Business Spotlight: River & Trails Emporium & Creamy Dayz

A two-stop shop for adventure and indulgence in the heart of Downtown Elkin.

When you walk into River & Trails Emporium, the smell of fresh waffle cones greets you before the racks of outdoor gear do. What started as a small ice cream shop on North Bridge Street has grown into one of downtown Elkin’s most unique destinations. Creamy Dayz and River & Trails Emporium have created something special by pairing sweet treats with trail-ready essentials under one roof.

A Hometown Beginning

For this family, Elkin is more than a place to do business. It is home.“Our family is originally from the Elkin and State Road area, and even after moving away at times, we always seemed to find our way back home,” they shared. “It just felt right to start our first business here.”

Creamy Dayz began as a small ice cream shop that quickly became a local favorite during its first few seasons. When the colder months arrived, business slowed down, which sparked an idea for something new. The family decided to expand their vision with River & Trails Emporium, and downtown Elkin felt like the perfect place to make it happen.

From Scoops to Shops

As Creamy Dayz grew, so did the need for more space. “We simply didn’t have the room to store the amount of inventory needed to keep up with customer demand,” they explained. “After moving downtown and opening River & Trails Emporium with Creamy Dayz in the back, things took off even more.”

The new location allowed the business to expand, welcome new customers, and create a space where both locals and visitors could enjoy everything from outdoor gear to ice cream.

Where Adventure Meets Ice Cream

As Elkin became more popular with hikers, kayakers, and outdoor explorers, the family noticed something missing in town. “We saw a need for outdoor gear, clothing, and accessories that fit this growing community,” they said. When they found a downtown building with plenty of space and a kitchen already in place, everything came together naturally.

The result was a unique combination of two passions: Creamy Dayz in the back and River & Trails Emporium in the front. It became a one-of-a-kind stop where customers could find gear, gifts, and dessert all in one visit.

Sweet Traditions and Local Touches

Each season brings something new to Creamy Dayz. Their Frozen Cheesecake on a Stick has become a fan favorite and often appears without notice, so followers keep an eye on their social pages for updates. During the holiday season, the shop hosts a special Polar Express Night for kids. The movie plays on screen, the team dresses up as the conductor and elves, and children arrive in their pajamas while Santa makes a surprise appearance at the end.

On the River & Trails side, the team is constantly expanding their inventory. They now feature products from local artists and makers, giving shoppers even more reason to explore downtown. Looking ahead, the family hopes to bring back a mobile setup for Creamy Dayz that can serve ice cream at downtown events.

Moments That Matter

Some of their favorite memories come from school visits. “Local schools will sometimes bring classes in for ice cream as a reward,” they said. “It can get a little hectic with so many excited kids ordering at once, but seeing their faces light up and the joy that ice cream brings makes it all worth it.”

Along the way, they have also collected memories from visitors who travel to Elkin for the wineries, the trails, and the campgrounds. Meeting people from all over the world and hearing their stories has become one of the most rewarding parts of running both shops.

Whether you are visiting for a scoop, a cup of coffee, or a new hiking pack, River & Trails Emporium x Creamy Dayz offers a little bit of everything that makes Elkin special. It is a place where family, community, and creativity come together in the sweetest way.

📍 Location: 112 East Main Street, Elkin, NC

🕒 Hours & updates: Follow River & Trails Emporium and Creamy Dayz on Facebook and Instagram for hours, seasonal treats, and upcoming events.