prepared on a frozen griddle, the ice cream is rolled into delicate spirals and served in a cup topped with whipped cream and your choice of two toppings.  

The menu features fun and unique flavors like Mango Sticky Rice, Coconut, and S’mores, along with a wide variety of boba drinks — another one of my favorite ways to cool off during the summer. If you’re unsure about the concept of rolled ice cream, stop by to watch it being made and experience it for yourself.  

Dippin' Dots

While we’re on the topic of unique ways to serve ice cream no list of frozen treats would be complete without Dippin' Dots.  

As a kid, I begged my parents for Dippin’ Dots every summer. There was just something about those thousands of tiny beads of ice cream that made them seem like the coolest dessert around. Did my parents buy it for me, you may ask? No. No, they did not. But that didn't stop me from admiring them every time I walked past a stand or spotted them in a freezer. 

Now that I'm an adult, I can finally buy Dippin' Dots whenever I want—and somehow, they're just as fun as I remember. 

Gnam Gnam Gelato

Gnam Gnam Gelato is one of the newest discoveries on my list. It’s a family-owned business serving authentic Italian gelato. They don’t have a traditional storefront, but rather Gnam Gnam sets up at businesses throughout Mebane. So, if you’re looking for a refreshing alternative to traditional ice cream, keep an eye out around town or visit their Facebook page to see where they'll be serving next.  

More Ways to Beat the Heat

Cooling off isn't just about ice cream or frozen treats. Here are a few simple tips to stay safe during the hottest days of summer. 

Keep the Sun Out

Air conditioning is a wonderful thing, but it doesn’t always keep up with extreme heat. To block out the blistering sun, keep curtains, blinds, or shutters on windows that receive direct sunlight to help keep your home cooler. Then, as it gets darker and the temperatures drop in the evening, open your windows to create a cross-breeze and let cooler air circulate. Just remember to close them back up again before it gets hot again the next day. 

Stay Hydrated

This one may seem obvious, but it's one of the most important. High temperatures can quickly lead to dehydration, since heat doesn’t dehydrate you; it causes you to lose fluids through sweating, which can then lead to dehydration. So drinking several bottles of water throughout the day is important for regulating body temperature and preventing you from overheating. 

Stay Covered

When it’s blazing outside, shorts and a T-shirt or tank top may seem like the best option- and I’m certainly guilty of wearing them. However, having a lot of skin exposed to high ultraviolet (UV) rays for extended periods of time increases your risk of sunburn and heat-related illness. If you find yourself out in the sun with little or no shade, wear light-colored, loose-fitted clothing, along with a hat and sunglasses. Bonus points if you opt for long sleeves and pants. It may not be the coolest outfit for summer, but the extra coverage can help protect your skin from the sun.  

Cool Down Quickly

If you do find yourself starting to overheat, don’t worry — there are a few ways to cool down quickly. Take a cool shower or place a cold pack or cool, wet cloth on your pulse points. Pulse points include your wrists, neck, inner elbows, behind your knees, temples, armpits, and groin.  

Summer heat is no joke, so stay safe, stay hydrated, and make smart choices while enjoying everything the season has to offer. Have a wonderful summer! 

Written and published by Lindsey Frank