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Two people eating ice cream.
A table at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

6 Quintessential Ice Cream and Gelato Shops in Charleston

The classics and the new innovators

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A table at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.
| Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

For a hot and humid town, Charleston doesn't have a long history of ice cream shops. Most frozen desserts are imported — whether that be from Ohio or recipes by way of Italy. These are the few ice cream and gelato shops worth a visit in the Lowcountry.

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Park Circle Creamery

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Park Circle Creamery is Park Circle neighborhood favorite. The shop offers 16 handcrafted flavors, including blueberry cheesecake and the fan-favorite butter pecan. The sweet stop hopes to serve “a spoonful of smile” with each scoop.

Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream and Sandwich Cafe

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Since 1972 Ye Ole Fashioned has added six locations to the Lowcountry. The restaurants are famous for BLTs and banana splits — what's not to love? Go for a scoop of the 36 flavors or a shake.

Exterior of white building with blue and white awning.
Ye Ole has been around since 1972.
Ye Ole

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

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For those not familiar with the Ohio-based chain, know that owner Jeni Britton Bauer and her employees wake up with one thought, "How can we make a better ice cream today?" One taste of the locally-sourced ingredients can confirm their handiwork.

Overhead shot of colorful ice cream scoops.
A selection of scoops at Jeni’s.
Jeni’s

Off Track Ice Cream

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Hip dessert spot Off Track serves traditional ice cream, as well as vegan and gluten-free versions. The shop has creative options for milkshakes, sundaes, and cookie sandwiches. For example, the Something Nutty sundae is a scoop of vegan Fluffernutter blondie ice cream over a warm snickerdoodle cookie with peanut butter sauce and whipped cream.

A ice cream shop with light wood tables.
Off Track shop.
Leslie Ryann McKellar

Beardcat's

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Sunny shop Beardcat's is a sweet stop after the beach or dinner on Sullivans Island. The establishment below The Obstinate Daughter serves gelato reflecting seasonal flavors and espresso drinks.

Izzy's Scoops & Sweets

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Mount Pleasant shop Izzy’s Scoops & Sweets keeps plenty of sprinkles, whipped cream, and other toppings on hand to keep cups and cones fanciful. Try the classic banana split topped with maraschino cherries and nuts.

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Park Circle Creamery

Park Circle Creamery is Park Circle neighborhood favorite. The shop offers 16 handcrafted flavors, including blueberry cheesecake and the fan-favorite butter pecan. The sweet stop hopes to serve “a spoonful of smile” with each scoop.

Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream and Sandwich Cafe

Since 1972 Ye Ole Fashioned has added six locations to the Lowcountry. The restaurants are famous for BLTs and banana splits — what's not to love? Go for a scoop of the 36 flavors or a shake.

Exterior of white building with blue and white awning.
Ye Ole has been around since 1972.
Ye Ole

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

For those not familiar with the Ohio-based chain, know that owner Jeni Britton Bauer and her employees wake up with one thought, "How can we make a better ice cream today?" One taste of the locally-sourced ingredients can confirm their handiwork.

Overhead shot of colorful ice cream scoops.
A selection of scoops at Jeni’s.
Jeni’s

Off Track Ice Cream

Hip dessert spot Off Track serves traditional ice cream, as well as vegan and gluten-free versions. The shop has creative options for milkshakes, sundaes, and cookie sandwiches. For example, the Something Nutty sundae is a scoop of vegan Fluffernutter blondie ice cream over a warm snickerdoodle cookie with peanut butter sauce and whipped cream.

A ice cream shop with light wood tables.
Off Track shop.
Leslie Ryann McKellar

Beardcat's

Sunny shop Beardcat's is a sweet stop after the beach or dinner on Sullivans Island. The establishment below The Obstinate Daughter serves gelato reflecting seasonal flavors and espresso drinks.

Izzy's Scoops & Sweets

Mount Pleasant shop Izzy’s Scoops & Sweets keeps plenty of sprinkles, whipped cream, and other toppings on hand to keep cups and cones fanciful. Try the classic banana split topped with maraschino cherries and nuts.

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