I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! And popsicles, smoothies, juices, or anything else that will keep us cool in the hot Charleston sun! We put together a list of our contributors’ favorite local spots for cold treats. What would you add to the list?
Don’t forget to check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer for all the things to do, see, and eat in the Lowcountry over the next few months!
Ice Cream
With multiple locations in the Charleston area, this popular ice cream chain is a great place to stop for a cup, cone, sundae, or ice cream cake. Check their deals page for coupons, specials, and a free birthday scoop.
Ben and Jerry’s scoop shops serve up your favorite flavors in cones, cups, sundaes, and milkshakes. They have two locations in Charleston: one in the heart of Market Street and the other on Isle of Palms.
Based in West Ashley, Cirsea makes premium handmade ice cream. Cirsea’s scoops, pints, and ice cream sandwiches can be found at restaurants, cafes, and stores around the Lowcountry. You can also order online for delivery straight to your door.
1960 Riviera Dr. Suite E, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Located in Mt Pleasant in the Seaside Shopping Center, Izzy’s is a perfect place for an afternoon snack or after-dinner treat. They serve lunch items, ice cream, milkshakes, and offer an array of tasty desserts, specializing in Greek Desserts. Try the Baklava Sundae – yum!
Check their Facebook page to see where The Ice Cream Team truck is headed next! You can also book them for events and parties!
501-A King St, Charleston, SC 29403
An Ohio-based ice cream chain, Jeni’s, features adventurous flavors made with seasonal ingredients.
59 S. Market St., Charleston, SC 29401
Stop in to their location on Market Street for ice cream, waffle cones, and pecan pralines.
1939 Maybank Highway, Charleston, SC 29412
Owned by two pastry chefs and masters of their craft, Luckhaus & Brubaker makes all of their sweets, pastries, and ice cream in-house.
Marble Slab is known for its fun mix-in flavors and has two locations in the Charleston area.
346 King St., Charleston, SC 29401
A modern ice cream shop with decadent and creamy flavors.
6 Beaufain Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Opened in 2019, Off Track Ice Cream, has quickly become a local favorite. They make their ice creams by hand and use fresh ingredients from local farmers. Off Track also has an impressive selection of vegan flavors and even has options for vegan sundaes and ice cream sandwiches.
1069 E Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
A neighborhood favorite, Park Circle Creamery, makes all of its delicious ice creams in-house with fresh local ingredients.
431 King St., Charleston, SC 29403
2120 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island, SC 29484
With locations on King Street and on Sullivan’s Island, Republic Ice Cream is a great place to stop for a scoop during a day of sightseeing downtown or beach-going.
Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop
A Lowcountry staple, Ye Old Fashioned, has six shops in the Charleston area, each serving a wide selection of sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and of course ice cream at a great value. Locals love their banana split sundaes and milkshakes! They also have great vegan options!
Gelato
2063 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
Located right below The Obstinate Daughter on Sullivan’s Island, stop into BeardCat Sweet Shop for delicious gelato and strong coffee.
6 Vendue Range Charleston, SC 29401
A tasty gelato stop located right beside Waterfront Park downtown.
Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar
198 E Bay St #100, Charleston, SC 29401
Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar serves all sorts of yummy desserts and cocktails, making it a favorite spot for a sweet treat after sightseeing, shopping, or dinner. Did you know they also won “Best Gelato” in the Charleston City Paper’s 2021 Best of Charleston Awards?
239 1/2 King St, Charleston, SC 29401
A traditional Italian gelato shop in the heart of the lower King Street shopping district.
Gelato made in Mount Pleasant using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Check their website to find where they are or place an order.
Frozen Yogurt
The Lowcountry has two frozen yogurt chains with locations throughout Charleston.
Click here to find the Sweet Frog store nearest you.
Click here to find the TCBY store nearest you.
Pops and Ice
King of Pops makes a variety of delicious, simple flavors. You can rent a cart, order online, or find them at local events and shops.
The Kona Ice truck features shaved ice and fun flavorings and can be booked for an event or found at various locations around Charleston. Find where they are on their Facebook page.
Pelican’s SnoBalls serves soft, fluffy snow cones with over 100 fun flavors. Find the location closest to you here.
115 E Richardson Ave, Summerville, SC 29483
Located in downtown Summerville, Puma’s Italian Ice Shack is family-owned and operated, serving water and cream Italian ice, and hot dogs. Follow them on Facebook for updates.
Unique Frozen Treats
2019 Middle St, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
1515 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
A cool treats guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the infamous frosé at The Co-Op. And for the kids, they recently added soft-serve ice cream to the menu at both locations.
Holy Rolly Charleston Food Truck & Catering
Holy Rolly Charleston specializes in the art of rolled ice cream, making sundaes, ice cream tacos, and even ice cream sushi! Check here to find their food truck!
223 Meeting St., Charleston, SC 29401
Peace Pies are ice cream sandwiches with a yummy addition: pie fillings! Stop by their shop downtown to try one!
103 W Erie Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439
No need to wait for a trip to Disney to enjoy a Pineapple Dole Whip. Head over to The Pineapple Hut on Folly Beach for their pineapple whips, soft serves, and floats.
Smoothies, Juices, and Bowls
320 W Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Blend Juice Bar is locally owned and operated serving cold-pressed juices and smoothies, full of nutrients and antioxidants.
The bright purple Brava Bowls truck makes delicious smoothies and açai bowls with a variety of fresh seasonal toppings. You can find the truck parked at farmer’s markets and other locations across Charleston. Check their Facebook page to see where they’re at next!
920 Houston Northcutt Blvd A1, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Tucked inside of Eucalyptus Wellness & Company in Mt Pleasant is the Elixir Bar where you can order healthy and colorful juices, smoothies, and açai bowls.
401 Huger St, Charleston, SC 29403
A contributor favorite, Huriyali’s smoothies, and bowls are a must-try!
1240 Belk Dr. Suite 100, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
From the creator of Blender Bombs, Hustle Smoothie Bar in Towne Center serves smoothies, bowls, and coffee. They also carry vegan and gluten-free products.
656 Long Point Rd Unit C, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Located in the Belle Hall Shopping Center, visit The Main Squeeze for a fresh selection of smoothies, juices, and snacks.
429 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
For a healthy lunch or quick cool snack, while you’re shopping downtown, Playa Bowls offers bowls, smoothies, and juices.
700 S Shelmore Blvd #101, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
You can grab your smoothies and açai bowls from their storefront in Mt P. or from their shiny silver trailer around town. Follow them on Instagram to see hours and their trailer’s location.
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