Picture taken from Polar Plunge's Facebook page.
The name 'polar plunge' brings to mind a drove of swimsuit-clad, fundraisers diving headlong into wintry waters, only to emerge a moment later, shrieking and shivering, scrambling back up to the shore. Polar Plunge in Lillington won't require you to dip into frigid waters, but it does offer a refreshing, if slightly less exhilarating treat. Anchoring one corner of a brick shopping plaza, this independently owned frozen premium yogurt shop has a decidedly cheerful neighborhood feel.
Inside is clean and neat, with boldly color blocked walls, a handful of indoor seats and a flood of natural light. Merchandise is limited to t-shirts tacked to the walls inviting you to 'Take the Plunge'. If I have even one complaint about the décor, it would be the seemingly gratuitous use of midcentury modern artichoke pendant lights, but honestly, that's getting picky. Overall, it is a lovely and well executed space.
To the right of the entrance is a bar with a dizzying array of topping bins all neatly labeled. At the bar, there are 50 different kinds of fruits, candies and nuts, along with a selection of flavored syrups and aerosol whipped cream. Should you have a question about any sweet embellishment, the staff will happily answer it.
Sample cups are available at the counter, or you can do as we did and simply grab a cup and begin filling it. The 10 self-serve stations are 45 cents per ounce, which seemed a little pricey in comparison to other places we'd been. Waffle cones can be had for $3.50. Ingredients, when possible, are sourced locally by the owners.
Our favorites this trip were the Raspberry Pomegranate, Salted Caramel and Island Banana. The Raspberry Pomegranate was mildly tart, but also pleasant and sweet. The Salted Caramel was thick and creamy, while the Island Banana had a remarkably true flavor.
Overall? Despite the price, definitely a place we'd stop by again.
91 West Cornelia Harnett Blvd
Lillington, NC
(910) 814-3552