This skunk was stenciled outside the Locopops store on Hillsborough Road in Durham, NC. Not sure why the artist(s) chose to paint a stinky skunk in this location, since Locopops is, like, the best popsicle place in the world. I am moving overseas and will really miss Locopops. Let me explain why, for the poor souls who have yet to eat here:

Top 10 Reasons to Love Locopops

1) It’s not too expensive. If you’re going to have a vice, this is a pretty cheap one.

2) You can eat two and not feel disgustingly full, unlike other treats.

3) It’s a fun place to hang out, with colorful pictures on the walls and lots of light (at least in the three locations I have been to). Customers are happy because they’re eating yummy popsicles, and strangers frequently discuss their favorite flavors and review the popsicles they’re currently eating. It’s also fun and entertaining to watch kids and dogs make a big, melting mess.

4) Friendly customer service representatives will write the different flavor names on each stick when you take home a bunch. They also provide tap water for free upon request. (Note: Locopops used to have water coolers for public use, which helped cleanse the palette between paletas. Please bring back the water coolers!)

5) Popsicles are made from fresh ingredients, including local milk and farmers market produce.

6) Amazing, unique flavors like Mojito, Pomegranate Tangerine and Mexican Chocolate. New flavors every week keep you coming back for more.

7) Customer participation; you can suggest your own flavor to the management.

8 ) Serves diverse needs. Some people like creamy popsicles, others prefer fruity water ice. Locopops has both! Also, sugar-free popsicles for the crazy people who enjoy the sucralose aftertaste, and meat-flavored popsicles for your dogs.

9) Owner went to Mexico to learn traditional paleta-making techniques. 

10) NC is hot, dawg! Locopops provides some relief on a burning, disgusting, sweltering, 100 degree, 100% humidity type of day.

Carpe Paleta

This menu board displays the cream popsicles available that week. Please note that flavors include Lemon Olive Oil, Cardamom Brownie (which is really good) and Pistachio.