A good (and often less expensive) alternative to ice cream is shaved ice. Rocky Mount now has two different options of shaved ice for the upcoming summer months. Webby’s, a ballpark and Rocky Mount favorite, was the only game in town until a couple of weeks ago.  Sunset Slush, which is new to the area, opened its trailer to the right of Sheetz heading towards Nashville, facing the BP. Since this new opening, the Eagle Examiner is going to break down both with a final verdict.

Webby’s

This summer favorite is beloved by Rocky Mount citizens of all ages. It’s catchy name and presence at baseball games at the Sports Complex has made it a household name in Rocky Mount. Previously located at the abandoned gas station on the corner of Sunset and Winstead, they have since moved their location farther down Sunset Ave. near Sam’s Club. The iconic red trailer and grass umbrellas drive in tons of business during the warmer months. Webby’s boasts a wide variety of flavors from classics like cherry, blue raspberry, and coconut while also offering some off-the-wall flavors like Tiger’s Blood and Snow Cream. Another major plus to Webby’s is its great price- only $2 for a small! Webby’s shaved ice has larger chunks of ice, but that is a big draw for lots of people. They also have a cool Instagram account that publicizes the Flavor of the Day (FOTD).

Sunset Slush

Just a few weeks ago, Rocky Mount welcomed Sunset Slush. It’s bright trailer and colorful picnic tables can catch anyone’s eye. As soon as you look at the list of flavors, you’ll immediately notice that they have primarily fruity flavors that Webby’s does not have like Raspberry, Mango, and Peach. They also have a list of flavors with special names like “Florida Georgia Line” (peach and tangerine mixed… ask Ms. Carter about it) and “Zombie” (a multitude of fruity flavors mixed). However, unlike Webby’s, they do not shave the ice and then pour the flavored syrup on the ice. Sunset Slush is more like Italian Ice with a creamier consistency. Their ice is much finer and when they mix flavors it does not turn brown with lots of syrup, it holds each individual color. While this is a cool feature, you are definitely paying for the higher quality. At $3.25 for a small (and they aren’t as big as Webby’s), this could definitely be a turnoff for lots of potential customers that may choose Webby’s instead. But, a bonus is they carry lots of ice cream flavors! Sunset Slush also has locations in Lake Gaston, Zebulon, and Sunset Beach.

Webby’s Pros and Cons

Pros

Better price

Better location (but not as good as their previous location)

Unique to Rocky Mount

Cool Instagram account

Cons

Not as many creative flavor options

Does not taste as good as Sunset Slush

Ice is too crunchy

Sometimes too syrupy

Sunset Slush Pros and Cons

Pros

Awesome flavor selection

Good quality ice

Overall better tasting

Has ice cream

Cons

Not local to Rocky Mount

Seating is a little weird and in the middle of itchy grass

Not as much in a small size

More expensive

Eagle Examiner Final Verdict

Those of us in the Media Office that have been to both Webby’s and Sunset Slush agreed that Sunset Slush was overall better than Webby’s. Their smooth consistency with finer ice is hard to beat. Both could have better locations (please, someone take advantage of the old gas station at the corner of Winstead and Sunset!!) and better seating. However, on a hot summer day with your friends, you can’t go wrong with either option. We have all grown up going to Webby’s, and it is still a great local business, but we think that Sunset Slush is here to stay.