There truly is a day to celebrate everything … and today is National Ice Cream Day! It couldn’t be more perfectly placed during the hottest month of the year, right?! Here in Charleston, ice cream is always a good idea, though it’s not a terribly popular “thing” like you might expect it to be, considering our warm climate. The few ice cream shops we do have are spectacular though! And having lived here for over a decade, I’m sharing the five best ice cream spots in Charleston.
1. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
Jeni’s has become an icon of Charleston, which says a lot for this Ohio-based brand. I once saw the founder Jeni Britton Bauer speak at the Lowcountry Local First Good Business summit, and I immediately knew why: they’re committed to consistent quality (plus she was absolutely kick ass!). You know what to expect when you visit Jeni’s, and that’s everything to me. The staff is friendly, the ice cream shop is clean, the ice cream itself is absolute perfection, and you’ll always walk out of there happy. Plus, they have delicious and unique flavors and are food allergy friendly!!! Jeni’s is located on Upper King Street, tucked in between so many great distilleries, restaurants, shops and music venues. Definitely a must visit!
Address: 501 A King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: (843) 801-3390
Instagram: @jenisicecreams
Website: https://jenis.com/
COVID Response: Modified offerings. Generally offering walk up service and also delivery (4 or more pints and they’ll deliver for free)!
2. Off Track Ice Cream
The new kid on the block has quickly become my very favorite ice cream spot in Charleston: Off Track Ice Cream. The thing that drew me in was how food allergy friendly they are. If you’re looking for healthy ice cream, this is definitely your spot! They offer both traditional and vegan ice cream and ensure clean ingredients in everything they offer: ice cream, baked goods, toppings. No dyes, artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, additives, gums, not even ‘natural flavors’ across the board. Even their sprinkles are died with ingredients like turmeric, spirulina and paprika. They’re super transparent with their ingredients and list them all on their website too!
We had our daughter’s 5th birthday cake made from Off Track Ice Cream, and it was SO good, and I didn’t have to worry about what was in it. Their flavors are classic with a very unique spin. For example, their mint chocolate chip ice cream is made with fresh mint leaves, and OH MY GOSH! So good!!
Plus, their location off lower King St and Beaufain is GORGEOUS!! When we first visited it for an ice cream date last Summer, Harper said, “WOW!!” as she looked it up and down. It’s a must see! 5 stars across the board!
Address: 6 Beaufain St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 203-6997
Instagram: @OffTrackIceCream
Website: https://offtrackicecream.com/
COVID Response: Their store is still open for pick up (masks required) and are offering delivery through Uber Eats.
3. Park Circle Creamery
Located in the Park Circle area of North Charleston, Park Circle Creamery is a fun little spot to visit. We usually grab a cone or a cup and then walk through the shops and restaurants in the area, ending at the park in the actual Park Circle. Locally owned and locally made, Park Circle Creamery have a nice variety of options and make sure to rotate their flavors often while keeping the tried and true flavors available. Plus, they’re black owned, which is SO important to support!
Address: 1044 E Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone: (843) 718-3226
Instagram: @pccreamery
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ParkCircleCreamery
COVID Response: Available for take out, but masks are required.
4. Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream
With 6 locations all over the tri-county area, Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream is what I think of as a traditional ice cream shop. They’ve expanded into a full menu over the years and offer your standard hot dogs, chili fries, etc. You can definitely expect that classic experience that won’t disappoint.
Address: 6 locations: West Ashley, Mt. Pleasant, Goose Creek, two in Summerville
Phone: (843) 766-4854
Instagram: @yeolechs
Website: https://www.yeolefashioned.com/
COVID Response: Available for take out, but masks are required.
5. Belgian Gelato
Located right next to Waterfront Park in downtown Charleston, Belgian Gelato has to be one of the more popular tourist spots in Charleston. It’s always packed! There’s something super delicious about Belgian’s Gelato though, and it’s a perfect place to stop before you visit the Pineapple Fountain or Charleston Waterfront Park.
Address: 6 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BelgianGelato/
COVID Response: As far as I know, they’re open for regular service, but masks are required.
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So tell me! What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream? And in your opinion, what’s the best ice cream spot in Charleston?
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