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Food|Restaurants

This Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail In South Carolina Is All You’ve Ever Dreamed Of And More

Discover a nostalgic ice cream road trip through South Carolina featuring local favorites.

Published May 2, 2017

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

The return of warm weather means many things for South Carolinians.

For some South Carolinians, it's the return of endless possibilities for outdoor fun. But for all of us it's a return to our childhood, a time when a frozen treat could wipe out all the worries of the day. We all love retreating back to the place in our lives when Dad would pile us in the car for a drive to get that frozen treat that would make summer seem like the be-all to end-all. For a return back to those days, follow this ice cream trail through South Carolina and eat your way through a revival of those great youthful days of your childhood.

We've put together the ultimate ice cream road trip through South Carolina and you won't be able to resist the treats on this trek through the Palmetto State.

Let's hit the road.

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Google Maps

Here's the Google Map for the trip. Enjoy eating your way through this massive treat bonanza as you make your way through South Carolina!

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1. Ice Cream Station - 125 S Main St, Simpsonville

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Facebook/Ice Cream Station

Reasonable prices, larger selection, located right on Main Street? What more could you want? How about this? Trip Advisor users usually have their finger on the pulse of what's happening in a market. They're saavy enough to leave reviews both when they've had a good experience and a so-so experience. In this case, Trip Advisor users have reviewed this little ice cream stand so positively that the Ice Cream Station ranks #1 for desserts - no surprise there, right? But wait, it also currently ranks #3 out of 88 restaurants in and around Simpsonville. Now that's something!

2. Flanigan's Ice Cream - 912 Dougherty Rd, Aiken

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Yelp/N.B.
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Yelp/JD M

What? It's stifling hot in Aiken and you haven't made a daily run to Flanigan's yet? Tsk, tsk. You're missing out on 24+ flavors, and special concoctions like this Hot Fudge Sunday with Salty Caramel Peanut Ice Cream. Plus, this comfy dessert eatery is fully air conditioned with plenty of spots to sit and enjoy your tasty treats!

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3. Zestos/West Columbia - 504 12th St, West Columbia, SC

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Facebook/Zestos of West Columbia
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TripAdvisor/LillyE_13

No Ice Cream Trail in South Carolina would be complete without a stop at the iconic Zestos in West Columbia. Generations - like more than three in some cases - of families have grown up enjoying ice cream treats from Zestos. Enjoy reminiscing as you revisit this oldie, but GOODIE, in Columbia!

4. Sundae House - 1551 W Palmetto St, Florence

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TripAdvisor/management
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Sundae House

From the Greek food to the amazing ice cream treats, the Sundae House in Florence is a fave among locals. Roll up on this place and find out for yourself the goodness within!

5. Meyer's Ice Cream Parlor - 1906 US-17 BUS, Surfside Beach

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Yelp/David M
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Yelp/Melanie T

Oh wow. You had me long before the marshmallows, but those sold me. Located across from the famous Ocean Lakes Campground (where I first discovered this ice cream place) Meyers is most favored for their soft serve, milkshakes, Italian ice and their 50+ flavors. Save up room in your tummy for this stop on the Ice Cream Trail!

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6. Painter's Homemade Ice Cream - 2115 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet

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Yelp/Julie M
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Yelp/Anna P

You'll love the large selection and friendly service at Painter's. But that's not why you'll go back multiple times in a week if you're in the area. The beach view just may be the key.

7. Ye Ole' Fashioned Ice Cream - 474 Savannah Hwy, Charleston

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TripAdvisor/3D0Gnight
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TripAdvisor/Ty V

There are several locations of this locally-owned icon in the Charleston area but if you really want a nostalgic experience then visit this original location on Highway 17 in Charleston's West Ashley. This one location is where it all started and you'll constantly hear the ever-apology: "Sorry everything is so large." Seriously. Can an ice cream treat BE too large? Nope.

8. The Frozen Moo - 1 N Forest Beach Dr, Hilton Head Island

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Frozen Moo
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Yelp/Jonah M

This photo proves that looks are deceiving. This may LOOK like an ordinary chocolate cone, but think again. At the Frozen Moo everything is beyond your expectations. This is actually a Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel ice cream cone. Wow! Sign me up!

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If ice cream is your first love then you've undoubtedly made your way all they way through this amazing Ice Cream Trail in South Carolina. Devoid of ANY franchises, this Ice Cream Trail is a sure pleaser! Have you been to the spots listed on this trail? We'd love to know in our comments!

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Food

Sip a Hot Drink in a Life-Sized Snow Globe at This South Carolina Gourmet Restaurant This Winter

Market on Main in Columbia, South Carolina offers a unique igloo dining experience during the winter months.

Updated Oct 29, 2024

Written by 

AnneMarie

If we told you there were igloos in South Carolina, you’d probably think we were crazy, right? Well, it just so happens that even though snow and snow boots are pretty rare in our state, especially in certain parts, we actually have some restaurants offering igloo dining in South Carolina, sans snow. If you’re confused right now, that’s understandable, but keep reading for more on this fun winter adventure, a Market on Main igloo, you just have to check out.

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Market on Main, located on Main Street in Columbia, is one of the select eateries in the state where you can experience igloo dining during the couple of colder months we experience here in the South. They are like life-sized snow globes that are … get this, heated – quite the oxymoron! This experience adds a special magic to your winter dinner plans.

A couple enjoys tea together in a cozy igloo-like setting, smiling and sharing a warm moment.
Happy man and woman drinking coffee, coronavirus concept.

Since they’re heated, you won’t really need a hot beverage to stay warm. So you can always have a different type of drink if you prefer. We have to say, it does add to the cozy, winter feeling even if the air isn't exactly nippy. But if you do want a hot drink, there will be multiple options to choose from. Peppermint Spiked Hot Chocolate is a fan favorite! The menu changes every season to keep things fresh and exciting. Every winter dinner you have here will be a little bit different.

But don’t go just for drinks and dessert. Go with an empty stomach, because Market on Main serves up gourmet dishes, like grilled octopus. Of course, if you’re a less adventurous eater, you could have grilled pizza. One of the specials features a house-made tomato sauce, goat cheese, black pepper bacon, arugula, and a balsamic glaze! It's a divine take on a regular slice. If you go on a Tuesday, the signature M.O.M. burger served with truffle fries is half off the regular price.

Hands reaching for a bowl of fries topped with herbs, alongside a small dish of dipping sauce on a wooden table.
Friends sharing and enjoying fries topped with Parmesan cheese and truffled mayonnaise sauce.

Market on Main is also a perfect place for game day, with a jumbotron available in the outdoor dining area. If it’s cold, there are heaters available as well if you’re not in one of the heated igloos.

If you've been searching for igloo dining near me, this is the answer to your prayers. All you have to do is make the reservation and think about what color lights you want in your igloo. Visit the Market on Main website or the Market on Main Facebook page for more information and updates about outdoor igloos and festive cocktails. Reservations are a good idea as there are limited igloos available. For more winter fun, check out these 10 best wintertime activities in South Carolina.

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Food|Breweries & Wineries

The Best Autumnal Beer in South Carolina Comes From This Local Brewery

Edmund's Oast Brewing Company in Charlestown, South Carolina, sells a fantastic beer during the fall season called Apple Cider Doughnuts. The beer features delicious fall flavors of cinnamon, apple, and even doughnut. Visitors can also check out Edmund's Oast Restaurant and the Edmund's Oast Brewing Company and Taproom.

Published Oct 17, 2024

Written by 

Kelly Carroll

Autumn brings so many amazing foods—pumpkin pie, cinnamon-spice muffins, and apple cider, to name a few. These foods bring all the warm and cozy vibes and are a genuine celebration of the season. I dive deep into autumnal foods (despite their sugar content), knowing they'll only be on my mind for a few short weeks out of the year. One brewery in South Carolina has captured the flavors and feelings of fall in a unique beer. Edmund's Oast Brewing Company and Taproom in Charlestown, South Carolina, crafts a seasonal beer called Apple Cider Doughnuts.

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Apple Cider Doughnuts is a blonde ale with 5% alcohol by volume. Its flavors perfectly match the fall season, with notes of cinnamon and apple. It even has a hint of doughnut flavor. Doesn't this sound like the ideal beer to have at the end of a perfect fall day? Perhaps it could even be enjoyed around a firepit with friends in the crisp night air. Edmund's Oast distributes Apple Cider Doughnuts to grocery stores, restaurants, and bars throughout the area during the fall.

A stack of cinnamon sugar donuts beside cans of Ripple Cider Doughnut beer and a glass of beer with foam.
Management

Edmund's Oast Brewing Company began in 2017 by cofounders Scott Shor and Rich Carley. Shor and Carley had already successfully run a beer store in Charlestown, The Charlestown Beer Exchange. They later opened a second beer store called The Greenville Beer Exchange. Eventually, they decided to close the first location and sell the second to new owners. They opened Edmund's Oast Brewing Company to further explore their passion for craft beer and start brewing their own.

The business has grown into Edmund's Oast Restaurant plus Edmund's Oast Brewing Company and Taproom. The restaurant on Morrison Drive in Charleston serves delicious dishes like fried chicken, Caesar salads, and cheeseburgers. The brewing company and taproom are on King Street and serve food, beer, and cocktails.

Outdoor seating area at Edmund's Oast Brewing Co., featuring palm trees and umbrellas on a sunny day.
Management

The brewery's beer lineup is extensive and unique, including light beers, dark beers, sours, and IPAs. Beers include the Cereal for Dinner, which has almond, coconut, and vanilla flavors, and the Sour Apple, an American Sour ale.

For more information, visit the Edmund's Oast website and Facebook page.

Have you tried any of Edmund's Oast Brewing Company's beers? What is your favorite South Carolina brewery?

Charlestown is an incredible city, and it was named the best city in the world in 2016. The Charleston City Market opened in 1804 and is an astonishing flea market where visitors can buy local products.

Charlestown is a great place for a weekend getaway. Consider staying in this two-bedroom historic Airbnb with beautiful decor and a convenient location.

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